Biomass incineration is not clean, green or sustainable and now even safety of these plants are suspect.
Biomass Industry Plays With Fire, Gets Burned [The Biomass Monitor] | Energy Justice Network.
My thoughts on the MENs’ Business Week 23rd May
In the Manchester Evening News‘ Greater Manchester Business Week 23rd., May, I thought the layout of page 5, ironic. In the centre of the page, there is an article about the outgoing governor of the Bank of England, Mervyn King. Stating that after a tour of Salford Media City campus, he was quoted as saying that “Greater Manchester’s universities, meant the city region was in a good position to deliver a bright economic future”. Remember, he was one of the financial experts that did not foresee the collapse of major banks and the melt-down of the Global Norths financial sector, resulting in the on-going recession. So, does his word portent more gloom for our City region?
The reality of further gloom for our City region is reflected in other articles on page 5. With job losses due to Antler moving its HQ to London. Also RBS announcing more job losses (this is one of the banks Mervyn King failed to see as a failing bank), after the many it has already made. Then there is a small article on the Co-op, selling it’s car-dealership. But no mention of the Co-op Group being in trouble and having been downgraded to ‘junk’ status. Will we find this ‘ethical’ bank is also, in reality another failed bank?
Finally, to ensure Manchester retains its’ ‘Green’ credentials, there is an article on ‘fracking’. Stating ‘fracking’ could create 74,000 jobs (how many times have we read, that this or that would create jobs?). Along with a story about Manchester Airport Group proposing that the government give a “holiday” of the Air Passenger Duty. What happened to reducing our carbon emissions in an attempt to prevent catastrophic climate change? Despite our business and council leaders continual failures, they continue to pursue the same failed policies, increasingly accelerating into the proverbial brick wall.
Quiet Climate Milestones – EcoWatch: Cutting Edge Environmental News Service
“When it comes to climate change, we’re avoiding tough decisions instead of stepping up to the challenge, pure and simple.” She could of been writing about the UK Green Party, whose pursuit of populist politics and not coming out strongly for a total change of economic and environmental policies. At the start of the financial crisis, Caroline Lucas and the Green Party were urged by Tim Jackson, to take a strong stance on the economy and the environment. But instead they have pursued a policy of just ‘more of the same’, showing a complete lack of leadership. When members proposed a complete ban on ‘fracking’, Caroline Lucas urged the motion be changed to a moratorium, instead. What happened to protecting the environment for future generations?
Quiet Climate Milestones – EcoWatch: Cutting Edge Environmental News Service.
And here in Manchester, we still have a lack of leadership from Manchester City Council even after two presentations from Kevin Anderson and Manchester environmental groups with their Steady State Manchester. Under the leadership of Richard Leese and unelected Howard Bernstein, the council has continued to pursue a ‘business as usual’ policy. A policy of of ‘keep making the same mistakes and hope this time, it will turn out different’! Unfortunately, I have found local Green Party members with a similar mind-set.
BBC – Press Office – The Century of the Self
One of the problems those fighting for action on climate change, consumerism and for a more democratic politics, is getting the general public to take notice. This press release from the BBC, about ‘The Century of Self’, a TV series which explores Freud, the PR and advertising industries. Describing how corporations and politicians have developed these tools to manipulate the public at large.
BBC – Press Office – The Century of the Self.
And of course, the political elite like to frighten people with the perceived threat from Muslim extremists, as an excuse for removing basic freedoms from the public. The blog below looks into a recent press release from Europol, which seems to suggest there has been an increase in religious inspired terrorism in Europe. Ylva Nilsson goes on the explain the report indicated, the increase in terrorism has been by separatists and left-wingers and not religiously motivated
http://blogs.euobserver.com/nilsson/2013/05/04/about-spin-and-diy/
GreenbuildEXPO and the Green Deal
On the 8th and 9th May 2013, Manchester Central hosted the GreenbuildEXPO, which was sponsored by Manchester City Council, which I attended on the 8th. On initially walking around the various stands, the one thing that struck me was, that it was all geared up for the Green Deal. I did overhear someone saying that Green Deal advisor’s must tell people that they receive a payment of £150, I wonder how many do?
