en-gb Environmental news, information, videos, comment and analysis about the UN COP18 climate talks, Mexico 2012 http://www.edie.net/ms/cop Tue, 7 Feb 2012 07:32:33 GMT http://www.edie.net/ms/cop/news/news_story.asp?id=21567 Here is a look back at the top environmental news and events covered on edie for 2011 January Low carbon agreement formed between China and UK The UK makes an agreement with China to formally work together on low-carbon growth, with Chinese vice president Li Keqiang signing a Memorandum of Understanding during a visit to the UK. Government hails 2011 as year of electric car 2011 was predicted to be the year of the electric as the Government's new Plug-In Car Grant begins this month, offering grants of up to £5,000 for certain models of car. Perhaps, still a way to go on this one February MPs warn of dash for gas The Commons Energy and Climate Change Committee warn that the Government's proposed energy rules could lead to new 'dash for gas', arguing that the rules could delay critical investment in renewables and other low carbon technologies, making the UK's climate change targets impossible to achieve. Water bills rise 4.6% for 2011/12 Water regulator Ofwat reveals water and sewerage prices for 2011/12 will see bills in England and Wales rise by 4.6%. March Japan earthquake and tsunami cause Fukushima nuclear disaster Japan is left devastated after the country's worst earthquake since records began hits the north-east coast causing a massive tsunami to rage crushing everything in its path. This triggers a state of emergency at the Fukushima nuclear plant after its reactors are damaged. Budget 2011: Green Bank gets £2bn, UK becomes first country to introduce carbon floor price and VAT slashed on petrol prices Chancellor, George Osborne announces the allocation of an extra £2bn for the Green Investment Bank (GIB), sets a carbon floor price - a move designed to force suppliers of energy to buy a certain amount of their raw power from low-carbon sources and slashes VAT on petrol prices - to the annoyance of petrol producers. April EU emissions up 3% as recession eases European Union carbon emissions increased by slightly more than 3% last year as the continent's economy improved. UK misses renewables target The UK is missing renewable energy generations targets by a 'large margin', according to research by the Renewable Energy Foundation (REF), which claims the UK failed to reach its 10% renewable electricity target for 2010. May Royal wedding makes TV history Energy use during the Royal Wedding was greater than energy managers had predicted, according to figures released by the National Grid. A surge in TV viewing meant the Royal wedding became the fourth highest energy sapping event in UK television history. Waste and energy revealed as 'early priorities' for Green Investment Bank The waste and energy sectors are unveiled as early beneficiaries of the Green Investment Bank (GIB), along with offshore wind and non-domestic energy efficiency as deputy prime minister Nick Clegg reveals these three areas as "possible early priorities". June Waste Review Environment secretary Caroline Spelman unveils the Waste Review, which receives a mixed response with industry dismayed at its "lack of ambition", but SMEs more supportive as they receive easier access to affordable recycling. Eight new nuclear stations for UK The government reveals plans to build eight new nuclear power plants across the UK by 2025, with the plans, laid out in the finalised Energy National Policy Statements (NPSs), following a public consultation. July Energy White Paper The 'Big Six' energy suppliers round on the Government's electricity market reforms by saying they will force up energy bills. The Water White Paper should be out around now... August New edie reporter hits the ground running Summer riots Violence spreads across the capital, starting in Tottenham before kicking-off in other cities, including Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham, resulting in a mass clean-up operation. September Will Parsons hangs up his DIY Week boots to become edie managing editor and edieWater editor England & Wales Waste Regulations comes into effect, requiring businesses to apply the Waste Hierarchy Eric Pickles 'effect' on the waste industry Pickles disappoints industry by announcing that £250m of additional funding will be made available to councils which switch back to weekly collections. October Most read story of the year: Protesters strip naked in biofuel flight protest A story featuring naked protestors is the most read on edie this year, racking up several thousand hits. Well if it's what the readers want. Feed-in Tariffs slashed by 50% Government calls time on the Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) scheme, slashing returns by 50%, resulting in a back-lash from the solar industry. November Autumn Statement edie hears what you have to say about this year's Autumn Statement Edie's Environmental Excellence Awards Presented by star of stage, radio and screen, Marcus Brigstocke, the awards at the exclusive Hurlingham Club in London saw more than 300 environmental pioneers gather together to celebrate sustainability, with Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury's and Coca Cola among the many winners on the night. EdieWaste editor carries 'waste torch' EdieWaste editor Maxine Perella's twitter account edieWaste is ranked sixth in list of 100 top sustainability influencers on Twitter, rewarding Maxine