Posts Tagged ‘Reporter’
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2050 - Green and clean?
Climate Squad volunteer - Aisha Brown Colpani - discusses her vision of 2050 for our Greenprint to 2050 project
If you want to join the Greenprint, join us on the 25th August or 1st September. We’ll debate the lifestyles we want to live, the communities we want to live in and the best way to make it happen. Reserve a place by calling Heather on (0207) 420 4441 or e-mail climate.squad@globalactionplan.org.uk
Trying to imagine the world of the future takes a bit of thought; putting aside the image of a hover-car darting across the sky (for now), what can we really expect to see? How far will the world have moved from that to which we have become accustomed by the time the year 2050 rolls around?
It would be hard to make an even halfway plausible suggestion for a future reality without factoring in the major question of the state of the environment, or, more specifically, how much further we will push said environment before it furiously rebels. With more and more headline space being used to highlight the effects of Global Warming it seems that now is the time to pay attention if we want any kind of improvement today as well as in forty years time. Why not start at home?
The great thing about the boom in super-sophisticated technology is that we actually have the tools, we know where the problems lie; if we really want to transform the UK into a green and clean environment then we have to make the most of the means at our disposable in order to do our collective bit to reduce carbon emissions. By 2050 I’d like to see many major roads kept exclusively for bicycles. How many more people would be enticed to jump on their bikes knowing that they’d be able to ride calmly around town, in a space shared with other cyclists? And what number would ditch the car when they realised just how much more convenient pedalling down the main road would be? The fact that there is also a mini work-out to be had while inhaling the unpolluted air is not an unwelcome prospect either…the list of Pro’s is endless really. There’s no denying that the bicycle is having somewhat of a revival as the first choice of travel; who wants to wait for the bus or squeeze into the tube carriage when you could do your little bit just by pedalling down the street? Now, imagine the huge reduction in carbon emissions if the bicycles on the streets were to out-number the cars…I guess our fore-mothers and fathers had the right idea when it came to getting around.
But my vision of a clean-aired future does not rely solely on investing in two decent wheels; how can I even begin to imagine a carbon-free (or at least a greatly carbon-reduced!) environment without putting in a mention to those machines of unrivalled carbon-gulping power a.k.a. the oxygen givers, or, to use the more formal term, trees? Without trees there would be no world to fret over in the first place and I think it is time to give them a bit more appreciation; we need to make more space for these wonders of nature, especially in metropolitan areas where a glimpse of green can be something of a rarity. I do have to acknowledge that London does have some beautiful parks where the trees stand strong and the flowers are maintained with pride but I can think of another area that could benefit just as much from that consideration for plant-life; the school play-ground. I remember reading an opinion suggesting that the best way to get the younger generation interested in caring for the natural world would be with the introduction of a substantial garden area in schools, a place where the kids would learn how to interact considerately with plants - they will be the young adults taking responsibility for the future of the environment after all.
Care for the environment is an issue which we must all take to our hearts sooner if we want to build a healthier, cleaner, more considerate society later. And the rewards don’t stop with the green credentials. Don’t believe me? Picture the scene: you leave work mid-afternoon (as the current obsession with a career will have taken a backseat for enjoyment of all the other things we could be doing), the sun shining and gently warming your face, or, perhaps, a light spray of rain (well we are talking about the UK here) - but not so much to hinder any outdoor activity. You go to your local little park area and find it buzzing with activity as people congregate to tend to the plant life, weeding and watering, admiring the different colours; it’s a time of relaxation and socialising. You feel closer to the Earth and further from the every day issues which tend to dominate the day…Why dismiss this snapshot as too good to be true?
When I think of 2050 and of my ideal vision of the UK and the world by that time, I think of a place proud of its reputation as a home to plants and wildlife left as nature intended; I think of a base that complies to the top environmental standards and keeps our pollution levels in-check through passionately upheld rules regarding the environment and encouragement of individual pride in our green surroundings. I imagine a place where recycling as much waste as possible becomes a reflex in every household and where more emphasis is put on respecting and enjoying our natural surroundings above man-made products. In 2050 the UK could be a place for cyclists, for environmentally acceptable vehicles of public transport, for lots of trees, for recycle bins (exclusively), for less stress about money and more time to breathe the truly fresh air.