The opening speech was by Ashley Crumbley, CEO of Wigan and Leigh Housing Company and on the board of Greater Manchester’s Low Carbon Economy Board. He stated how great it was that the Government is going down the road of supporting Biomass (Why? Biomass is neither green or sustainable: Biomass myths). Then he talked about Greater Manchester’s Carbon Hub of which he was a member and of the leadership of Sir Richard Leese (What leadership, he is taking part in a government initiative and it was Nottingham that led the way on Climate Change over a decade ago. That is playing at ‘follow the leader’ not leadership). He then went on to talk about Kevin Anderson, who keeps scaring us (as if what Kevin was saying was some sort of joke). He mentioned that 2 degree C, is the limit between dangerous and very dangerous climate change! And that Manchester is working to accelerate into reducing carbon emissions (where?). He then went onto state the business case is still not clear. Executives do not think there is clear guidance and also the finances are not there and of the cost of borrowing. (What happened to Leese’s leadership? If you save energy, you save money, simple and cost of borrowing when it is the lowest it has ever been, except those on the Green Deal, who is he kidding). He than mentioned Greater Manchester is the second largest growing hub outside of London. He lastly mentioned a Japanese organisation (what happened to Leese’s leadership, that a foreign organisation has to be brought in, to lead? What about all the innovation that is supposed to be happening in Corridor Manchester and Manchester Science Park?) NEDO, who are setting up a eco-community trial, maybe in 2014?
I have thought for some time this ‘Green Deal’ only benefits large companies, especially the big 6. People are struggling to pay their energy bills and many in Manchester suffer from fuel poverty. Going to the GreenBuild Expo in Manchester only reinforced this impression. Then I read a letter in the Architects’ Journal’s Annual Green issue (28.02.13): Green Deal: costly…
‘Regarding your article about the Green Deal (AJ 31.01.13), I’ve felt like a little boy who told the Emperor he was in his underpants. I have worked as an architect on all types and sizes of projects, both public and private sector, I have recently attended many Green Deal-related workshops and seminars. I also sit on the Small Practice Committee at RIBA, where the Green Deal has been discussed at length. Here are my thoughts on the topic: The Green Deal seems to be a very expensive way to fund improvements, with the only beneficiaries being the City (via high-interest loans), the government (collecting VAT and meeting carbon reduction targets), assessors, suppliers and installers (making normal profit margins) and private energy firms, which will be almost encouraged by the government to increase rates to make the ‘Golden Rule’ work. The Green Deal appears to be aimed at people who do not have the money to pay for improvements up-front (which would be cheaper), but the government assumes these same people will have enough money to pay vastly higher energy bills. Property values could be adversely affected by Green Deal alterations and outstanding debt that will be attached to the property. I would not want to buy a house with a charge on it, so assume no one else would, either. My guess much of the equipment being promote now could be obsolete in less than 5 years – long before it is paid for. I have not heard mention of Building Regs Approval of Green Deal improvements. I have recently…’ Marianne Davys, Marianne Davys Architects.
I can only agree with Marianne’s comments but go further and say the emperor is absolutely stark naked and possibly stark raving mad.
Sparking Urban Renewal: Inclusivity and Innovation, Part II | Sustainable Cities Collective
An article showing how a City can be improve with the full consultation of the local communities and not just some tokenism. Also the is a lesson here for Manchester City Council, not only have proper local community consultations but also the investment in public amenities, such as parks, libraries, etc. Also the need for an integrated transport system, something Manchester City does not have. The Metro system has only disintegrated the local transport system and the privatised buses no longer run in some areas after peak times. Manchester City Council has not learnt from it’s past failures, always blaming it on others. A robust city can cope with changing economic environments, one built on hype will never survive, just as the former inhabitants of the Easter Islands:
http://sustainablecitiescollective.com/futurecapetown/146876/medellin-colombia-why-inclusivity-and-innovation-are-sparking-urban-renewal-pa?utm_source=scc_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter&inf_contact_key=274b4e7624faa75dd178347a159ca2f239a3dbefacc412a8741a9f418f129c3b
Can Wind, Water and Sunlight Power New York by 2050? – NYTimes.com
An interesting article in the New York Times about a report into the possibility of New York being energy efficient without fossil fuels and nuclear energy “Examining the Feasibility of Converting New York State’s All-Purpose Energy Infrastructure to One Using Wind, Water and Sunlight,”: . The author of the article did call into question
– Does New York State need — for its own sake or the environment’s — to be an energy island? A lot of economists, and environmental analysts, would say no.
