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July 6 2007
Wembley goes green for Live Earth
The organisers of this weekend's Live Earth concert at Wembley Stadium are attempting to make the event as green as possible.
Steps to reduce the carbon footprint of the concert include taking advantage of day-lit areas, reducing energy consumption and waste recycling.
Wembley Stadium is one of eight Live Earth venues to host the global concert series which promotes a more energy efficient lifestyle for billions worldwide.
Founder and producer of Live Earth Kevin Wall told the Wembley Stadium website:
“Live Earth is about engaging individuals and the live event industry with solutions to the climate crisis, and providing these legendary venues with the knowledge that will allow them to continue their environmental contributions.”
Waste paper, glass, wood, metal and electrical items will all be recycled wherever possible and concert-goers are being encouraged to make use of recycling bins in the stadium.
Despite efforts by organisers to promote the use of public transport the largest source of emissions around the event will be the travel choices of concert-goers.
In order to make Live Earth London a completely carbon neutral event, Live Earth will purchase enough carbon credits to offset any remaining emissions.
June 29 2007
Climate change blamed for flooded sports grounds
The recent flooding in England has also affected the sports arenas and climate change could be behind the problem.
Water on Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough ground rose as high as six feet and is failing to drain.
It is thought the Owls' pre-season game against Birmingham at Hillsborough may have to be cancelled but staff are hopeful the pitch will be drained in time for the new season.
Meanwhile, Worcestershire County Cricket Club are facing financial disaster after their New Road ground flooded ahead of a lucrative week of matches.
Nearby Rivers Teme and Severn burst their banks after heavy rainfall leaving the New Road pitch under two feet of water.
Worcestershire CCC chief executive Mark Newton said: “We were anticipating making a small loss this year anyway but any chance we had of making a profit has been washed away.”
It is thought climate change could be the cause of the torrential rainfall.
Project manager at environmental consultancy firm HR Wallingford Chris Counsell says global warming cannot be ruled out.
“There are a number of factors to consider when assessing a natural disaster such as this. Suitability of flood defences and the location of properties are crucial. However, we must also look at the reasons behind the dramatic increase in rainfall and climate change can not be discounted.”
June 22 2007
Media not trusted on climate change
The media is not trusted as a credible source of information on climate change by the majority of consumers according to a new report.
Only 17% of people polled in Britain and America trust the media to provide accurate information about environmental issues.
The survey of 2734 people conducted jointly by Consumers International and AccountAbility also found that nine out of 10 consumers are sceptical about climate change information from companies and governments.
Director General of Consumers International Richard Lloyd told The Guardian:
“After government and industry, consumers are the third front in the fight against climate change. But to have any chance of making a difference, they must be fully supported by corporations and governments.”
Head of climate change at the Institute for Public Policy Research Simon Retallick says the media’s over-use of alarming images damages its credibility in the eyes of consumers.
“Every newspaper is a commercial organisation and when you have a terrifying image on the front of the paper, you are likely to sell more copies than when you write about solutions."
The full Consumers International report, What Assures Consumers on Climate Change, is available from Friday June 22, 2007.
June 15 2007
Relief road contract signed
Dorset County Council has signed a contract with the construction firm Skanska to build Weymouth’s controversial relief road.
The £84.5 million scheme, which aims to reduce congestion along the A354 Weymouth-Dorchester route, has divided opinion in and around Weymouth.
MP for Dorset South Jim Knight is a strong supporter of the scheme.
He says its construction is vital if the area is to maximise the legacy potential of the Olympic Games when the sailing events come to Weymouth and Portland in 2012.
Mr Knight told his website: “Great news today about the relief road. The contractors are signed and work is due to start early next year. Whilst most people won't believe it until it is built the signs are all there that after decades of campaigning the road will be a reality for Weymouth.”
However, campaigners against the relief road are angry that it has been associated with bringing the Olympics to the area.
Roads and Climate Change Campaigner for Transport 2000 Rebecca Lush says building the road will damage the organisers’ hopes of a green Games.
“The scheme was never included in the 2012 bid but Dorset County Council still use the Olympics as justification for it. The candidate bid included sustainable transport measures but the relief road goes against this.”