Leila's blog

Mon, Jun 23, 2008

Rolling in clover

I am currently wondering how an intelligent person can come to the conclusion that low carbon food is anything other than local and organic. Th comment that we needed to move to a low carbon food chain was made on today's You and Yours on Radio 4. To anyone with even the slightest grasp of food and farming it is self evident that the lowest carbon option is food that needs the least transportation (i.e. local) and the least carbon inputs (i.e. organic). Organic food uses very little carbon in its production compared to industrial farming - no high carbon based fertilisers and pesticides, higher biodiversity on farm means a greater uptake of carbon by the land, healthier soil keeps in carbon and stores it away. I could go on. It may be more extensive so you get less food per acre, but that doesn't increase it's carbon use. Surely, given that we throw away between 1/3rd and 1/2 of all food bought in the UK we don't need to produce more but landfill less.

Today I also launch my Clover Events website. I recently moved into event organising on a paid basis after many years of doing so as a volunteer. If you are interested you can check out our website here.

Mon, Jun 16, 2008

Weapons of torture

Tomorrow the ‘ Justice for Colombia ’ campaign will be launching a photographic exhibition in the Welsh Assembly building at 12pm. The photos are of individuals who are in danger in Colombia – mainly trade unionists and human rights activists – as well as others such as political prisoners and victims of human rights abuses. This is an excellent campaign whose aims are not only to highlight abuse but also promote peace, so if you are in the area drop by to show your support.

Although not nearly on the same level as Columbia, there has been worrying news for those of us who live under an RAF tactical training area - a Harrier crashed today nearly hitting houses, endangering residents as well as the pilot. These events do not give me any trust that the planes that scream overhead at god-knows how many miles per hour won't crash. Apparently they are reliant on the latest technology and capable of amazing feats.... well I'll sleep soundly knowing that the latest technology never goes wrong. Furthermore, these angels of death disrupt sleep, my children's lessons in school, quiet days in the garden, and somehow manage to send our answerphone wild. The disturbance to daily life throughout the summer is particularly difficult for someone like me who finds the whole existence of these planes an anathema. They are at variance with that needed to bring the stability and security so desperately desired - peace, reconciliation, and hope. I may be being overly Buddhist here, but we can choose not to fight.

Fri, Jun 13, 2008

May you live in interesting times

My respect for David Davis soared yesterday. A politician taking a principled stance, putting their career (and livelihood) at risk to do so. The criticism levelled at him in the media seems unjustified, as if there is no belief that to take a stance can be anything other than a cynical move. Without giving my backing to the Conservative Party as a whole I do extend my personal good wishes to him in the by-election. Shame on the Labour Party that they are looking unlikely to contest the seat, either out of fear or malice. If their stance on 42 day detention is correct they should be willing to publicly defend this and make the argument to the people, the public, who will be at the mercy of the legislation. London Green MEP and member of Liberty's board also criticised the government, saying "Counter-terror powers are already more than sufficient and the counter-terrorism bill as it stands does more to endanger than to enhance public safety."

Also on my radar is the report on the BBC which finally recognises something those of us in Wales and Scotland have known for years - that the Welsh Assembly and Scottish Parliament fail to get the coverage they deserve. As a dedicated radio 4 fan and being without television I have to concur and point out that the problem will not be solved by different news bulletins on the telly alone. The BBC and other broadcasters have to move away from the view that these are irrelevant because they aren't in London and recognise many of their listeners and viewers are not based in the city or tied to the financial institutions there. Space for coverage of all the parliaments (including Europe) and the Welsh Assembly needs to be incorporated into all the mainstream news, even if it is just a line or two, so that a UK broadcaster gives UK coverage.

And finally worried about emergency measures for terrorism? Worried about fuel supplies? No need - the government has combined the two in one easy set of 'draconian laws' to ensure we all (well the police and armed services at least) can keep moving.