deservedly as carrying a 'waste torch'. Green Deal The Government unveils its energy efficiency Green Deal scheme, which includes plans by the Treasury to commit £200m in incentives. The scheme, unsurprisingly, receives a mixed response from industry. December Durban Climate Change talks COP17 A legally binding deal was signed at COP17 after concerns by major emitters India, China and the US were eased. The deal has been hailed by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as a 'breakthrough on the future' of the international emissions and backed by the UK's government. EdieEnergy editor Luke Walsh reports from Canada EdieEnergy's roving editor flies out to Canada to report on its solar industry, visiting the world's largest solar park. Water White Paper The long overdue Water White Paper makes it out before the close of the year, with environment secretary Caroline Spelman doing the honours. Setting out plans to reform the UK water industry in line with meeting increasing environmental and water stress demands the paper issues a number of consultations due to be carried out in 2012. Looking ahead to 2012... 2012 Olympic Games With a pledge to be 'most sustainable' games yet, 2012 organisers have set themselves an epic task. With brands such as Coca Cola on board to provide sustainable PET bottles and plans in place for the park to use recycled wastewater for flushing toilets only time will tell if it creates a 'lasting legacy' for the UK. Carys Matthews Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:16:00 GMT http://www.edie.net/ms/cop/news/news_story.asp?id=21516 International condemnation has followed the Canadian Government's decision to pull out of Kyoto in the wake of COP17. The Canadians crushed the small glimmer of optimism that came out of Durban's COP17 talks as the country moved to protest its large fossil fuel reserves. The decision shows while the United Nations backed climate talks can produce legally binding deals there's little they can do if a country's government decides it will simply pull out. The international view amongst Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) is the Canadian's pulled out of a new period of emissions cuts under the Kyoto Agreement due to the potential, and environmental damage, offered by its vast tar sands resources. Unusually among leading countries Canada has no specific national energy policy and instead leaves decisions on power supplies down to state officials. So while you've got Ontario pushing solar PV and Quebec almost entirely powered on hydro you also have Alberta with its tar sands. The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) said Canada's decision was 'deplorable' and Friends of the Earth (FOE) Canada called it 'shocking' and 'appalling'. The UK's Green Party also condemned the decision, its deputy leader, Adrian Ramsay, said: "The world's richest countries, including Canada, must lead by example in taking practical steps to substantially reduce carbon emissions and avoid the worst effect of climate change. "But this is also an opportunity for countries such as Canada and the UK to create more stable, more localised, low-carbon economies for the future. "This is the long term thinking we need to address the climate crisis and the economic crisis at the same time - and avoid the huge financial, social and economic costs of runaway climate change." Luke Walsh Thu, 15 Dec 2011 10:57:00 GMT http://www.edie.net/ms/cop/news/news_story.asp?id=21490 A legally binding deal was signed at COP17 after concerns by major emitters India, China and the US were eased. The deal has been hailed by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as a 'breakthrough on the future' of the international emissions and backed by the UK's government. However the COP17 talks, in the South African city of Durban, have also been criticised as they 'provide little restriction on the destruction of the world's climate system' by observers. And the crucially legally binding element of the deal is still to be agreed and is unlikely to be fully signed off until 2015. Governments, including 35 industrialised countries, agreed a second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol from January 1, 2013. In what the UK delegation called a 'major realignment of support' more than 120 countries formed a coalition behind the European Union's proposal of a roadmap to a global legally binding deal to curb emissions. African states together with the least developed countries such as Bangladesh and Gambia, and small island states vulnerable to rising sea levels, like the Maldives, joined with the EU to put forward a timetable which would see the world negotiate a new agreement by 2015 at the latest. To achieve rapid clarity, Parties to this second period will turn their economy-wide targets into quantified emission limitation or reduction objectives and submit them for review by May next year. The deal is considered very positive because the Kyoto Protocol's accounting rules, mechanisms and markets all remain in action as effective tools to leverage global climate action and as models to inform future agreements. South African minister of international relations and cooperation and president of COP17, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, said: "We have taken crucial steps forward for the common good and the global citizenry. "I believe what we have achieved in Durban will play a central role in saving tomorrow, today. "I salute the countries who made this agreement, they have all laid aside some cherished objectives of their own to meet a common purpose - a long-term solution to climate change." Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne said: "For the first time we've seen major economies, normally cautious, commit to take the action demanded by the science. "The EU's proposal for the roadmap was at the core of the negotiations and the UK played a central role in galvanising support. "There are still many details to be hammered out, but we now need to start negotiating the new legal agreement as soon as possible and there are still many details to be hammered out." Friends of the Earth International climate justice coordinator, Sarah-Jayne Clifton, said: "Ordinary people have once again been let down by our governments. "The Kyoto Protocol, the only legally binding framework for emissions reductions, remains in name only, and the ambition for those emissions cuts remains terrifyingly low. "Meanwhile, millions across the developing world already face devastating climate impacts, and the world catapults headlong towards climate catastrophe. "It is clear in whose interests this deal has been advanced, and it isn't the 99% of people around the world. "The noise of corporate polluters has drowned out the voices of ordinary people in the ears of our leaders." The next major UNFCCC Climate Change Conference COP 18 is due to take place between November and December 2012 in Qatar. Luke Walsh Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:16:00 GMT http://www.edie.net/ms/cop/news/news_story.asp?id=21486 The Government has been accused of releasing crucial information around the nuclear power industry and its waste in an 'underhand' way. The announcement was made, with the formerly anti-nuclear energy secretary Chris Huhne out of the country at COP17 in South Africa, by Charles Hendry. Mr Hendry said he wanted to 'protect the taxpayer and provide investor certainty' as he set out statutory guidance for new nuclear operators to produce plans for funding the decommissioning of their power stations and managing their radioactive waste. However, campaigners said the consultations on an updated waste transfer policy and revised funding for decommissioning will cost the public a 'fortune'. Environmental group Greenpeace also claimed the Government tried to 'bury' the news on a busy news day with the water white paper, COP17 talks and European Union funding talks all hitting the headlines. Mr Hendry said: "We are determined to encourage investment in new nuclear in the UK, and have taken a number of steps to do this. "Publishing this guidance today takes us another step closer to enabling that investment to come to fruition. "Nuclear operators will have to prove they have a credible, plan for funding the decommissioning and safe management of their radioactive waste. This is the best way to protect taxpayers from having to pick up the bill." Greenpeace spokeswoman, Louise Hutchins, said: "The government has singularly failed to manage the 'Big Six' energy companies from exploiting consumers, failed to manage the lack of investment in cleaner and cheaper forms of domestic fuel, yet the one area of management they excel in is news management. "They have snuck this critical statement out in a written answer so that there can be no parliamentary scrutiny of the decision to burden generations to come with the cost of cleaning up dangerous nuclear waste whilst the secretary of state, the person really responsible, is 5,000 miles away in South Africa. "Ministers promised a new way of doing politics when they came into office - many of us had hopes that they would deliver on that promise, instead they seem to be trying to cynically prevent open debate. "But even this blatant attempt from the play book of dark arts can't conceal the unpalatable facts about the burden on taxpayers of cleaning up nuclear waste. "It is going to cost a fortune and UK tax payers will have to foot the bill - so no wonder they tried to bury it on a busy news day." Luke Walsh Fri, 9 Dec 2011 12:30:00 GMT http://www.edie.net/ms/cop/news/news_story.asp?id=21480 A legally binding deal on global emissions cannot be achieved by the European Union alone, according to UK energy secretary Chris Huhne. Speaking today (December 8) at COP17 in the South African city of Durban, the minister said he hoped all countries would 'commit now' to a comprehensive global legal framework. But he claimed, while Europe could lead the way but the continent could not do it all on its own. Mr Huhne said: "Together with the EU, we have clearly stated that we are willing to move to a second Kyoto commitment period, maintaining ambition and environmental integrity. "But to do that in isolation makes no sense, a second commitment period covering only the EU and two or three other developed countries would control less than 15% of global emissions - some 85% of global emissions would remain uncontrolled." However, Christian Aid's climate talk's expert, Mohamed Adow, disagreed with Mr Huhne speech. He said: "The EU can force other countries' hands by signing up to a second round of Kyoto commitments. "Once it has agreed to stay with Kyoto, the EU could then say to the other major players here: "Look, we're doing the right thing to help protect us all from a terrifying future of climate disasters. "Now it's your turn - what are you going to do?" Luke Walsh Thu, 8 Dec 2011 16:33:00 GMT http://www.edie.net/ms/cop/news/news_story.asp?id=21474 