New Nukes
Letter from Dr Gerry Wolff: Mike O’Brien is wrong to suggest that Scotland needs nuclear power (‘Stop ducking nuclear issue, Salmond told’, November 23). There are more than enough alternatives that are cheaper, quicker to build and altogether more attractive (see www.mng.org.uk/gh/scenarios.htm and www.mng.org.uk/gh/energy.htm). When environmental and hidden costs are factored in, nuclear power is one of the most expensive ways of generating electricity (see www.mng.org.uk/gh/no_nukes.htm#subsidies). Scotland has huge potential to generate power from the wind, from waves, and from tidal streams, and could export large amounts of that power to the rest of the UK and Europe.
Scotland on Sunday 30th Nov 2008 more >>
Climate
BRITAIN’S roads would become green, clean and silent if the plans to be set out by the government’s Committee on Climate Change tomorrow were realised. It will warn that motorists must get rid of their dependence on the internal combustion engine and switch in large numbers to vehicles powered by electricity, hydrogen and other low or zero-emission fuels. The recommendation will be contained in Building a Low Carbon Economy – the UK’s Contribution to Tackling Climate Change, the inaugural report of the committee, chaired by Lord Adair Turner.
Sunday Times 30th Nov 2008 more >>
Renewables
HOUSEHOLDS are facing large rises in their electricity bills in the coming decade because of the “dash” for renewables, according to an influential House of Lords report. Consumers across Britain face an extra £80 a year on their energy bills as a result of the Government’s commitment to source 15% of the UK’s power from renewables by 2020. In Scotland, the target is higher, with ministers pledging to source 50% of the country’s electricity from renewables by that year.
Scotland on Sunday 30th Nov 2008 more >>
South Asia
FEARS that the carnage in Mumbai could spark a regional conflict between nuclear powers India and Pakistan has led to frantic diplomatic efforts to cool the temperature and ratchet back the rhetoric.
Scotland on Sunday 30th Nov 2008 more >>
Iran
A COMPUTER expert has been executed in Iran after he confessed to working for Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service. This provides a rare insight into the intense espionage activity inside the Islamic republic. “The intelligence war is a crucial part of our efforts to delay Iran’s nuclear programme,” an Israeli defence source said. “I wish our intelligence capabilities were sufficient to set it back, but this is by no means certain.”
Sunday Times 30th Nov 2008 more >>
