The Big Ask Climate Debate comments_1928 April 2008
I work in the NHS and the amount of resources I see thrown away every day is beyond description. When I asked what was being done I was told there is a Waste Awareness group tackling it. I see no evidence of this at all. I think Mr Blair is well-placed to do something about this, please. Oh and by the way, my supermarket only sells two types of energy-efficient light bulbs, compared with twenty-plus of the old kind.
Helen Smith
With the ever growing shortage of electricity and the demand in cheap housing, why not create a code of conduct where by any new developments must not only have the suitable insulation and double glazing (therefore reducing the cost of heating), but have electricity producing solar panels fitted? If all new council estate had these installed this would help reduce the countries need for importing electricity. This idea also could be used for any new schools or public buildings built in the next 3 years. Although simple and costly idea in the early stages, I am sure the electricity produced would cover the initial costs. I am 22, yet over my short life I have seen the drastic effects of global warming in the ever changing British countryside. What ever the Government decides to do, we need to do it fast.
Emily Johns
Living in a post fossil fuel world will mean a change of attitude and lifestyle on a broad scale. The majority of the climate damaging habits of modern society are due to ignorance rather than intent, therefore the way forward must be through education. Surely the place to start is in Primary schools. Environmental studies should be a part of the national curriculum,so the future adults of our world are aware of he implications of their actions right from the start.
Nicholas Vowles
1. Ban sale of high consumption cars
2. Ban poly bottles over 500ml for drinks
3. Raise age limit for car drivers
4. Scrap vat on solar heating, wind turbines, low energy bulbs
5. Increase minimum requirements for house & factory insulation.
Peter Johnston
Hi Mr. Blair and Mr. Juniper ! I wish to create a single non-for-profit network that brings many existing endeavours, capabilities, and subject areas actually, and/or figuratively together AND to create a linked pleasant/calming and physical national infrastructure at local and regional levels throughout the UK, that everyone can go to with regards to to address and learn about most issues from their own experience, including Climate Change adaptation, survival, and impact reduction; Genuine Sustainability and Living Skills; Environmental and Nature awareness and reduced impacts; Natural Good Health; Finding one's vocation; Personal and Social relations and confidence; Business practice; Poverty; Immigration; Cultural issues; The bringing together of Religions and dissolving of religious tensions, etc... It would be of interest, and value, to hear your views on this proposal, in the general terms in which is is hereby communicated. Very Best Wishes
Christopher McCoy
Why cannot Tony Blair and Gordon Brown (whose brother Andrew is on board the French nuclear power industry) be leaders for the public interest instead of lobbyists for the criminal irresponsibility of fission energy's poisoning the planet and sourcing the spread of weapons grade material for nuclear warfare? Why can't the radioactivists admit that this is a failed technology that has no future but to endanger the future of human life? Why cannot they ditch this dud investment and dead-end job, before it ditches them and us? After all, it will do nothing against global warming in the short term and underfunded renewable energy research has as much potential as human ingenuity can bring to it.
Richard Lung
I have already advanced this idea in a private with politicians. However, I think the time has come to raise its profile. We know to a first order iteration how much CO2 we can absorb. We know the population of the planet. We are therefore in a position to offer personal carbon credits for every person on earth. The credits are used in the same way as any othe bank account and when the individual's carbon account is empty that individual has the choice of stopping activities that release (ie consume carbon in any form) or purchasing further carbon credits from individuals who have not used their monthly allocation. Those for example who wish to travel long distances by car or plane may eventually have to purchase credits using normal currency from those who do not consume their full cedit allowance on a month by month basis. Of course there is the fine detail of carbon credit managment that needs some attention but for developed nations - the biggest consumers (releasers) of carbon, all that it would require is a monthly allocation to a 'carbon' bank account that would be spent using the same banker's card - but with a second data set, as people use now - or something like a 'carbon' Nectar card. For third world nations the individual credits would be held by the UN or a similar international body and accounted for on their behalf until they are in a position to take over self-management. As the Third World is likely to be in carbon credit for some time, trading their carbon credits on the open market will provide them with a legitimate, non-charitable, increase in national/individual wealth. Because they will be aware of the need to make best value of their carbon credits they will also be stimulated to adopt BATNEEC carbon consumption technologies ab initio. The ready market for these technologies in developing nations will stimulate developed nations to produce them. As carbon credits will be gained pro rata for adopting technologies that increase the planet's carbon removal capability the carbon credit system will encourage retention and expansion of major forests etc. Some men say 'why?' Some men say 'why not?'
John Swainson
I understand there are building methods in use in Germany that mean a house is designed to make the most of natural heat from the sun for example by strategic use of windows. There is little need for heating I believe with these designs.Why is it not compulsory to incorporate this kind of design in to new builds in this country? I can't see that expense (if there is any additional) would outweigh the benefits of dramatically reduced fuel consumption and lower energy bills. It seems like perfect common sense to me and I want to know why these methods have not been implemented before?
Liz Davies
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