Posts Tagged ‘carbon emissions’
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Part 1 ~ United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Bonn in Germany is famous for a couple of reasons – Beethoven, Haribo, being the capital of West Germany and for being the home of many a UN Intercessional.Last December, the latest craze within the media and the environmental world was Copenhagen and the climate talks. Everyone was hoping for a deal to be placed on the table which would save the world from future climate change, for every country represented in the UN to agree on a certain percentage to cut down their carbon emissions by. – For there to be a moment, that would change history and would become as significant as the fall of the Berlin wall or man walking on the moon.
However- we know this did not happen, for what ever reason no country could agree on a percentage of carbon cuts. At the end of this conference we were left with defining images of human failure.
But what next? Climate issues may not grab the front headlines like it did in December anymore, but that does not mean talks are still happening.
The meetings are giving the catchy abbreviation of UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) and they happens roughly 3 times a year, in the lead up to a huge convention in December a.ka. Copenhagen.
Though this year, it shall be moving to Cancun in Mexico.
These intercessionals, are so much more important then the big end of year events – As it is within Bonn where the little things are sorted out, which can make or break a fantastic climate deal.
It is monotonous as all they do is talk about stuff that makes no sense to a novice or they talk about whether a comma is in the right place of a document statement.
Maybe a metaphor will help in this instance
The UNFCCC is like baking a cake. In December you get the finished product of that years baking. However if you did not put in the right amount of eggs, flour, sugar, or baked it thoroughly – you end up with a sodden mess that no one practically likes.
Youth love cake! Thus it is no surprise to find youth attending the UNFCCC bake of.
Aiming to make it a delicious, sugary mess. That ever nation – developed, developing, small island can enjoy.
But how you ask? What do the youth do?
That shall be answered in blog 2
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#1 The Traffic of Delhi, India
“India – a LEDC (less economically developed country) with very little concern, if any at all, over the effects its development could have on the environment from increasing levels of CO2 emissions. The USA and UK, to name a few, have exploited resources for means of their own economic development whilst being ignorant of the consequence to the climate, which has become hauntingly apparent over the past decade. Perhaps we could use what we have learnt to prevent developing countries from following the same path?”
Well, this is what I thought before actually visiting India. Whilst being out there I realised that what I thought about India’s attitude towards climate change had, not really surprisingly, been moulded from what I had read about in the media and at university. Actually, it appears we have a lot to learn as Kevin McCloud also highlighted in his “Slumming It” series on Channel 4.
Arriving in Delhi was a shock, even if I spent a day trying to describe the chaos of traffic everywhere, you wouldn’t be able to understand unless you went there yourself. However, despite being so chaotic people actually got to where they wanted without much of a problem. Whilst being driven in a Rickshaw for the first time I was overwhelmed by the heat being emitted from the exhausts of large rickety looking trucks and the volume of traffic meant that you could’nt escape this man-made heat. After addressing this with some friends who actually live in Delhi, they explained that the problems with pollution in Delhi have actually led to the development of a large scale project to try and reduce it. 10 years ago a law was passed whereby all heavy weight vehicles must be fuelled with CNG (compressed natural gas). At this time there used to be thick heavy smog that sat over the city making it difficult to see a reasonable distance in front of yourself. However, since this law was passed the levels of pollution have actually dropped considerably over the 10 year period which, despite the small rise again over the past year or so, is a step in the right direction!
When you actually see the large trucks with “Propelled By Clean Fuel” and “Delhi Transport Corporation, Worlds Largest Eco-friendly CNG Bus Service”, you do wonder how such a large, battered, old looking vehicle can possibly be what it states. But it is the mindset and intentions which are just as valuable for a positive movement towards action on climate change.
In addition to CNG, Delhi is currently undergoing a massive construction project to create a huge metro network across the city. There is no doubt that this will be anywhere near complete for the Common Wealth Games in 2010 of which the structure itself leaves a lot for the imagination. The Delhi Metro network will become a large supplier of public transportation and once complete will hopefully reduce the volume of motor Rickshaws around that city that emit damaging fuel. As a result, we hope for a decline in pollution levels across the city…I guess we shall see!
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Skyride
If you’re interested in keeping fit whilst doing your bit for the environment then check out ‘Skyride’.
Skyride is a joint venture between Sky and British Cycling and involves large numbers of people cycling through the streets of the UK. The streets of five different cities throughout the UK will be closed for the event and you might get the chance to meet some of the GB cycling team. Each host city will also have its own live entertainment. Everybody is welcome to this fun day out and you might just get a sun tan!
The five host cities are Manchester; Hounslow; Glasgow; Leicester; and London. If you want to find out more about each of these events then visit their website provided below. This should tell you all you need to know.
All you have to do to take part is register your details and then you’re ready to ride. Also, do not worry if you are unable to attend one of the events above because Skyride has set up a whole host of locally led-rides.
If you are interested in registering or just want to find out more then follow the link below and all of your questions will be answered.
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Climate Change Game!
If you have ever wondered what it would be like as the Leader of a country and the great changes you would make- then now is your chance…
The BBC have developed an online game in which you assume the role of President of the European Nations with the mission to innovate, trade and persuade other nations to help save the environment.
As president you are required to help the environment whilst creating wealth and remaining popular. Achieving all of these will test your diplomacy and often involve making difficult decisions. Although fictional, the game does provide some interesting data and statistics and is also surprisingly difficult.
