Green Herrings

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Green Herrings

25 Jan 2009

Oliver Tickell begins the seminar by arguing that Climate Change can, and is most effectively, tackled through proper, effective, and strict international measures adopted by governments. He indicates that the reason why Climate Change has not been dealt with productively is because of the lack of agreement and co-operation on an international basis, for example the failures of both the Kyoto Protocol and the carbon market. Political pressure and campaigning, he declares, will overcome these 'green herrings'.

Disagreeing, Tony Juniper thinks that all action, from recycling to changing light bulbs, will be effective. For Tony Juniper, the motivation must come from below; a "change in culture". This new determination will force the politicians to act, and result in a change of society for a better, cleaner and safer environment. Each individual counts.

The panel then answer questions about carbon offsets, the impact on the economy, and the development of better technology. Carbon offsets - however unreliable - are currently one of the only methods allowing a carbon neutral balance, yet alternative areas of research must be explored by private companies to allow the public other means of control over their carbon emissions.

The point is raised that the government can no longer deny the need for better technology; without it, tackling Climate Change is not possible. One area of development which needs to be invested in is alternative fuels, as well as improvements in infrastructure.

The discussion ends with the predominant question: what can we do as individuals? As Tony Juniper stresses, this is the main feature in the battle against Climate Change, and we must incorporate this growing concern within our society as a warning for future generations.