The South African Government has pledged to back an increase in wind power as its Department of Energy announced the winning bids from the first round of tenders for renewable energy projects. Announced at COP17, last night (December 7), the South African's said they plan to install 630MW of wind projects and a similar quantity of solar PV. According to the Department for Energy a further 2200MW of renewable projects will be announced over the coming two years. The news was welcomed by the Global Wind Energy Council's secretary general, Steve Sawyer, he said: "We have lift-off. "The South African government is to be congratulated for taking the first step towards putting this country in a position to lead the energy revolution in Africa. "Much of sub-Saharan Africa has tremendous wind and solar potential, a dynamic and growing economy and severe water shortages; perfect conditions to grow a renewable energy industry. "We hope that South Africa will be the hub and driver of that development, 1000s of new high quality jobs and billions in investment based on the development of clean indigenous energy sources will provide a major boost to the fledgling economies in the region." South Africa's Integrated Resource Plan, adopted in 2010, calls for 8400MW of wind power over the course of the next 20 years, but assuming the wind and solar sectors start to take off as expected, those numbers could rise 'substantially', according to Mr Sawyer. All of the winning bidders announced today have six months to reach financial closure, further details and information can be found on ipp-renewables.co.za. Luke Walsh Thu, 8 Dec 2011 08:23:00 GMT http://www.edie.net/ms/cop/news/news_story.asp?id=21462 Ministers from more than 50 African nations spoke out today (December 5) to demand an 'ambitious' second commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol after holding crunch weekend talks. Speaking at the start of the final week of the talks in the South African city of Durban the ministers voiced fears over the latest scientific evidence showing severe threats to African food security and developments in the negotiations. They also spoke out calling for a strategy to ensure the outcomes of the conference are 'comprehensive' enough to protect Africans from the worst effects of climate change. African group of negotiators spokesman, Seyni Nafo, said: "Developed country Parties to the Kyoto Protocol must honour their commitments through ambitious mitigation commitments for a second and subsequent commitment periods. "We stress the urgency of agreeing a second commitment period in Durban and of elaborating measures to avoid a gap between commitment periods. "We expect that Durban will conclude the operationalisation of effective and accountable institutions under the Conference of the Parties in relation to, adaptation, technology and finance in accordance with the relevant principles and provisions of the Convention, the Bali Action Plan and the Cancun decisions." Luke Walsh Mon, 5 Dec 2011 11:46:00 GMT http://www.edie.net/ms/cop/news/news_story.asp?id=21429 COP17's climate change talks should look to the English city of Leeds for inspiration, according to academic research. Results from research carried out by the University of Leeds focuses on the importance of decarbonising cities as part of a strategy to tackle global climate change. The work, released at Durban last night (November 29), claims investments of 2% of city scale GDP each year for 10 years in low carbon options could create savings of 2.2% of GDP every 12 months. Furthermore, every £1bn of investment in low carbon options could generate £220m of energy cost savings each year - through reduced energy bills for households, firms and the public sector - repaying the investment in just over four years. However, while the evidence is there the method could not work without political and social commitment. The research, commissioned by the Centre for Low Carbon Futures (CLCF) and conducted by professor Andy Gouldson at the University of Leeds, looked at an 18 month period. Professor Gouldson and his research team created a 'city-scale mini Stern review' to evaluate the cost and carbon effectiveness of a wide range of low carbon options that could be applied to households, industry, commerce and transport at the city scale. He said: "This research demonstrates investing in low carbon measures is not only cost effective but also can result in a commercially attractive return on investment. "More importantly, it can deliver numerous benefits for the huge number of people around the world who live in cities. "It won't be possible with financial capital alone; we need political and social buy-in to make it happen." Luke Walsh Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:15:00 GMT http://www.edie.net/ms/cop/news/news_story.asp?id=21405 The annual political battle against climate change began today (November 28) in the South African city of Durban. Politicians from across the globe are attending the meeting, organised by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, called COP17. High hopes for a legal binding agreement were in place for the COP15 meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark two years ago. But when that meeting ended with, what then UK energy secretary Ed Milliband, described as the 'disappointing' Copenhagen Accord - hopes for a legal agreement have faded. It is highly likely small and developing countries will again push for the