Agreement has just been reached by UN International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) delegates, a grouping of climate science experts, regarding the best ways to mitigate climate change [more | news search]. Importantly, the main conclusion is that the world has what it takes to fight climate change and that such climate mitigation policies are affordable [more | more2]. This Working Group III Report “Mitigation of Climate Change” [official summary] is the third segment of a larger IPCC report. The first concluded global warming is almost certainly human caused and the second warned of the consequences already occurring and yet to come such as massive human death and disease, droughts, floods, and storms. The new climate mitigation [search] report proposes limiting concentrations of greenhouse gases to between 445 parts per million and (gulp!) 650 parts per million (we are at 380 now). China replaced the US as the primary obstructionist, fearing the lower end target would harm its booming economy, yet it appears scientific recommendations emerged largely unscathed by government representatives. Key recommendations for stopping the rise in carbon dioxide levels include not waiting for new technologies but proceeding with the tools and policies we have now. Available policies that it is suggested must be intensified include shifts away from coal, embracing energy efficiency, reducing deforestation, fuel taxes, strengthen Kyoto’s binding emission limits, and advances in solar and other renewable technologies. Climate Ark has been advocating these policies for years.There are concerns in the report as well — an emphasis upon nuclear energy, biofuels and little mention of ancient forest logging. Yet, in balance it is refreshing the report focuses upon real ways to reduce emissions now rather than pie in the sky technology for later.

Posted by Page (in Amsterdam)

It’s something that’s almost too awful to contemplate: the disappearance of all of the great whales, species by species. What’s truly terrible – and what everyone must realize – is that an ocean devoid of whale songs means an ocean with massive ecological gaps.

Continue reading A deadly silence…

Men of courage such as Prince Charles have called for a rapid response to climate change akin to fighting WWII, George Monbiot continues to show through methodical research that dramatic emission cuts are the only way forward, and lesser men such as myself have pointed out the need for serious structural changes in how society is organized to fight climate change; including population controls, carbon taxes, a ban on coal, an end to ancient rainforest logging [alert] and rapid, ambitious renewable targets, if we and the Earth are to survive. Forget about geoengineering proposals including seeding the ocean with iron (plankton blooms = ocean dead zones), orbiting Earth mirrors to reflect radiation, and distant plans to filter and sequester carbon from coal and the atmosphere. Doing so will lead to severe negative and chaotic follow-on effects, and distracts from the obvious – climate change is caused by greenhouse gas emissions and it will only be successfully addressed by starting to dramatically reduce these emissions now. In addition to the Chinese and American governments, and the UN IPCC process; individuals such as Laurie David, Leonardo DiCaprio, Richard Branson and even Al Gore who sell easy, painless chimerical solutions are full of it. Climate change and the whole raft of attendant global ecological emergencies will only be solved through extreme personal sacrifice and learned voluntary simplicity, and major societal restructuring of economics, agriculture, transport and others. Those looking for easy answers that allow continued profligate energy consumption and living large are delaying the hard choices necessary to save being. Cimate change incrementalists do a disservice to truth and the Earth.

All of the predicted catastrophic consequences of climate change are happening already, though not yet ramped up to their full potential for death and destruction. We are already witnessing the world’s first climate change war in Darfur, Sudan [more | more2]; and the first continental scale emergency in Australia’s “big dry” drought. It has been suggested that the real root of the Darfur conflict is ferocious drought and famine that since mid-1980s transformed Sudan and the whole Horn of Africa, diminishing rainfall in northern Darfur by 40 percent and turning farmers and pastoralists into competitors for land and water. “Those who were prepared to kill, rape and pillage were drawn from the ranks of the desperate, ripped from their traditional way of life by a catastrophic change in the weather.. there is the very real prospect it [climate change] will lead to more conflicts like Darfur, as groups who have coexisted until now begin to feel a sense of urgency over the diminishing resources of water and land.” Not even the developed world is immune to climate change havoc, as Australia undergoes one of the most intensive droughts [search] in its history. As major rivers run dry, freshwater stocks are so low that irrigation of the nation’s largest food growing area may be halted soon. What is clear in both instances is that climate change threatens core human needs. Even as we grapple as a species with learning to reduce our emissions and live in balance with Gaia, you might as well fasten your safety belt and expect continued “extreme water events“.

by Kontau in Beijing.

I was standing behind the stage when Imogen Heap, Nadirah X, Greenpeace guitarists and Chinese rock musicians joined together to perform the song “Go Green”. Thousands of young people were waving their hands with the peace sign, and singing along the chorus “Go green, Greenpeace!” This was truly the most memorable moment of my Greenpeace life.