Wed, Jun 11, 2008

Survival of the footist

It can be hard in times like these not to say 'we told you what would happen' and to feel smug. However, when it comes to peak oil and climate change the outcomes are so severe that not only is this not nice, it is very unhelpful. So, why do I believe that the message about climate change is coming home? Recent news that there is famine in the horn of Africa from failed crops last year caused by drought; todays news that corn prices have rocketed due to unseasonal storms in the USA ruining large areas of crop; shortages worldwide of rice and wheat as well. Food prices are also increasing in response to rising fuel costs and the diversion of cereal crops into biofuels.
When a system is based around the ability to transfer vast quantities of goods thousands of miles due to a cheap energy source, a rise in the price of energy has a massive impact - first a rise in prices, then a reduction in movement of food, to a (hopeful) final solution of localised sourcing with national and international food transport as a last resort. Oil prices are rising now because for too long the price hasn't reflected its external impacts or scarcity. Now these become apparent the shock of rising prices is beginning to cause a slow but rising panic in the wider populace - as witnessed by the clutch of strikes. Yet the sun is shining and the veg are growing (well some of them) and there is a peace in my surroundings at odd with the news. Perhaps this is because I have the luxury of being able to weather the storm for the time being, because of my relative wealth in the world and the fortune that west Wales is fairly likely to get off lightly from rising temperatures.

So, what hope is there? That the need for a radical overhaul of economic and distributive system will become apparent to those with the ability to change it, and if not, that the preperations of small groups around the world will be sufficient to cope with the new conditions. Oh and the title - feet may soon be rediscovered as our best friends.

Sat, May 10, 2008

Do you take more than you give?

They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Being non religious this doesn't bother me, but as someone who wishes to juggle too many balls letting this blog drop off my radar occasionally does give me a twinge of guilt. I have been meaning to blog about India for a while because my reading stuff and on-line TV seems to have ended up being based around this country. I'll blame my book club in part - we have had both 'Midnights Children' and 'City of Joy' to read this year. City of Joy was the most recent; a beautiful story of generosity and unconditional love in the midst of unimaginable poverty and squalor in Calcutta's slums. Then there is Blood, Sweat and T-Shirts, a series being shown by the BBC, where fashion loving British youngsters are given a taster of the lives behind their clothes. If you haven't seen it yet, I'd recommend you catch the latest one on BBC iPlayer.
The need for loving and giving instead of taking from each other and the Earth is also the theme of my current bedside book, Satish Kumar's 'You Are, Therefore I Am'. The lesson of managing desire is one I, like so much of the world, could take on board sometimes. Satish uses conversations with inspirational people to advocate simplicity for both peace of mind and the future of the planet. This type of approach is sometimes ridiculed as a 'return to the middle ages', I suspect by those who believe that progress = consumption, whereas appropriate technology and localised economies can give a real quality of life to everyone. So, while absorbing these messages of hope the continuing tragic news from Burma puts my faith in humanity to the test. I have been following the story closely but fail to see a way out of the deadlock. Sadly it is the usual drivers of greed and power preventing basic provisions from those in dire need. Meanwhile in Britain, Brown's tax rise disguised as a tax cut is chewed over and various means of compensating the poor are discussed, although no one has suggested the obvious way of raising revenue - forget a stealth tax by removing the 10p rate just increase the top rate of tax. Yet, he won't do this and it won't be suggested because the rich have everyone running scared that they will take all their wealth overseas. When your rich, after all, what you really need is to keep hold of as much of (y)our money as possible.

Fri, May 02, 2008

Gordon, give up the day job

The results are in, or almost. I recieved 74 votes, about 9.5%, not bad and above the UK average for the Greens, but still quite a way to go. However, our two community councillors in Ceredigion comfortably kept their seats which is very good news. Ceredigion Council has had a shift towards no overall control with 5 Independants loosing their seats and Plaid getting 3 of them. However, it is unlikely that the administration will change as the Lib Dems and Independents may still be able to run the administration as Plaid haven't gained enough votes to take control. Meanwhile, nationally the Greens have done well with an overall gain of 5 seats, with our strongholds in Noriwch and Oxford continuing to make progress. So a long night, but my slight dissappointment is nothing compared to that of Labour!

Wed, Apr 30, 2008

Don't forget to vote

I have a lot of friends who won't be voting tomorrow out of principle. They are of the opinion that anarchic self rule is the only option for governance or that the current system is so corrupt / pointless that voting only acts to legitimise a system that is inherently flawed. However, as it is the system we live under and as no revolution is seriously brewing, voting for people who agree that it needs changing is a protest against that system and a mechanism for achieving change. Not voting doesn't make any sense to me; spoiling a ballot paper is a legitimate form of protest but a change to a more democratic system relies on removing power from those who wield it badly. By not voting those in power are able to say that people are happy with the status quo because the opposite isn't being clearly demonstrated; by not voting the UK's two party 'dictatorship' is upheld. Yet the very people who refuse to vote are the most likely to be active and concerned about human rights abuses in more obvious real dictatorships. We have a limited choice as to who makes the important decisions - to go to war or not, what to spend income tax on, to abide by or challenge international bodies, how to organise recycling collections - but it is a choice nonetheless. The elected body may be in charge of decisions momentous or mundane, but they are decisions made on the behalf of their electorate. A simple analogy is going to a restaurant and letting the strangers at the next table choose what you'll be eating. You wouldn't let that happen. So, please make that effort to go to the voting box as it is your hard won right to choose who is in charge.

