Industry Exhales

Ern is, perhaps, identifying a little too closely with his industry interests. He's not alone.
The US EPA paves the way for significant legislation by deciding that CO2 is hazardous to human health and well being, whilst The Uk gov't promises a massive investment in CCS infrastructure, whether it exists or not.

Ice and water continue to make the news

Drinking for England

The director of WWF Scotland - Dr Richard Dixon - has suggested that energy wastage should be regarded in the same anti-social light as drink-driving, and should be punishable under the law.

We are invited to stop passing the buck, seeing as it is easier to regulate one person who consumes a thousand watts, than a thousand people who consume one each.

Elsewhere - NCAR research suggests that we are not quite toasted yet, and Cuba and Rwanda are allowed some lifelines.

More troubling interference (from the charity commission this time) in the affairs of activists; this one an instance that will be easily dismissed by the press and much of the public, as it involves the exasperating George Galloway.

Still nothing to fear....

Another repost (plain lazy, me) to celebrate the Guardian's uncovering of what everybody already knew - that the police keep information about anybody and everybody who pops their head up to exercise their democratic rights. They maintain an extensive database of personal details. Its all terribly selective and contains only absolutely everything they can get on absolutely everybody. Far be it from me to suggest that they do this in an effort to intimidate the citizenry into accepting whatever comes their way.

We've - got - a - file - on - YOU!

A Fair C.O.P.

It might sound like Rex Tillerson is making a significant concession in recognising the reality of anthropogenic global warming and his industry's part in it. but, in the build up to Copenhagen, in the middle of a financial meltdown, Exxon seem to be seizing the initiative by putting their weight behind carbon taxation and against international regulation. That way they can stall meaningful action untill the public rebel and elect another bunch of redneck half-wits. Or am I being cynical?

That's not to say that Throbgoblins International are opposed to the idea of carbon taxation. Those pesky externals certainly do need internalising. But a toolbox that contains only hammers is no bloody use to anyone.

For those unfamiliar with the reference . it is to the story of Sweeny Todd - the Demon Barber of Fleet Street - who killed his customers so that his mistress could turn them into pies.

Nothing to fear

The government sneaks through extra measures to allow random apparatchicks to rifle through your sock drawer and pass choice nuggets on at their own discretion. They also backed away from the promised reversal of the laughable ban on protest within earshot of parliament

There is a fair wind and some good shit.

Dead man's chest

"War-torn" is such a compact description, isn't it. It leaves out the economics and the politics and the machinations of great powers, and concentrates on the trauma in the here and now, as though it had sprung fully formed upon an innocent world.
So we watch the seizing of an oil tanker by desperate men from a failed state - whose climate and conditions get crueller by the year - and we imagine that it is not a portent of things to come, but an abberation in an otherwise purposeful, perfectable world. We choose not to look down the path from whence this monster came.

One of many links from today's extensive coverage, and another one not so well covered, and another BIG ONE - not for the feint hearted

Monsieur McCudgeon is sporting this year's must-have look - pirate chic. I think it suits him

Status Quo

We are being warned of the threat posed by eco-terrorists, including - so it seems - the Kingsnorth climate campers. In an obvious attempt to head off the idea that direct action is legitimate - as was lawfully upheld in the case of the Kingsnorth six - the "security" forces seek to frighten would-be activists with the accusation of terrorism. This looks like the worst kind of cold war nonsense. I remember the tabloid stories about Spetznatz commandos at the Greenham Common Peace camp, which gave us all a good laugh and may even have fooled the odd half-mad ex-colonel or knuckle dragging flag-waver. This seems pure politics of the 40 minute WMD variety. I wonder where they actually draw the line that separates the extremist from the good compliant citizen. Only following orders, guv!

What might they make of the wild extremism of the Manchester Climate Fortnightly? It's out today. See for yourself. Be careful. You might make a difference.
Also out is the inaugural New Earth Rising from EI.

Meanwhile...we are offered nuclear sheds and genetically modified bees as General Motors threatens to go tits-up and we kill some mockingbirds

Lawful Excuse

Climate change protest upheld as lawful in court and campaigners aquitted. Well done to all concerned. Good work. Let's hope the precedent sticks, and no one gets silly.