Continue reading When Greenpeace rocks Beijing…

TAKE ACTION: Tell the World Bank, WWF and Greenpeace to stop aiding and abetting failed “sustainable” and “certified” forest management for the Congo Basin, and instead commit to End Ancient Rainforest Logging

Africa’s Congo Basin [search] contains the world’s second largest rainforest; a haven for vital global biodiversity and ecosystem services, and a safeguard against runaway global warming. This locally, regionally and globally critical ecological system is being devastated by illegal logging. Sadly, many organizations trusted by their members and funders to protect ancient rainforests continue to emphasize “improved forest governance”, “sustainable forest management” and “forest certification” after decades of failure to reform industrial logging. Requirements for global ecological sustainability and socially just, equitable sustainable development dictate that the Earth’s entire remaining large, contiguous rainforests are protected from any further industrial development. Sadly, this will require confronting the global ancient forest logging apologist industry. The ultimate aim of Ecological Internet’s “End Ancient Forest Logging” campaign is to get the World Bank, other donors and mainstream conservation bureaucracies completely out of the business of supporting industrial ancient forest logging. Let Congo rainforest stakeholders know you demand a future for the Congo that is free of industrial rainforest clearance. And put the World Bank, WWF and Greenpeace on notice that their forest conservation policies are opposed and will be exposed and stopped.

Filed under: Etc., GM

Click image for photo gallery

GM unveiled the all-new, Suzuki Swift-based Opel/Vauxhall Agila city car today, and we like what we see. The 5-door hatch is a very stylish little city car that’ll arrive next spring with a choice of three powertrain options. A 65-horsepower 1.0-liter 3-cylinder and a 1.2L four-banger with 82 horses are the gasoline-powered choices. The 1.0 gets a 5-speed manual, while the 1.2 will offer an available automatic transmission. The third engine is a 1.3L diesel with particulate filter that’s good for 75 horsepower and 140 pounds of torque. CO² emissions will range from 120g/km to 140g/km depending on powertrain selection.

The attractive exterior lines are complemented by a colorful, clean interior that will allow the driver to haul up to 4 friends or up to 40 cubic feet of cargo (the latter if the rear seat is flipped down). The official unveiling will come in Frankfurt this September, and sales will commence next spring. The Agila will have some company, too. According to the British website 4Car, it will be sold as the Chevy Beat (replacing the current Chevy/Daewoo Matiz). That’s not it, either. Suzuki will also offer it (no surprise) as the Splash, which will be built in Hungary. We’ll have more on the Splash later today. The news that it’s apparently going to be sold as the Chevy Beat in Europe has us crossing our fingers in the hopes that it will make the trip across the Atlantic, too. After all, one of the minicar concepts GM is testing the waters here with is also called the Beat.

Press releases from Opel and Vauxhall are pasted after the jump.

[Source: GM]

PRESS RELEASE (OPEL):
Flex in the City: The New Opel Agila Generation

Urban mini-monocab balances versatility with stylish design

Rüsselsheim. When it comes to the lifestyle of active women today, the watchword is balance. Job, fitness, shopping, meeting friends and getting around – a car makes everything easier to manage, and preferably one that is as versatile as its owner. This is precisely what designers and engineers had in mind when developing the latest generation Opel Agila. The result is a stylish urban car which is compact and maneuverable for tight parking spaces, yet boasts an interior that is spacious enough even for bulky sport and hobby gear. It also has enough seats to ensure comfort for family and friends.

Even with its compact length of 3.74 meters, the new Agila offers room for five occupants and provides them with easy entry through the four doors. The quality of the materials, a fresh interior and exterior color collection, versatile storage compartments and ample headroom project a feel-good ambience right from the word go. The enjoyable driving experience is enhanced by details such as the separate rev counter on the instrument panel, high placed gear stick and remote controls on the steering wheel for the radio. The high seating position makes getting into and out of the Agila easier and ensures good visibility even in heavy urban traffic. The rear seat backs can be folded down at a flick of the wrist to create a completely flat load floor, with a compartment beneath providing additional storage space. In total, the Agila has a luggage capacity of more than 1100 liters accessible through its large trunk lid – the top figure in this segment. The new Agila also comes with a safety package comprising four airbags, as well as optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and head curtain airbags.

New engines with up to 86 hp (two lively gasoline engines and a top-of-the-line common-rail diesel for high pulling power) combine performance with low emissions. As an alternative to the standard manual transmission, an automatic gearbox is also available – a distinctive feature in this class. The second-generation Opel Agila makes its world premiere at the IAA in Frankfurt (September 13 – 23, 2007) and will be available at dealerships as of next spring.

Opinions on new Agila

Hans Demant, Opel Managing Director: “The new Agila cuts a fine figure in all situations. Its agile chassis and lively engines make it fun to drive – with low consumption and CO2 levels.”

Belinda Müller, Designer: “The boring days are over. Who says a nimble urban car can’t also look cool? A wide selection of fresh colors and bold styles create an ambience that’s enhanced even more by the spacious headroom.”

Sara Nicholson, Opel European Marketing Manager: “The Agila, the new Baby-Opel, is a clever package of fun and versatility for the girl about town.”