Yes it does need to be an energy island, on economic and environmental grounds, something environmentalists have been calling for. A move away from large centralised power stations, fossil fuelled or nuclear, and to more smaller, localised power sources: Sustainable_community_energy_system. Case studies of Sustainable Woking can be found at: Sustainable Woking case studies. It took just one council official to drive this initiative through back in 1991 and yet Manchester – A Certain Future since its fanfare launch in 2009, has achieved exactly, nothing! It is amazing what can be achieved with some effort and enthusiasm.
Can Wind, Water and Sunlight Power New York by 2050? – NYTimes.com.
Reducing the € 45 billion health cost of air pollution from lorries — European Environment Agency (EEA)
Another report from the European Environmental Agency highlighting the health costs of exhaust from diesel goods vehicles. Manchester is one of the areas highlighted by the report, as having a serious problem with diesel exhausts. This will be exasperated by Manchester City Council’s decision to expand Manchester Airports freight terminal. In fact the Aviation white-paper did not mention expanding freight terminals but, of the need to improve port and rail terminals to handle freight. The matter will be worsen for the people of South Manchester by the council’s plans to also build the Stockport to South Manchester by-pass. This is to be built despite the fact there is already an existing motorway connection from the airport and Stockport. Richard Leese, leader of Labour controlled Manchester City Council, was claimed he wanted to turn Manchester into another Barcelona. It could get his wish, as Manchester is not far behind Barcelona on diesel exhaust pollution.
On Tuesday (12/02/13) a protester was dragged from a tree by Group 4 staff, causing him to fall against those who had pulled him down. The police then arrested him for assault and detained him. Also, felling continued within 10 metres of people, another breach of Health and Safety at Work Act. It has also been mentioned that all the timber has been sold to Westfields for £10,000. Some of the large mature hardwood trees would fetch more than that alone. So who is profiting from this destruction to a vital part of the City’s lungs?
There will will be a friendly candle-lit vigil around the pond on Sunday 17th 5.00pm – 6.30pm. For anyone who wants to quietly reflect on the trees that have been felled and who want to be surrounded by other understanding folk. This is a chance for like minded members of the community to unite in a peaceful way. Bring your candles, lanterns, and tea lights (small torches will come in handy too).
A discussion with Nigel Murphy (Labour councillor for Hulme and the Environment)
I was walking home (16:40, 6/2/13) from the 8th Day along Stretford Road, when I bumped into Nigel Murphy (Labour councillor for Hulme and the Environment). He told me he was waiting for a bus into town because he had been walking all day, then asked how were things with me. I mentioned they were not very good, (there are lots of things like Birley Fields and the lack of action by the council on climate change), especially with things like Alexandria Park. He mentioned people should read what it is really about and not listen to the protesters who are exaggerating the number of trees being felled. I said I had read the aborculturist’s report and that mature (maybe originally planted by the Victorians) were being felled when they were in good condition. I asked about the old green houses, they were not be restored, so how is this restoring the park to it former glory. Nigel replied that he remembered the greenhouses from a kid and walking in the park. And that the park was unsafe to walk in at night, and that this work was to make it safe. It was to make this park fit for today. If that is the case, then surely they have obtained funds falsely from the National Heritage Fund? The National Heritage Fund is about support the restoration of heritage assets and clearly this is not the council’s intention. Those who agreed to the council’s proposals seemed to of forgotten previous projects by the council, such as Piccadilly Gardens. Is that fit for today, what was done to Piccadilly Gardens? Alexandra Park Trees
patricktsudlow 