The BBC website is also a great place for you to check up on recent news articles, video clips and blogs on climate change with many interesting links.
Enjoy!
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..and here are the runners up!
These are the runners up for the competition “Face up to Climate Change”: Alaric, Carly, CatDog, EmmaRhiannon, Gemma, Kathy, kavskebabs, Ryan, unclesi, wjsmith.
Congratulations guys, each of you will receive 8 fantastic paintballing tickets: all you need to do is send your address to climate.squad@globalactionplan.org.uk and we’ll get them sent directly to your home.
The tickets have to be used by the end of September, so please hurry.
So have fun, and keep spreading the word -
Play to stop
MTV and the European Commission have organised a competition to raise awareness on Climate Change issues and promote sustainable behaviours.
Through the “Play to Stop” website you can create your profile, involve your friends and express your feelings and concerns relating to Climate Change by posting blogs and videos. This, together with weekly tests you can find on the website, will allow you to gain points, thus giving you the chance to win competitions to attend live performances of some of the most current renowned artists!
The only concern from the Climate Squad team is that winners are flown to attend the gigs! The site features a ‘have your say’ box if you want to comment on this or provide other green messages.
Get involved by checking out the website!
http://www.play4climate.eu/ -
Eco Award 2009
The vinspired National Awards 2009 will be taking place in a few months’ time to recognise the exceptional work of 16-25 year old volunteers across the country. Amongst the different awards up for grabs, the Eco Award 2009 aims to reward the best individual or group of volunteers that has taken action to improve our environment.
Over the last week, the Awards have been promoted by Sky News, Radio 2, BBC 6Music, ITN Online, Grime Daily, News of the World, Virgin Media, BRMB, The Guardian, British Hop Hip, RAW magazine online and The Sun online, and recently even top-selling rapper Tinchy Strider, millionaire Dragon’s Den star James Caan, The Metro and Kiss FM have joined in promoting the event.
The closing date is 31st August, so if you believe somebody to be the right person, don’t miss the chance to get them acknowledged for what they’ve done. Award winners will be eligible to attend the “purple” carpet ceremony at Indigo’s O2 arena in November!
http://www.vinspired.com/awards/national-awards/nominate/the-eco-award
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Work in progress
The Climate Squad project is almost ready for full launch! We’re now at the heart of the matter, finalizing the different phases through which the volunteers will be supported to take action in their journey to become active players in the fight to tackle climate change.
The Steering Group met for the first time on 20th July, with the next meeting scheduled for 26th August. There are still places available on this group, so anyone interested in joining is encouraged to apply by sending a brief email expressing their interest to climate.squad@globalactionplan.org.uk.
The Climate Squad social networking site is undergoing its last revisions, and the official launch is set for the last week of August. Once registered on the site, volunteers will be given the opportunity to create their own profile and get in touch with each other, sharing interests and giving birth to a dynamic and lively Climate Squad volunteering community.
Following the launch of the website, the Sustainable Community Leaders training course (15th-17th of September) will kick-start the Climate Squad events, forming the basis upon which many of the volunteering activities will be built. During the accredited course, the leaders will be trained on how to co-ordinate part-time community projects to reduce carbon emissions, thus enabling them to lead an initiative, promote events, organize activities and involve the rest of the community. If you are interested in becoming a Community Leader please email us at climate.squad@globalactionplan.org.uk and we will send you application details.
The chance to make a difference on climate change lies in your hands. By joining the Climate Squad community you’ll have the chance to join others and take advantage of it!
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Low Carbon Transition Plan
Yesterday the Government published the new “Low Carbon Transition Plan”, which outlines the UK’s strategy to minimize its carbon emissions and boost the low carbon economy for the next ten years.
To achieve the target of 34% carbon emissions reduction by 2020, set out in the budget, a number of actions are planned, including a series of incentives for homes and communities such as a “Clean energy cash-back” scheme, which would pay householders for the extra energy that they produce above their own needs if they install renewable technologies (e.g. solar panels), and a new personal carbon scheme to challenge people to save energy voluntarily.
Workplaces and jobs are also included and a new campaign is being launched to guide small and medium businesses as they reduce their carbon emissions.
Climate Squad’s volunteering opportunities also concentrate on reducing the carbon emissions of local communities and businesses, fitting well with the ‘Low Carbon Transition Plan’. By joining the Climate Squad team of volunteers you will have a unique opportunity to play your part in the UK’s historical move to tackle climate change by helping your local community move towards becoming a sustainable, low carbon society.
Accomplishing the commitments set by the Government would be a huge, positive step in the fight of climate change, and would put the UK at the forefront in this worldwide process.
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Looking for a career in websites but need experience?
Vinspired.com is looking for two web-savvy volunteers to help us test an exciting new website we’re building for the Climate Squad project.
As a tester, you’ll spend a week following test scripts to make sure the site works. You’ll report any problems you find, using a bug tracking system. You’ll be based in v’s offices in Westminster, London, and will work with digital agency Made by Many, the brains behind Amnesty’s Protect the Human site.
The ideal candidates will be aged 16-25, passionate about all things digital, and able to work with minimal supervision. The positions would suit an IT undergraduate or someone with some experience of developing websites.
We’ll need you from Wednesday 22 July to Friday 24 July, and from Monday 27 to Tuesday 28 July. We can pay reasonable transport costs and a lunch allowance.
To apply, email us telling us about any relevant experience and the reasons why you’d like to get involved. Please attach a CV.
To find out more check here.
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