Kyoto Protocol's second commitment period to be adopted this year, should this again fail the meeting is unlikely to be viewed as a success. The adoption is required by the terms of the Protocol itself and was reaffirmed by all countries in 2005 (Montreal) and 2007 (Bali). However, given the world's fragile economic state developed and high polluting nations are likely to push for a complete end the Kyoto Protocol In its place, observers expect, a call for the construction of a new regime or mandate for a new treaty that includes all 'major emitters'. Christian Aid senior advisor on global advocacy, Mohamed Adow, said: "Since the Bali negotiations, some rich country governments have been trying to replace the Kyoto Protocol with a weaker instrument and no binding targets by calling it a more comprehensive approach. "That's a 'bait and switch' that will allow developed countries to transition out of the Kyoto Protocol, the existing legally binding global treaty, into a treaty with weaker obligations and no chance of averting a climate catastrophe." Malaysian based Third World Network director, Chee Yoke Ling, said: "Although you might want to get married, you wouldn't sign a marriage contract with someone you didn't know. "We do know that the current system of the Kyoto Protocol has binding international commitments and rules, and could provide for an equitable and science based outcome. "That's why developing countries are saying that Kyoto is the 'cornerstone' of the Durban outcome - a legal outcome under the Convention might be possible in Durban; but that is only possible if it does not rewrite the Convention and kill the Kyoto Protocol." An area where the talks have made progress is creating a Green Climate Fund (GCF), arguably the only positive to come out of COP16 in Cancun last year. However, the precise details of the funding package remain unclear with rumours from the, often secretive talks, claiming the US is blocking improvements. Luke Walsh Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:14:00 GMT http://www.edie.net/ms/cop/news/news_story.asp?id=21124 The 2°C Challenge Communique, calling on governments around the world to take action to "secure a low carbon-emission economy that is more resilient, more efficient and less vulnerable to global shock" was published this morning. The communique, published ahead of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Durban in December, had 192 signatories at the time of writing this story, up from 185 at the point of publication. They include Anglian Water Group, Thames Water, Wessex Water, EDF, BP, Shell, National Grid and Bord Na Mona. Written and delivered by business leaders via the Corporate Leaders Network for Climate Action (CLN) the Communique it builds on the foundations of the Bali, Poznan, Copenhagen and Cancun Communiques, initiated by the Prince of Wales's Corporate Leaders Group on Climate Change (CLG). The document presents governments with seven calls to action under the banners of international collaboration, effective market mechanisms, financing the transition, incentivising innovation, encouraging efficiency, urgent forest conservation, integrating adaptation and risk reduction. The full communique document can be downloaded here Will Parsons Thu, 20 Oct 2011 09:56:00 GMT http://www.edie.net/ms/cop/news/news_story.asp?id=20981 Chancellor George Osborne gave a clear indication he was putting the needs of business ahead of environmental policy when he addressed his party's conference. Speaking yesterday (October 3) Mr Osborne told the Conservative party conference in Manchester that he couldn't save the planet by 'putting our country out of business'. Less than a month after his cabinet colleague, energy minister Chris Huhne, promised to take Britain from 'fossil fuel smoke stack to low carbon payback', the chancellor said green policy was adding to business and household bills. He said: "A decade of environmental laws and regulations are piling costs on the energy bills of households and companies. "Yes, climate change is a manmade disaster. Yes, we need international agreement to stop it. "Yes, we must have investment in greener energy. And that's why I gave the go ahead to the world's first Green Investment Bank. "But Britain makes up less than 2% of the world's carbon emissions to China and America's 40%. "We're not going to save the planet by putting our country out of business. "So let's at the very least resolve that we're going to cut our carbon emissions no slower but also no faster than our fellow countries in Europe." Greenpeace senior policy advisor Ruth Davis said: "In reality it's in Britain's interests to lead the world on climate change because the economies that win the race to develop clean renewable energy systems will be the ones that sell them to the rest of the world. "The move to review the UK's climate targets if Europe doesn't cut its carbon fast enough is not new it was agreed and announced months ago. "By presenting it as a break with the past just weeks before governments prepare to gather in South Africa to agree a new international climate deal, the chancellor has put red meat for party activists above global leadership." Green party leader and Brighton Pavilion MP, Caroline Lucas, said: "In his conference speech George Osborne drew a line in the sand on climate policy and signalled his intention to relegate the UK to a back seat in the global shift towards a greener economy - effectively pulling the rug out from