Characteristics of new Agila:

* Design: Modern five-door urban mini-monocab with flowing lines, dynamic roofline, typical friendly Opel face and design, balanced proportions (length/width/height: 3.74/1.68/1.59 m) despite compact dimensions

* Interior: Versatile five-seater, high seating position provides good visibility, high placed gear stick in center console, large distinctive round instrument, rev counter in separate housing, fresh colors including orange and blue for fabrics, center console and instrument panel edging, height-adjustable steering wheel with remote controls, height-adjustable front seats, numerous compartments, 60:40 split fold-down rear bench seat, flat load floor with additional storage compartment beneath

* Chassis: Newly developed chassis for agile handling, front axle mounted to subframe, semi-independent rear suspension, large wheels up to 15-inch

* Engines: Two new lively gasoline units (1.0 l/65 hp with five-speed manual transmission, 1.2 l/86 hp also available with automatic gearbox), one economical and powerful common-rail direct-injection diesel unit (1.3 l/75 hp, 190 Nm), available with diesel particulate filter

* Safety: Front and side airbags, driver safety belt warning signal and front passenger airbag can be deactivated as standard, also available: head curtain airbags and ESP

###

PRESS RELEASE (VAUXHALL)
FLEX IN THE CITY: THE NEW AGILA

* All-new Agila with stylish looks inside and out
* Five door and five seats as standard
* Diesel and auto versions offered for first time

Small is beautiful; especially for drivers who live, work or play in the city. But while the ideal urban runaround needs to be compact in order to slot into the urban landscape, a tiny interior might put the squeeze on your social life.

Which is why the new Agila is set to be hot in the city. Set for a launch in spring 2008, Vauxhall’s new baby is small enough to be manoeuvrable in tight parking spaces yet will offer the flexibility of five doors and five seats as standard. There’s enough luggage space to embarrass cars in the class above too, providing plenty of room for the busiest of lifestyles.

It’s not only the space which will rival bigger, more expensive models. Buyers no longer expect small cars to be budget cars, and the new Agila’s styling and interior quality mean it could be considered a fashion accessory in the same way as a pair of trainers, a handbag or an iPod.

The clever design allows for plenty of storage spaces inside and the tall roofline provides an airy, spacious feel. It also allows a high seating position, making it easy to get in and out of the Agila and ensure good visibility even in heavy urban traffic.

For those occasions when owners need to carry furniture rather than friends, the rear seat backs can be folded down to create a completely flat load floor. In total the new Agila has a luggage capacity of 1150 litres – the best in this sector.

To complement the dynamic looks and all-new chassis, the Agila will offer three new engines and an automatic gearbox will be available for the first time. The two petrol units are expected to be the top sellers; a 1.0-litre three-cylinder with 65PS and a
1.2-litre four-cylinder with 86PS. The larger unit is available with an automatic gearbox, an option which is expected to be popular with urban dwellers.

For anyone with an eye on economy and the environment though, the new diesel is expected to be the top choice. The 1.3-litre CDTi, as seen in the Corsa, offers 75PS and exceptional performance while sipping fuel.

To prove that small can also be safe, the new Agila comes with a safety package comprising four airbags, as well as an optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

New Agila will make its debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September and will arrive in the UK early next year. Prices and full specifications will be revealed nearer the launch.

 

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Editor's note: In the newest edition of Red, Green and Blue, writers Jimmy Hogan and Shirley Siluk Gregory take a look at the "big issue" of environmentalism vs. humanitarianism.

Jimmy: I was thinking the other day, and it struck me that I don’t have a very well-formed stand on the distinction between environmental and humanistic issues. Is there a point where being green comes at the expense of human welfare?

The statement seems a contradiction, but in the future, as in the past, we will discuss and debate issues relating to this fundamental choice. Is it morally wrong to use food-stuff like corn and soy in biofuels while other people around the world are starving? Do our lofty environmental goals sometimes have negative unintended consequences?

Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring sparked a major environmental movement, but at the same time has contributed to increasing malaria deaths in the developing world because many countries cannot afford the more expensive alternatives to DDT. I really don’t know the answer to this question. Sometimes population concerns meet human concerns, and it’s likely many (including myself) will be surprised where I stand on the matter.

Have you considered this balance before? In the spirit of open discussion and debate my challenge today is to ask our readers to contribute their thoughts on the matter in the comments thread below and to see where there is common ground and where society needs work.

Filed under: MPG, Ford

Smaller cars can save users money at the pump, but for Ford, the upcoming global B-car program is also a cost saver for the company. According to Automotive New Europe (subs req’d) Ford Motor expects to maybe 30 percent over the cost of developing stand-alone vehicles for regional markets. One of the main reasons is that somewhere between 70 percent and 85 percent of the parts and design (as measured by value), will be the same across all the vehicles, according to Ford officials AN’s Amy Wilson spoke to. As we’ve mentioned before, this global program is developing the 2008 Ford Fiesta for Europe and North American and Asian versions following soon thereafter. It’s expected the program will produce over one million vehicles by 2011.

Related:

• Small cars to be big part of Ford comeback
• Ford merges B-Car teams into one global team out of Europe

[Source: Amy Wilson, Automotive News Europe]

 

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.