For those of you who do vote, no matter who for, thank you.

Mon, Apr 28, 2008

Springing into action (uhm)

It seems that not a May goes by without an election to wear out shoe leather. When voters naturally complain that they only see politicians on their doorsteps when there is an election, it is worth remembering just how many thousands of people we are talking about here. It takes 2 hours for four people to knock on 500 doors if your lucky. Multiply that by your average constituency of 3 - 5 thousand and it is a lot of work. Meeting people is vitally important but most 'politicians' are just normal busy people who are involved because they hold a passionate belief that they way things are could be better. So they spend much of their spare time opposing planning applications, working with community groups, helping someone in difficulty with the council / meals on wheels etc. So, maybe it should be less of a surprise that we only spend every spare hour we have for 2 months of the year door knocking and leafleting.

Having said all that, we have been in luck with the weather. I have yet to get seriously rained on when out and about. The countryside round here is beyond beautiful at this time of year. The greenery seems to be fighting amongst itself to be the most abundant and luxurious, whilst the wildflowers riot on the verges and blossom appears like magic among the branches. It is the wake-up call, the bird song alarm that spring is here and the blanket of winter can be thrown aside to greet the new year. Where I work the children cannot get enough of just being outside tumbling in the grass and wallowing in the sunshine, no need for toys or props. Perhaps this is the real reason for elections in May - politicians are forced to spend their days surrounded by growth and transformation to inspire them.

Thu, Apr 17, 2008

More work, more money, more guilt.

This Saturday begin a journey that will change your life- take a holiday from consumption by joining in with InterNational Downshifting week. This simple concept puts into practical terms many green ideas. The premise is basic; the more you work, the more you spend, the less time you have with those you love and the less happy you are. So work less, earn less, enjoy life more. In fact this ties in well with a recent study that shows that people work more when they do not have as much sex as they like...because they are working so much. It's a triad that should inspire anyone to seriously consider earning less - more time, more sex, more happiness.

Sat, Apr 12, 2008

Tired feet

Since I last blogged I have been super busy with elections and work. I spent today traipsing the streets of Lampeter in support of our candidate Elly Foster, delivering leaflets and meeting people. Lampeter is such a beautiful town and has been the hub of transition town activity in Mid-Wales. For a small town it has a green feel to it, with two organic vegetable / health food shops as well as a wide selection of locally owned and run shops - not a clone town yet. However, the core of its vitality is now under threat; the Post Office has been moved to an out of town store and now the community owned swimming pool may close as a large chunk of its funding has been taken away. Meanwhile our current council is spending a whopping 12-15 million pounds on new offices on a flood plain. What a waste of local tax payers money.
If you live in one of the following places in Ceredigion you can vote Green in either your town or county elections on May 1st: Aberystwyth (North), Lampeter, Llanfair Clygodau, New Quay, and Ystwyth. Wales Green Party are also standing candidates in Cardiff, Swansea, Monmouthshire, Rhondda, and Torfaen.

It would be nice to field more candidates but as politics has become an insult to democracy it is harder to persuade people to stand. Local elections also face greater problem, there is little awareness amongst voters as to what the different tiers of government are responsible for. Furthermore, local government is also severely restricted in what it can do by numerous dictates from Westminster about how they can spend their money. If decentralisation is what Labour and the other large parties are in favour of, they have to be prepared to give spending rights along with responsibilities to councils. Despite this bind, greens have shown across the country what they can achieve at a local level, hopefully I will be elected in my own ward to prove it can be done in Wales too.

Tue, Mar 18, 2008

In with the old, out with the new, and whose asking the real questions about the economic crunch?

With the government push to build new homes, many of which are bound to further eat into this green and pleasant land, I was pleased to read this report by the Empty Homes Agency. Yes, they are partial, but they do demonstrate clearly the common sense of refurbishing and renewing existing buildings over building new ones. An existing building may need more work to make it energy efficient but it uses less energy to do this in most cases as it saves the embodied energy in the structure. They demonstrate that reusing empty homes could: "...make an initial saving of 35 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) per property by removing the need for the energy locked into new build materials and construction [therefore] over a 50-year period, this means there almost no difference in the average emissions of new compared with refurbished housing." Clearly, building new homes is popular with developers, builders and land owners as they get more money from this than refurbishment. Surely, if taxation were based on reflecting the outcome VAT on refurbishing materials should be dropped from 17.5% to 5%, as is suggested in the report.