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Worlds oldest woman turns 130!
By Simon Howlett
Antisa Khvichava, a woman from a remote village in west Georgia, has turned 130, making her the oldest person in the world by 16 years, officials claimed.
Yes, this claim is suspect. Being born in 1880, losing her birth certificate and having a child at 60, who is now himself 70.
But what about the official oldest people in the world - Eugénie Blanchard (1896-) Walter Breuning (1896-) and the UK record holders Eunice Bowman (1898-) and Claude Choules(1901-)
What is the one thing they all have in common apart from being old, grey and wrinkly?
Whenever a journalist comes knocking on their door asking ‘why they have lived so long’ secretly hoping that they will state ‘oh, I’ve got the fountain of youth in my back garden’
The boring answer they actually receive is ‘I keep myself busy and working.’Now, I have lived through the lazy teenage years, eating sweets and playing the latest GTA consistently. However I now find myself being uber busy, undertaking more opportunities and roles then physically possible, whilst also being addicted to twitter and chocolate digestives. With the added bonus of believing I’m fitter and healthy then ever!
So when my friends say ‘I cannot be bothered to recycle because it takes too much energy’ or ‘doing community work is pointless as I know one day I will move somewhere else’
Due to the presented evidence I can say something along the lines of -
If you recycle, if you do community work, if you do all the environmental and sustainable stuff that is, as evidence suggests good for the planet – you will keep yourself consistently busy and working hard just like Antisa Khvichava the oldest woman in the world has been doing for the last 130 years!What is more persuasive then that? Living forever and annoying your great-great-great-great-great grandchildren. Due to helping save the planet,
So yes, this blog has just confirmed and given you further artillery in turning people and friends green.
Use it well.
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Around the world in 12,000 solar panels
By Astrit Muzliukaj
Solar Impulse, the unmanned solar powered aircraft made its longest in air flight reaching a height of 28,000 feet and landing after 26-hours. The aircraft powered up the day before and set off during the night managing to surpass its expected air-time of 24 hours to an impressive 26 hours. It is powered by 12,000 solar cells and managed to reach a speed of 70 MPH. The makers’ aim is to circle the globe by 2013.
Ensuring that this technology improves, we could possibly see commercial airliners equipped with such technology. This symbolic flight is a first for humans and, besides the obvious benefits for the airline industry, could see the reduction in fossil fuel usage and possibly usher in a new way of aviation travel. However, some speculate that the solar panels may not be efficient enough to power such a huge aircraft or may need special servicing to keep the solar panels working. In addition to this there is the obvious fact that some flights are carried out during the night and need to be constantly replenished with sunlight to power them up.
(Image courtesy of BBC)
This type of technology is sure to have implications in our flying. Firstly, the low demand for fuel is good news not only for the environment and also a fantastic saving for companies such as Boeing and Airbus. This then has implications on customers as the savings are brought down to travellers in the form of lower fares. This would be a huge benefit for travellers as they could afford more holidays and see more places across the globe for a much lower price of what is spent today.
The possibilities that this experiment brings are endless. The use of solar panels on planes could have knock on effects for other events. An example is the world cup which could see a reduction in overall carbon emissions as a result of spectators flying in solar powered planes. Avid travellers also see it as a perfect way of reducing their individual carbon footprint and doing their bit for the planet. This surely is a great piece of technology and must be supported through to ensure that future generations of planes have solar panels fitted inside them.
In summary, there are three clear winners if this kind of technology really gets into gear. There’s the environment benefiting from low fossil fuel usage and less air pollution. Next, the airline companies such as Airbus and Boeing will benefit through savings because they no longer need to power up their planes using fuel - just simple sunlight. And finally there’s the public. All those great savings that airliners make will pass onto you in a neat little low fare package (in the long run)… hopefully if they are not too greedy.
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Environmental Music
By Simon Howlett
A Few weeks ago I blogged about films with an environmental meaning. So it makes perfect sense to delve into the world of music.
the small choice here concerns songs that I like and are
A) not done by hippies, who get over a clear message – but have this hidden sense of being on drugs and believe love to be the only answer (I’m afraid this includes John Lennon - sorry)
B) not part of the world music genre. Its all good having some Peruvian music with in a film, TV etc when you are showing how a family or community cope in Peru. But not many of us would gladly listen to it unless we were hippies.
