New nukes
Gordon Brown faces a dilemma on energy policy after a legal warning from Greenpeace, the environmental group, that a decision to approve a new generation of nuclear power stations would “not be lawful”. The prime minister is expected to give the green light to replacing Britain’s ageing fleet of nuclear power stations next month. In a letter to government lawyers, Harrison Grant sets out “why, in our view, it would not be lawful, at this stage, for the government to make a decision in favour” of new nuclear build.
FT 10th Dec 2007 more >>
Letter from Neil McKinnon: In some quarters, it would seem the penny has finally dropped. Nuclear as part of the mix for the foreseeable future is of necessity.
Scotsman 10th Dec 2007 more >>
Iran
So let’s get this straight. A US intelligence report decides that Iran isn’t as big a threat as once feared, and Bush decides this proves that, actually guys, I think you’ll find it is. You’ve got to admire his steadfast refusal to acknowledge anything that doesn’t complement his monochromatic world view.
Guardian 10th Dec 2007 more >>
Climate
Britain is responsible for hundreds of millions more tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions than official figures admit, according to a new report that undermines UK claims to lead the world on action against global warming. The analysis says pollution from aviation, shipping, overseas trade and tourism, which are not measured in the official figures, means that UK carbon consumption has risen significantly over the past decade, and that the government’s claims to have tackled global warming are an “illusion”. The new figures come as John Hutton, the business secretary, is set to announce plans for a massive expansion in offshore wind power, which would mean every household in Britain could be powered by offshore wind farms. Up to 7,000 huge turbines could be installed around the UK’s coastline in a bid to boost the electricity generated by wind power from 2 gigawatts to 33 gigawatts by 2020.
Guardian 10th Dec 2007 more >>
Times 10th Dec 2007 more >>
