Posts Tagged ‘‘people power’’
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Algae powerhouses to provide future biofuels
By Nick AbbottThe not-for-profit government funded charity, The Carbon Trust, recently revealed that a team of 70 scientists from 11 of Britain’s leading research universities will join to compete in a global race to produce revolutionary and alternative algae biofuels.
Algae have the ability to act as environmentally friendly miniature “biofuel factories”. They can produce high levels of natural oils from solar energy which can then be used to produce biodiesel.
With the cost of oil reaching a recent high of $140 per barrel, and the recent formation of the UK climate change act which made plans to reduce carbon emissions by at least 80% by 2050, this new research into alternative carbon-neutral fuels arrives at an important time.
Current predictions suggest that, per year, 70 billion litres of fossil fuel (coal, oil, and gas) used for road transport and flights could be replaced by algae biofuels by 2030. This will save 160 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
Algae are able to produce up to 10x more oil for biofuel production per hectare of land when compared to current agricultural crop choices. The current problem is reducing the overall cost of the process by increasing the algae oil production, finding the most efficient method of large scale algae growth and the best method of harvesting the essential oils.
The University of Sheffield, who hold the important task of choosing the correct algal strain and maximising the production of oil from the algae, are a cornerstone to the success of the Algae Biofuels Challenge. “We aim to develop a set of experimental techniques that allow the identification of suitable algal strains capable of producing high levels of natural oils and happy to be grown in large outdoor ponds” said a spokesman and lead researcher at the university. Other researchers are developing the best methods of large scale algae growth and looking at how to harvest the natural oils produced by the algae.
This mammoth project, if successful, would require algae ponds to be built which would cover a land mass larger than Wales. The final production ponds are likely to be overseas to maximise natural resources available. Mid-western USA or Western Australia, where open land is abundant and long hours of sunlight common which is key to algae growth, are likely locations
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London EcoBarbie #6 Karl Lagerfeld
LONDON ECO BARBIE –
Life’s not fair but at least my pants are..#6 Karl Lagerfeld
By Amy WhitneyOne of the largest problems concerning those fighting climate change is captivating the view of key players in the world economy that have the power to make a difference. Karl Lagerfield created drama at the Chanel ‘A/W 10′ show; plunging the Grand Palais audience into freezing temperatures of the Arctic. At the heart of catwalk a polar icecap sat eight metres tall, in a pool of its own meltwater. The atmosphere echoed the chilling reality of global warming.
Karl worked with Tweed, chiffon and wool to imitate the fur outfits today’s fashionistas crave. However not a single fur had been shed in the making of this poignant collection. Other fashion houses may follow. Chanel bravely providing what consumers want with a serious fashion message.
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London EcoBarbie #5 Tate Gallery
LONDON ECO BARBIE –
Life’s not fair but at least my pants are..#5 Tate Gallery
By Amy WhitneyA desire to explore hidden areas of London led me to the Tate Gallery. Free, cultural and perfect for rainy days. The breezy space boasts a beautiful collection of classic artwork by the likes of Picasso, Matisse and Van Gogh. However what really drew my attention were the works of modern artists such as Ed Ruscha demonstrating the power of media, he portrays global warming, the Tate reaches large audiences from many nations.
Whereas consumerism and desire is experienced in the work of American artist Jeff Coons provoking the question of good and bad taste in my own consumption habits.
The pieces gave me inspiration to attempt some climate change artwork of my own, COPArt on Climate Squads website. Please take the time to pop along and visit the Tate Modern when your in London, its well worth it.
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Common Goals at Commonwealth Summit
On Wednesday 28th October, Kate, Heather and I delivered a key workshop at the Young Commonwealth Summit. Bringing together representatives of each of the Commonwealth countries, the focus this year was on climate change- an opportunity for a truly global discussion with different representatives sharing ideas of how climate change was being tackled in their home countries.
Hosted within the stunningly beautiful Marlborough House in central London, we were delighted that so many of the representatives had chosen to come and hear us talk about how Climate Squad uses volunteering opportunities within the UK to empower young people to act on climate change. We brought a little informality to the event and started off by asking everyone to pair up and learn something about each other – including a similarity and a difference. It became clear that everyone had a passion for resolving the issues of climate change, with people raising key topics such as educating communities, addressing political leaders, and making the most out of new technologies.