Manic Street Preachers – ‘If You Tolerate This Then Your Children Will Be Next’
So its really about the Spanish Civil War, being a quote upon a poster to recruit idealistic volunteers.Isn’t that what most of us climate orientated youth are? Plus we are thinking of our future and the future our kids live in – therefore it fits perfectly.
Jamiroquai - ‘When You Gonna Learn?’
Within Jamiroquai’s Greatest hits CD pamphlet it stated that they were ahead of their time singing about fish stocks and its true – I don’t even think you can get away with it in 2010
Joni Mitchell - ‘Big Yellow Taxi’
Parking lots, tree museum, the use of synthetic pesticide. She covers it all and makes you realise you don’t know what your got until its gone.
Marvin Gaye - ‘Mercy Mercy Me’
If you don’t actual listen to the lyrics, you might think he is trying to swoon you into bed – that might be possible, but what he is really is stating is that we F*** the world.
Jack Johnson - ‘The 3 R’s’
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. made for the film Curious George. but it is very simple and very catchy.
The Kinks - ‘Apeman’
To me this song is about one of those posh people who believe they save the world just by being a vegetarian. But one day it hits them, that they are just the same as everyone else and should really do more about it – stand up and fight.
Bad Religion - ‘Kyoto Now’
A song that should get credit as its all about the Kyoto Protocol of 1997 & a USA ‘Kyoto Now’ student led movement to cut down CO2
Pixies - ‘Monkey Gone To Heaven’
This particular monkey is ‘killed by ten million pounds of sludge from New York and New Jersey’ simple connection really
Michael Jackson - ‘Earth Song’
WOW its the King of Pop saving the children of the world by written a song that sold millions of copies worldwide and had a video costing $3.5 million.
Being the King he could of made a video from REAL LIFE torment and destruction, instead of having pre-planned trees falling down on cue. Then gave the money to charities.
Though I guess that wouldn’t look as cool.
You can find all these songs on YouTube, Last Fm, MySpace, Spotify
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Part 3 ~ United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
By Simon Howlett
The best way in understanding what actions youth took in Bonn, is to let you click on these two videos made by Danny Hutley, a Southampton Uni student.
It shows how we aimed to change negotiators opinions and their actions within the UNFCCC meetings
Danny@UN Climate Negotiations, 4- No Decisions About Us Without Us
Danny@UN Climate Talks, 8- Logging Loophole Land
You must admit, us youth did not to a bad job in Bonn; we made a difference and connected to those in suits.
The time was taking to learn about what was being talked about; so that the actions we took were accurate and made the negotiators think.
In addition us youth from around the world who attended (roughly 25) were truly united in what we were doing and what we believed in.
You can now wear a smile on your face because of the shear AWESOME-NESS of it!!!
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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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Environmental Films
By Climate Squad steering group member and Greenprint to 2050 project volunteer, Simon Howlett
Nowadays it seems a new environmental documentary is released every week, what with the success of the genre hitting the mainstream due to Michael Moore’s efforts and Al Gore’s An Inconvenient truth. It now seems sensible for anyone who believes in a partially issue to grab film equipment and present the facts to hopefully bring chance in political, social and environmental attitudes. this includes
• The Age Of Stupid
• Pig Business
• The Cove
• The 11th HourAll very hard hitting and popular within environmental and sustainable circles.
But the films that really matter, the films that reach a larger audience and make more money then documentaries. Are films with plots, characters, romance and action. Therefore here follows a list of films that have a blatant or hidden environmental message, that you can sneakily shows those people who don’t really care just in case it changes they perception of climate change.
The Day After Tomorrow
Concept of this film is that the North Atlantic Drift that predominantly keeps the UK warm with warm Caribbean water (cannot be bothered to go into the science for why) fails and within a day the whole of America and London turns to snow and ice. Why did it fail? – because of climate change. Is it any good? well its a nice adventure film, however if you try and explain the science behind it, you will be meet by blank faces who are thinking about the CGI wolves.