under the government's supposed green credentials. "The pledge to cut the UK's emissions 'no slower but also no faster' than our European neighbours was a transparent ploy to undermine the legally binding targets in the Climate Change Act and set the stage for downward negotiations at the EU level. "And by highlighting his instrumental role in the internal dispute over the fourth recent carbon budget in May, the Chancellor further exposes the deep Cabinet divisions on efforts to position the UK as a leader in the low carbon economy." Luke Walsh Tue, 4 Oct 2011 07:45:00 GMT http://www.edie.net/ms/cop/news/news_story.asp?id=19719 Negotiators are already at loggerheads over plans for COP17 months before the South African climate change talks are due to start. Several days of talks, which ended last night (April 7) in Bangkok, had 'serious flaws as the sole basis' for future negotiations according to NGOs. The UN Climate Change Conference had begun brightly with Christiana Figueres saying the negotiations present Governments with the early opportunity to 'push ahead to complete the concrete work they agreed in Cancun', as well as 'charting a way forward' that will ensure renewed success in Durban. However, talks were dominated by a dispute over the agenda, with the United States accused of blocking work plan proposed by 131 developing countries. Christian Aid's senior advisor on global climate advocacy, Mohamed Adow, said: "Rich countries are still refusing to guarantee their commitment to the Kyoto Protocol and their emission cut promises are far away from what is needed in line with science and equity. "The challenge now is to deliver the second commitment period of Kyoto through amendment of annex B, not another political compromise or empty promises - we have had enough of those in the last 3 years." Jubilee South Asia spokesman, Rex Varona, said: "We will continue to mobilize our movement in Asia and Africa to challenge national governments not to concede to bilateral or narrow-vested interests and manipulations of the US and other rich developed countries. "Doing so will merely legitimize and put into operation the pledge and review approach which will lead to run away climate change. "This is not simply about the talks or the technical targets. This is about long-term, catastrophic climate change and threat to the lives of millions." Luke Walsh Fri, 8 Apr 2011 13:04:00 GMT http://www.edie.net/ms/cop/news/news_story.asp?id=19237 Industry chiefs said today (January 13) that Europe's leaders need to take a stand on power savings as the continent continues to miss reduction targets. Chief executives of companies, including Whirlpool Europe, AB Electrolux Bosch and Siemens, have all demanded politicians do more to bring about binding energy savings targets. In the wake of yet another disappointing COP meeting industry is calling on national governments to take the lead. In a joint letter to European Council president Herman Van Rompuy and national leaders they call for politicians to fully address energy savings in the upcoming European Energy Summit in Brussels on February 4. In the letter they state Europe is 'almost certain' to miss 2020 energy savings target 'unless extra effort is made immediately'. The most recent estimate by the European Commission suggests Europe will only make it half the distance, saving an estimated 9% by 2020 against its own target of 20%. The letter stresses the need to give energy efficiency priority of place on the list of actions open to Europe under the Energy Strategy 2020 and underlines how important it is the Summit itself spurs firm action on energy savings measures across Europe. It goes on to claim that current voluntary efforts are failing and that a binding commitment to deliver the 20% energy savings target by 2020 is 'paramount.' One of the signatories Knauf Insulation chief executive, Tony Robson, said: "Our industries are looking to Europe's political leaders for strong commitment and action in this field. "Making the 20% energy savings target a real policy commitment should, in our view, be a top priority." Luke Walsh Thu, 13 Jan 2011 10:04:00 GMT http://www.edie.net/ms/cop/news/news_story.asp?id=19158 Luke Walsh presents the latest video news in our monthly round-up of what is happening in the environment. We look at the main news for December, which was dominated but not wowed by the Climate Change Conference in Cancun. There's bad news for energy customers as prices go up for gas but to lighten the mood, Thames Water introduce social networking methods in their fight against leaks. Green issues win even if the bids don't in the World Cup and we hear about an eccentric campaign by a Conservative MEP who is anti-renewable energy. At lastly but not least, Luke sends you his Christmas card and seasonal greetings. Have a happy Christmas one and all. Wed, 15 Dec 2010 18:37:00 GMT http://www.edie.net/ms/cop/news/news_story.asp?id=19143 International pressure on delegates at COP16 resulted in a very basic deal on bringing down emissions and cash for a green climate change fund. However, the meeting held in the Mexican resort of Cancun, has in reality established little more than was agreed at the conclusion of COP15 in Denmark. Early on Saturday (December 12) the United Nation's climate talks finished with 'a consensus without Bolivia', after the country refused to back the agreement claiming it was too westernised and relied too much on offsetting. The Cancun talks have created a new