Kate had challenged me to link everyone’s interests with the volunteering opportunities on offer from Climate Squad (!), and I was able to explain how we used Community Leadership training to get young people out and talking to people about the changes that they could make, how social marketing would see the message spread across the world via the internet, and how the COPART project would be presented at the Copenhagen Summit to demonstrate to world leaders the commitment of youth.
Kate explained further about the work of GAP, and the message of creating positive change, rather than focussing on negatives. This was highlighted when we took everyone away from the room and GAP volunteer Fil demonstrated the energy bike … we successfully convinced many of the representatives to give it a go too! They did become slightly competitive in trying to power as many appliances as possible – two kinds of light bulb, iPod and TV – a few managed it! This prompted a really useful discussion on how the educational tool bike could be used to demonstrate energy use in developing nations. Everyone took away Climate Squad postcards– and hopefully ideas that they could use with their communities back home. Overall the feeling was very positive and it was a good experience for us too, allowing us to understand the issues that climate change will cause in nations with very different climates to our own.
At the end, I went outside with a large group of representatives who were fired up after the bike riding and debate, and we made our own COPART – a CO2 symbol in the grounds of the Commonwealth Secretariat. Heather took some fantastic photos – so we know we’ll all be represented at Copenhagen! Will you?
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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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What’s The Spark?
The guys at T-Mobile are seeking your help to tackle a social or environmental issue we all care about.
T-Mobile have complied a list of some of the most serious issues facing society today. However, it is up to you the public to vote for what you feel is the most serious issue. Whichever issue has received the most votes by the time the online poll closes will have a new mobile application designed to raise awareness or help tackle that issue. Each session lasts for a month and the first months session is all about CLIMATE CHANGE (so get voting)!
There is also an opportunity for the creative minded among you to submit any great ideas for mobile applications that can make a positive difference to our environment and society.
Follow the link below to find out more about T-Mobile’s exciting new ideas.
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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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12th August - International Youth Day!
12th August is International Youth Day- a day for taking responsibility and recognising the need for sustainable communities. It is a challenge faced by everyone across the globe; however it is the youth of today, our leaders of tomorrow who will play a large role in steering us towards a long term sustainable future!
Climate Squad is new and exciting project aimed at getting young people active about combating climate change and building sustainable communities. If you are aged 16-25, we want to get you in on the action! We have a huge range of activities you can get involved with: register your interest with Climate Squad now to find out more! Activities range from joining our flash mobs and making a bold statement about climate change in your local area to becoming part of our photographic team, capturing Climate Squad events and making photographic history! We also have a fantastic once in a lifetime opportunity for creative volunteers to work with local artists and develop a piece of “Cop Art” to take to the UN Climate Change conference in Copenhagen this December! What can be better than making your statement about climate change directly to the world leaders themselves!?
Climate Squad have a brand new website launch at the end of August, but if you want to get involved with any of the activities, don’t wait! Register your interest now as we are currently recruiting 16-25 year olds to become part of the Climate Squad steering group or a Community Leader where you will get the chance to achieve an accredited qualification with all costs covered by the project! By becoming a steering group member or community leader you will gain valuable experience developing your environmental knowledge, working with people in your community to reduce their carbon footprint and developing skills that will look great on your CV! For more information register your interest with us now… http://www.climatesquad.org.uk/register-your-interest !
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“People Powered” Checkouts
Sainsbury’s have opened a new, green store in Gloucester, and one of the most revolutionary ideas they’ve come up with is what they call ‘people powered’ energy.
They’ve placed ‘kinetic road plates’ in their car park, which produce and capture energy every time someone drives over them. These are expected to produce 30kW of green energy per hour - more than enough to power the store’s checkouts. Driving over the plates won’t affect the car or fuel efficiency, and drivers won’t even feel a disturbance.
So how does it work? Well….
- As vehicles drive over the plates in the surface of the road in the car park, the plates are pushed down by the weight of the vehicle
- This then creates rocking motions under the road surface that turn generators
- These generators create energy, which is captured and redirected back to the store to be used as power.
Very clever! For more information on how Sainsbury’s new store is ‘greener’ than others, please click here.
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