Blog with Carbon-info.org

NEW e-book: Global warming for young minds

BlogMaster — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:11:00 +0000

"What is the secret of teaching global warming to your children?"

We have been asked so many times that we decided to write a book, which makes it easy for parents and teachers to explain global warming and teach sustainability to young children.

If you are interested, visit http://www.globalwarmingforyoungminds.com

Let us know what you think about the website and our new e-book

Can economic growth be sustainable?

BlogMaster — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 20:53:00 +0000

The debate surrounding the extent to which the burning of fossil fuels leads to climate change misses a more fundamental point. That is, fossil fuels are an inherently finite resource. This resource is dwindling at an accelerating rate as economies such as those of China and India expand rapidly. Fossil fuels will run out. Maybe not in the next 10, 20 or 30 years but they will run out. As the scarcity of fossil fuels grows there will be increasing conflict between nations to secure their supplies in an effort to maintain their carbon-dependent economies. At the same time, there is an inexorably growing human population, destruction of rainforests, depletion of natural resources and plummeting biodiversity. Clearly, this situation cannot be sustained in the longer-term.

Yet our capitalist system is based on the principle of economic growth - growth that is heavily dependent on fossil fuels and unsustainable practices. Just look at recent events; governments are terrified by anything that threatens economic growth – pouring billions of public money into failing financial systems. In addition, many economists see growth not only as desirable but as essential. They claim it lifts the poor out of poverty, feeding the world’s growing population, supporting the costs of rising public spending and stimulating investment and technological development.

The dilemma is how can we square Earth’s finite resources with the fact that as the economy grows, the amount of natural resources needed to sustain that activity must grow too. I am clear in my conviction that economic growth in its current form is unsustainable. We need a new paradigm that limits (or reduces) the global population, a meaningful shift away from fossil fuels to renewable energy, increasing energy efficiency and the adoption of more sustainable lifestyles. This will require courageous, co-ordinated and global government policies that ensure we don’t use up resources faster than the world can replace them.

Many will dismiss this as a utopian ideology. But isn’t it a utopian ideology to carry on blithely down a path that will ultimately lead to catastrophe? Yes, it will require a new world-view and radical changes but I think we have several grounds for optimism. Firstly, sustainable economies are more stable – whilst growth may be lower than in traditional economies it will be more durable in the longer-term and less volatile. Secondly, the shift towards a sustainable economy would create new opportunities, jobs and greater stability. Thirdly, the potential for conflict between nations is reduced as our dependency on fossil fuels reduces over time. Finally, there is a growing recognition (albeit begrudgingly) amongst governments that the current situation is unsustainable and the mood seems to be shifting from one of cynicism and self-interest to one of genuine commitment to tackling the problem.

The prospect of a truly sustainable global economy, fuelled by renewable energy sources coupled with a stabilised human population and harmonised with biodiversity is an ambitious yet achievable goal. But it’s a goal that requires a re-appraisal of the current meaning of economic growth.

Dr Gary Robertshaw

The Green Providers Directory

www.search-for-me.co.uk

www.green-providers.co.uk

Carbon Politics

BlogMaster — Sat, 20 May 2006 20:59:00 +0100

Is the US president wrong in pushing new technology as a solution to global warming? US emissions went up with a record 1.7% last year.

Is the Kyoto protocol already dead and will it ever be effective, as Canada's new government recently confirmed that it would not try to meet its Kyoto target?

Will technology or tough government action solve the problem of global warming?

Is the UK government prepared to loose London to rising sea levels?

What do you think is happening politically? Sign up and let everyone know.

Are you being conned by Carbon Offsets!

BlogMaster — Fri, 19 May 2006 06:51:00 +0100

Are you being conned into thinking that carbon offsets can help save the planet from global warming?

Carbon-info.org have carefully researched the claims of profit-seeking carbon offset companies like ClimateCare and The CarbonNeutral Company, who suggests they are able to offset carbon dioxide emitted by your trip to New York, your friends wedding and so on, and make the event carbon neutral.

We strongly suggest you learn the truth before buying, as your money may be better spend on low-energy light bulbs, installing solar power and so on.

Check out http://www.carbon-info.org/carbonnews_070.htm, which gives you the facts, and let us know what you think.

SUV drivers are killing the planet?

BlogMaster — Thu, 18 May 2006 23:14:00 +0100

Are SUV drivers killing the planet or are they simply being used as political pawns?

From a big picture point of view, does it really matter that ~180,000 SUV's were sold in the UK last year? China and India makes the emissions from UK SUV's insignificant!

Is the new 2006 vehicle tax enough to discourage their use? Let us know where you stand!

What are you doing about global warming?

BlogMaster — Thu, 18 May 2006 22:07:00 +0100

Global warming is here and getting worse by the day.

What are you doing to save energy, protect the environment or reduce your emissions?

Have you swapped the car for a bike? Stopped taking trips by airplane? Tell us about your actions that will help make a difference.

Can nuclear power stop global warming?

BlogMaster — Thu, 18 May 2006 21:19:00 +0100