Climate change inaction
With the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issuing its starkest warning yet on the impact of climate change, Gordon Brown was well placed to make some headline grabbing announcements today.
And he certainly started well, when talking about the big picture need for new technologies:
I believe it will require no less than a fourth technological revolution. In the past the steam engine, the internal combustion engine, the microprocessor transformed not just technology but the way our society has been organised and the way people live.
And he addressed the issue of renewable energy:
Britain is "absolutely committed to meeting our share" of the EU's 2020 renewable energy target, he said. It could mean the UK will have to produce between 40 and 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020 - the current figure is about 5%. BBC environment analyst Roger Harrabin said this would be "staggering", but he said that the government was seeking to negotiate down the EU target
So what do we get?
A hotline, and a plan to stop single-use plastic bags.
Oh, and a plan to make Britain a 'World Leader' in building a low carbon economy. It was not specified how this was to be measured, how it was to be achieved, or even what it meant.
The only thing we are 'world leaders' in is making vague pronouncements about aspiring to become 'world leaders', or becoming 'world class' or some other vacuous phrase.
Another hopelessly wasted, useless, photo opportunity. with no substance.
And he certainly started well, when talking about the big picture need for new technologies:
I believe it will require no less than a fourth technological revolution. In the past the steam engine, the internal combustion engine, the microprocessor transformed not just technology but the way our society has been organised and the way people live.
And he addressed the issue of renewable energy:
Britain is "absolutely committed to meeting our share" of the EU's 2020 renewable energy target, he said. It could mean the UK will have to produce between 40 and 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020 - the current figure is about 5%. BBC environment analyst Roger Harrabin said this would be "staggering", but he said that the government was seeking to negotiate down the EU target
So what do we get?
A hotline, and a plan to stop single-use plastic bags.
Oh, and a plan to make Britain a 'World Leader' in building a low carbon economy. It was not specified how this was to be measured, how it was to be achieved, or even what it meant.
The only thing we are 'world leaders' in is making vague pronouncements about aspiring to become 'world leaders', or becoming 'world class' or some other vacuous phrase.
Another hopelessly wasted, useless, photo opportunity. with no substance.
1 comment:
Brown's statements, like the UK's renewables policy in general, is completely divorced from reality:
"could mean the UK will have to produce between 40 and 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020 - the current figure is about 5%."
Given that Ofgem has already stated that '20% from renewables' by 2020 is impossible, how can we expect to produce over twice as much by then--and with much higher total energy requirements than now, too?
To compound the stupidity, the most efficient renewables--tidal and undersea current--are the ones currently receiving the least support, while 'wind'--totally useless, doesn't even replace conventional, or reduce any emissions--is getting tons of money. One may as well invest in a 'perpetual motion machine' for the return we'll get.
This government is without doubt the most incompetent of the modern era.
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