Water World
The film with the worst budget-to-open weekend ratio ever and to be fair, it is a little bit pants. The world is a world of water, Kevin Costner has webbed feet and Dennis Hooper plays a baddie. (again) They saviour is a little girl that has a map of land tattooed on her back. At one point webbed Costner takes a lady-friend to the bottom of the ocean to show her – you can guess it – a modern 1990’s city submerged with cars and fire hydrants. by the end they find land, which one must presume is the top of Everest looking all green and with horses on it.
Mad Max
Mel Gibson is mad, he travels around helping people, but you know he is mad – he has hardly any petrol damn it! Its some year in the future, there is no oil, solar power cars haven’t even been thought of as a travel option in the Aussie outback – not even bicycles??? but the point is there, one day we will run out of oil and we will all be mad
Dances With Wolves
This film is a bit more abstract – so a guy (Kevin Costner again) from the more developed world and gets to know the local natives, until he is inducted as one of them. Then his old friends turn up destroy there homes, decimate their livelihoods and general take over. Yay colonialism. Yay destruction of the Prairielands.
FernGully: The Last Rainforest
So there is this human lumberjack guy, who finds himself magically transformed into a forest spirit, he then spends some time with the animals getting to know them, until one day the humans descend to cut down more rainforest, cue a battle to save the last rainforest.
Furry Vengeance
A kids film newly released at the cinema, a building developer, moves to a pristine forest location to start work on a new town – cue the woodland animals putting the guy into hilarious situations to make the young ones laugh, until he understands that he must help them save the forest. you have to be very basic with kids films!
So there is this human guy who goes to a planet to help collect its resources until he joins the natives etc.. etc.. Its surprising that a film, which has a plot as simplistic as the above three films and many others could become the biggest of all time. Graphics are great, the level of depth of Pandora and its creatures is breathtaking, I just wish the plot was also.
Wall-E
Stunning graphics and characters; most of which just talk with beeps and whistles – it is basically a silent film, going more into depth about the problems with humanity more then the above films do. It also gets extra points for going into the issue of obesity.
Toxic Avenger
If you liked the straight-to-video gore films of the 80’s, the kind that are full of blood, crash-humour and semi naked girls then this the environmental film for you and I. Its the story of a weedy mop cleaner who gets pushed into toxic waste and turns into a beefy mutant. he then seeks revenge on those that bullied him in the most sickest ways. However that’s not all its full of humour, its low budget somehow makes it great, the 80’s fashion is hilarious/ kind of cool and it has an environmental message. the Mayor of the city is aiming to gain loads of money from pouring toxic waste into the rivers – the Toxic Avenger stops him and the old lady running a white slave trade. This film was actually a success leading onto video games and an animated kids series – not bad for a 18+.
In my mind the best film from Studio Ghibli. Like all these Japanese fantasy movies they seem kind of hard to follow at first; but the message is there. Iron Town is destroying the forests, the sprits are a bit pissed cue pay back. Yes you can say, it sounds like Avatar, however trust me – this in my mind is the ultimate environmental film. please check it out.
Any other environmental films to add to the list?
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Maintaining Gaia - EARTH HOUR Fiji switch off event
By Climate Squad volunteer, and photographer Matthew Hensby
Saturday 27th March saw the culmination of a two month WWF climate change campaign in Fiji with a big public event at Suva’s central park – Sukuna Park.
The EARTH HOUR event hosted a number of local entertainers, an excellent Meke performance (traditional Fijian dance), while the popular Hong Kong rugby 7s tournament was projected on a big screen and a lot of candles were lit as the lights around the park were switch off as a symbol to encourage people to think more about climate change.
The general consensus was that the campaign was a success – a large number of people turned out at the park with many more people across the country participating at home and over the two months leading up to Saturday the WWF team handed out thousands of climate change information leaflet.
Climate change receives near universal support in Fiji. Many people, especially those on the coast are already reporting changes in their environment like rising sea levels and with high profile events like the two destructive cyclones to affect the country this year, people are very receptive to the issue.
Earth Hour is a yearly event that started in 2007 and this year over 120 countries participated reaching an estimated one billion people.
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