What I find is that when we look at the world without a view dominated by a need to make money (like many property developers...) the ways forward become far less constrained. With our lives focused on a make and spend cycle the limits of the system are all too apparent. With markets crashing all around and fear being built into everyday lives as to the consequences of a depression, I am continually staggered that not one comment and analysis programme seems to be asking the fundamental questions. By this I don't mean what can the Chancellor / Bank of England / Opposition do but if the financial system is flawed. Given the coverage over the last 3 years of green everything the possibility of green economics is conspicuously absent. Are they afraid of giving air time to radical proposals. Why should we accept the inevitable ongoing future of multinationals, boom and bust, capitalism? I want to see debate on green taxes instead of VAT, nationalisation not privatisation and PFI, localising economies, the impact of personal carbon credits; but what I really want to see is the government held to account - are they considering them or not?

Sun, Mar 16, 2008

Llongyfarchiadau - Congratulations

I am not a sporty person, just ask my friends who have spent a fruitless two years trying to persuade me along to their netball games. However, in deference to my two sons wishes to watch the final of the Six Nations I spent this afternoon on the sofa and to my surprise found I was clenching my fist each time it looked like France would score. I was so pleased when Wales won. I might not understand the rules, I have no desire to start playing, and I have never supported a team before at anything but I think today I found that my heart was with Wales and regardless of blood I felt Welsh.

Thu, Mar 13, 2008

Labouring over the figures, but not facing up to the facts

I am disappointed with Alistair Darling's first Budget,he has climbed down on the planned 2p increase in fuel duty and the missed opportunity of a windfall tax on energy company profits to tackle fuel poverty. He has focused on Economic Growth over long term stability and happiness - simple measures like charging for plastic bags will not 'save the planet', especially when placed next to incentives for further exploration of North Sea oil and gas reserves and planned airport expansion. Altering the way the economy is structured by raising revenue from green taxation is possible and can be ring-fenced (hypothecated). This taxation should not be in addition but as a replacement for existing taxation. Reintroducing the 10p rate of income tax is one example of how green taxation needn't mean more taxation.

I also condemn the proposed Post Office closures. Whilst only 13 rural post offices have been earmarked for closure in Wales, this is 13 too many. These forced closures will be in addition to the steady decline in rural post offices across Wales. Living in a rural location myself I have seen two of my nearest post offices close, with a third, Llanilar, now on the condemned list. It is this loss of services and the jobs that go with them which turns thriving villages and hamlets into commuter country. When small shops, schools, and services are lost this increases the pressure on people living in the countryside to travel to meet their needs. This disadvantages those without their own vehicle and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. I am calling on the Welsh Assembly to give serious consideration into buying out these Post Offices like Essex county council is proposing to do. They argue that such a move would help ensure their survival and could revive rural areas. Candidates for Wales Green Party standing in the forthcoming council elections have promised to make support for local services and businesses one of their key priorities if elected.

What bothers me most is the inherent short-sightedness in politics in the UK - build coal powered stations today think about the emissions tomorrow; build on flood plains today, deal with the property damaged by flooding tomorrow; cut bus services today increase car duty tomorrow. Why they can't join the dots is beyond me, the sad thing is the consequences for the rest of us.

Mon, Mar 03, 2008

The pots are calling the kettles black

The hypocrisy of some people! It makes you mad doesn't it. At this moment I am writing in some fever at the coverage of the Russian elections. I am not in a position to comment on their validity or otherwise but the main criticism being levelled is the unfair media coverage given to the front runner. If that makes an election unfair then we haven't had fair elections in Britain in decades. The political coverage on our television and radio stations is dominated by a small elite, alternative political voices are rarely aired. Just look at Question Time and Any Questions, apparently having the Green Party on twice a year is balance. We are the fourth largest party (with elected members in the London Assembly, European Parliament, Scottish Parliament and 50 plus Councils) but get less coverage than the CBI. If elections are judged fairest when media coverage is equal, UK media outlets should give everyone their chance to have their voice heard clearly.

