Oxfordshire Climate Action Update: August-September 2010

Latest climate change news and resources...

News

Energy Bill:  environmental performance standards for coal-fired power stations apparently won't be in the new Energy Bill.  This means 'dirty' coal plants could get the go-ahead.  Internet campaigning group 38 Degrees is asking supporters to send a message protesting this decision to their MP.

Don't Waste Your Ideas: Oxfordshire Waste Partnership are consulting on their draft Waste Prevention Strategy 2010-2020.  A copy of the draft Waste Prevention Strategy for consultation can be found on the link below with a questionnaire through which you can give your views until 24 September: http://myconsultations.oxfordshire.gov.uk/inovem/consult.ti/system/calendar

Poll Suggests the Public Still Have Faith in Climate Science:  Research by the University of Cardiff suggests that despite a gaggle of controversies around climate science over the winter of 2009/10, the British public is overwhelmingly (71%) of the opinion that climate change is a matter of concern.  Full report at: http://www.understanding-risk.org/

Why Has Extreme Weather Failed to Heat Up the Climate Debate?http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/cif-green/2010/aug/18/extreme-weather-climate-debate

Commonwealth Climate Challenge 12/12/12/12: Greenhouse- A Commonwealth Climate Challenge gives 12 households in in each of the 12 cities in 12 countries across the Commonwealth 12 months to reduce their environmental impact.  Oxford is representing the UK.

The Environmental Change Institute is managing the UK part of the CCC and are working together with Low Carbon North Oxford http://www.lcon.org.uk/.  If you live in the OX2 area and would like to be one of the partcipating households please complete the application form here and return to Brenda Boardman (brenda.boardman@ouce.ox.ac.uk by 12 September 2010. 

Resources

Report- The Future is Local: The Sustainable Development Commission has finalised an in-depth study into improving the sustainability of existing neighbourhoods: The Future is Local- Empowering Communities to Improve Their Neighbourhoods

New DVD- FUEL: Josh Tickell's stirring, radical and multi-award winning FUEL may be known by some as the 'little energy documentary' but in truth its a powerful portrait of America's overwhelming addiction to, and reliance on, oil. http://www.thefuelfilm.com/

OXCAR has launched its new website!: Lots of information to help people understand the car club, see the costs, think about how it might work for you. Find and 'meet' all the Oxford cars. http://www.oxcar.org.uk/

Thanks to ClimateX for the information