Green Fund, although where all its funding comes from is unclear. The fund will be worth $100 billion, but two thirds of the money could be raised through carbon markets and private sector finance, which angered the Bolivian delegates. Observers of the talks also criticised the decision to make the World Bank the trustee of the fund as 'highly inappropriate' given its track-record of investing in high carbon projects. World Development Movement head of policy, Dr Julian Oram, said: "In terms of making serious commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the foot-dragging by developed countries has resulted in a text with little difference from the Copenhagen Accord. "A year later, and 300,000 more people have died from climate change related impacts, and still no more binding commitments have been forthcoming. "The best that can be said is that it keeps the Kyoto process limping along until next year's meetings in South Africa." Friends of the Earth International chairman, Nnnimmo Bassey, said: "The agreement reached here is wholly inadequate and could lead to catastrophic climate change. "The rich countries that are primarily responsible for climate change, lead by the US, with Russia and Japan, are to blame for the lack of desperately needed greater ambition. This is a slap in the face of those who already suffer from climate change. But in the end all of us will be affected by the lack of ambition and political will of a small group of countries." Wales' environment minister, Jane Davidson, was more positive about the deal, she said: "I whole-heartedly welcome the deal that has been reached. "The negotiations were not without their dicey moments but Wales is particularly delighted our efforts to secure recognition for the role of subnational and local governments in the formal text going forward were successful and we can build on this recognition in the run up to South Africa next year. "It has been wonderful to witness countries that were initially reluctant, being cheered when they made commitments which enabled this deal to be reached." Luke Walsh Mon, 13 Dec 2010 08:10:00 GMT http://www.edie.net/ms/cop/news/news_story.asp?id=19141 A UN study has found that climate change increases exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heightens their toxic effects on humans and the environment. The study was previewed at the Climate Change Conference in Cancun this week. POPs are persistent and toxic and can affect generations of humans. Exposure to POPs is known to be extremely harmful to health and can be the source of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders and cancer. Some POPs are also considered to be endocrine disrupters and by altering the hormonal system, can also damage human reproductive and immune systems. Extreme weather events, such as the flooding in Pakistan this year, can trigger the secondary emissions of POPs, the research finds. When flood water enters agricultural land where stockpiles of obsolete POPs pesticides are stored, thousands of tonnes of pollutants can be released into the environment. Large stocks of obsolete pesticides tend to be situated in areas where there are intensive cash crops and agricultural activities. Stockpiles located in towns or villages and near water bodies pose potential lethal human health and environmental risks. Approximately 6,033 metric tonnes of obsolete stocks of POPs pesticides in Pakistan were reported to the Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention by the Government of Pakistan in February 2009. The use of POPs is banned under the Stockholm Convention. It is thought thousands of tonnes of the toxic chemical were released during the floods. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) under-secretary general and executive director Achim Steiner said: "The increasing frequency and severity of tropical cyclones and flood events are increasingly putting at risk stockpiles containing thousands of metric tonnes of obsolete POPs pesticides and the low-lying agricultural communities where these chemicals are typically stored." The study, 'Climate Change and POPs Inter-Linkages', was conducted by climate and chemical experts from 12 countries. The full study will be presented to the 5th meeting of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention in April 2011. Alison Brown Fri, 10 Dec 2010 16:55:00 GMT http://www.edie.net/ms/cop/news/news_story.asp?id=19134 A Tory politician has launched a billboard campaign against what he calls 'climate hysteria'. Roger Helmer, who is a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the East Midlands, believes current changes in climate are entirely driven by natural forces, and policies designed to mitigate them by cutting CO2 emissions will 'achieve nothing'. The billboards which feature the MEP's image and brand renewable energy projects as 'probably unnecessary', 'certainly ineffectual' and 'ruinously expensive' are due to be displayed across the East Midlands. Watch Mr Helmer's views on climate change by clicking on the play icon below He said: "Green climate policies are probably unnecessary in 1975, serious scientists were warning of global cooling and the coming Ice Age, they were wrong. "Today some of the same scientists are warning of Anthropogenic Global Warming (AGW). "I think they're wrong again, if you imagine that the world began in 1975, you could be forgiven for buying into the AGW theory. But the moment you take a longer view, it's clearly untenable. "In the last hundred years the average global temperature has risen a mere 0.7°C, even this may be an exaggeration, because of the 'Urban Heat Island' effect." Luke Walsh Thu, 9 Dec 2010 15:05:00 GMT http://www.edie.net/ms/cop/news/news_story.asp?id=19128 Energy Secretary Chris Huhne will not now return to London for the vote on student tuition fees. Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg and Mr Huhne said it was vital for him to stay in Cancun. Junior minister Greg Barker will still fly home, however. Mr Huhne criticised Labour for refusing to 'pair' over the vote; a process where a Labour MP could also withdraw from the vote, to make the voting fairer. He said: "It is hugely regrettable that Ed Miliband's Labour Party has decided to put short-term political point scoring ahead of the long-term interests of the planet. They are putting the next two days ahead of the next two generations," he said. Labour said the Lib Dems were to blame as they had called the vote at the same time as key climate change talks and called for the vote to be delayed. On negotiations at the Climate Conference Mr Huhne said: "The answer has to be compromise. "We cannot do everything here but we can make progress on mitigation, deforestation, adaptation, finance, reporting and more. "And restore momentum to the global process - concrete steps to the treaty we want. "We believe that the future of the Kyoto Protocol is vital to the success of this process." Alison Brown Thu, 9 Dec 2010 08:31:00 GMT http://www.edie.net/ms/cop/news/news_story.asp?id=19127 Irish Minister for the environment, John Gormley T.D, has pledged funding to help the world's poorest nations address climate change. Despite harsh budget cuts, the Irish government will earmark additional, new funding of Euro 23 million in 2010 to help developing countries meet the challenges of climate change. The proposed contribution represents a substantial part of Ireland's response to the commitment by developed countries to provide fast-start-finance to assist developing countries in responding to climate change under international agreements. Fast-start-finance is funding provided over the short term (2010-12) is only an interim step in the context of the ongoing international negotiations on climate change. Significantly greater funding will be required in the medium and longer term. The Copenhagen Accord addresses the post-2012 situation with a commitment 'to a goal of mobilising jointly USD 100 billion a year by 2020 to address the needs of developing countries.' In advance of the Copenhagen climate change conference in December 2009, Ireland committed to making a contribution of up to Euro 100 million towards a fast-start-finance package to be provided by developed countries over the three-year period 2010-12. Ireland's pledge arose out of the European Council meeting in December 2009 where a total EU pledge of Euro 7.2 billion was agreed. Minister Gormley said: "It goes without saying that Ireland is facing severe economic difficulties, which are impacting on the lives of our people. "But we also have to remember that climate change is threatening the lives and safety of many through drought, flooding, lower agricultural productivity and more frequent and severe heat waves and storms. "Ireland has a proud tradition of giving and assistance. We recognise as a nation that there are others in greater need, and that we have a responsibility in this regard." Alison Brown Thu, 9 Dec 2010 08:16:00 GMT http://www.edie.net/ms/cop/news/news_story.asp?id=19125 Environmental groups are decrying the decision to recall Chris Huhne and Greg Barker from the Climate Conference in Cancun for Thursday's student tuition fees vote. Leading development and environmental groups, including Christian Aid, today urged the Government to abandon plans to recall Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne from the UN climate summit in Cancun, Mexico. Junior minister Greg Barker is also to return for the crucial vote. Huhne has been asked to play a key role in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change talks by conference organisers the Mexican government. They have tasked him with helping bridge the negotiating gap between rich countries refusing to sign up to a further commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol. Developing countries are insisting that without such an extension, there can be no international climate deal. Groups including Christian Aid, Oxfam, Greenpeace, Tearfund and WWF-UK today (November 8) wrote to Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg saying the need for a new climate deal was of the utmost urgency and could not be jeopardised by domestic political considerations. In Cancun, Christian Aid, senior climate justice adviser Sol Oyuela: said "The prospect of Chris Huhne being pulled out of Cancun at precisely the moment when his presence is so important to achieving a good result is terrible news. "The timing could not be worse. There are just a few days left for in which to achieve a badly-needed leap forward. "The Mexican government specifically invited him to help take charge of some of the most vital but difficult elements of these talks. To recall him now would suggest that the UK has a very disappointing sense of priorities when it comes to solving global problems." Environmental campaigners are still hoping that a last minute solution can be found to keep Mr Huhne in Cancun. Alison Brown Wed, 8 Dec 2010 16:44:00 GMT