Written by Rod Adams
Published on June 23rd, 2008
On June 22, 2008, Gordon Brown, the UK Prime Minister, spoke to a crowd that included the representatives of 27 oil producing countries. His primary message was that the current price of oil was not sustainable since it was high enough to cause economic hardships and a move to alternative energy sources. He was careful to point out that the alternatives to oil included nuclear power and that his country was making preparations to enable a large scale nuclear development program.
He also mentioned that at least 15 of his fellow European Union states were considering new nuclear power developments.
“Our commitment to the biggest expansion of nuclear power in Europe is now clear and definitive,” Brown said in his speech. “Fifteen of 27 European countries are now engaged in nuclear power.”
Oil ministers have a longer and deeper memory of energy related history than most casual observers; it is in their professional interest. During the 1970s, a number of nations, including France, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea made a strategic decision to replace oil burning power plants with nuclear fission reactors.
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Written by Timothy B. Hurst
Published on June 23rd, 2008
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Climate Change Ideas for On Day One-part II]
Today begins a week-long panel event I am participating in sponsored by grist.org and UN Dispatch. One new environmentally-themed idea will be covered each day with the panelists weighing-in with their thoughts to kick things off. Readers are then invited to engage and discuss the topic, with the goal being to help shape the environmental agenda of the incoming president. I strongly encourage and invite your participation in this important event because it should definitely spark some quality political discussion.
From grist.org and UN Dispatch:
“This week marks the twentieth anniversary of NASA Scientist James Hansen’s groundbreaking Congressional testimony on global warming, an event that put climate change squarely on the political agenda. In honor of the anniversary, UN Dispatch, On Day One, and Grist are partnering to discuss ideas the next president can adopt to take on climate change. We are joined by a panel of experts who will weigh in on ideas submitted to On Day One by everyday users concerned about the climate crisis.
Our first idea comes from On Day One user wise old owl, who suggests we decentralize energy production…
Grist writers Kate Sheppard and David Roberts; President of Climate Advisers Nigel Purvis; and Timothy B. Hurst of Red, Green and Blue and EcoPolitology, each respond here.”
More posts about setting the environmental agenda:
“Want to Help Set the Agenda for the Next President?”
“Help Set the Environmental Agenda for the 44th President”
Photo: dougww via flickr under a Creative Commons License