Sun, Mar 02, 2008

Freedom to grow

We had some friends over for lunch today. They home educate and we had an interesting discussion about the relative merits of different types of schooling. My eldest son and I are currently thinking hard about which secondary school he should attend - mainly Welsh or mainly English - no happy bilingual medium. T.ese type of choices highlight the obvious: that our current system doesn't work for some children. It is too rigid both in subjects taught and the school day as a whole. This rigidity is made a necessity by the demands of the National Curriculum, the poor adult:child ratio, and the increasing size of schools. My friends and I would both like to see greater availability of schools like Summerhill and Steiner / Montessori across the country with state funding. This would improve child / parent choice especially if it were put in place with flexi-schooling, support for the development of small schools and smaller class sizes. I think far more children would have a happier educational experience.

After we had fed and watered our guests we went out to enjoy the late afternoon sunshine and fresh air. In our now expanding veg garden we planted an early sowing of carrots and broad beans, whilst indoors we planted broccoli and salad. As you can tell I am feeling ambitious this year and am looking forward to saving on food miles with plenty of homegrown veg.

Sat, Feb 23, 2008

Hot and cold flushes

I was pleased to read about the Greens in Northern Ireland's call for the creation of a 'Climate Tsar'. They rightly point out that like much in politics it is easy to promise but far harder to deliver, and one way of holding these promises to account is by having a no-partisan person employed to oversee progress and encourage joined up thinking across departments. There is a school of thought that says that it is the electorates job to hold politicians to account for promises made. However there are two gaping flaws in this viewpoint:

1. The electorate can only make a decision on information given to them; when standing for election very few politicians will say 'I didn't fulfil my promises'
2. Elections occur periodically and when they do occur a whole range of items are being voted on. When there is something as dangerous and when the measures required may, in the short term, be very unpopular (look at the congestion charge) it is helpful to have someone with all the facts in a position where they can say 'it has to be done' and not risk loosing their job for doing so.

Finally, for those of you who have been following my amateur gardening efforts, I can report that I am taking an even bigger step. I have started a small garden at work, just in pots. We have sown various bulbs and some carrot and lettuce seeds and put them outside to grow - just when the nights have got cold enough to freeze (doh!).

Wed, Feb 20, 2008

Making sense of mental health

You may remember I first blogged about Legislative Competence Orders (LCOs) in September last year - the mechanism by which the Welsh Assembly can increase it's powers and make new laws, subject to Westminster approval. On Monday a new LCO was tabled by Jonathan Morgan AM. His LCO would make some urgently needed changes to mental health treatment in Wales - by giving patients a right to assessment and treatment in a therapeutic setting before compulsion becomes the only safe option, and; to receive independent advocacy.

Jonathan Morgan AM said: “Reform of mental health legislation is long overdue. I am proud to be the first Assembly Member to put forward proposals which could bring that about. One in four people will suffer from some form of mental health illness in their lifetime – while many people who end up being detained under the Mental Health Act are capable of assessment and treatment before the final step is taken.It is our duty to ensure the level of care we provide is appropriate, of a high standard, and treats patients with dignity and respect."
These are sentiments I am happy to agree with. Suffering from a mental illness still has a stigma attached making it harder for people to reach out for help, often at the early stages when intervention can be of most use. Given the tragic suicides occurring not just in Bridgend but across the country an overhaul of mental health services, including improved access and funding, is long overdue.

Mon, Feb 18, 2008

Seeds of change?

I am slowly recovering after an exhausting few days at conference (partly because I am now a partner in a Event Management business that runs them). Somehow I made it to a few things including an excellent panel with international speakers sharing their experiences on improving human rights. I also watched a film at conference called 'Money as Debt'. For those who don't know how money is literally created out of thin air and that this is driving environmental destruction I strongly suggest watching it. It also provides a fresh perspective on Northern Rock. As the film shows, because banks can lend money that doesn't exist to governments and therefore have a huge say over how our economy works, nationalising banks could be the a main way of regaining democratic control of the economy. Today's announcement is not ideal but it could be the UK's first tentative step on the road to sustainability.

It is nice to be back in Wales, with our fresh air and clear views of the night sky. I don't think I could ever move back to a city. The advantages of having shops on your doorstep seem small in comparison to the delight of eating your own, fresh, pollution and pesticide free, vegetables. As an alternative to the usual pap given for Valentines my husband received some packets of organic vegetable seeds, in the hope that we can build on the success of last years crops.

Fri, Feb 08, 2008

Leaders, leaders everywhere

In my first blog since my election as 'Leader' of Wales Green Party (honestly, I reluctantly stood and was overwhelmingly elected) I'm going to ask anyone who reads to do something even easier than changing their light bulbs to help make the world a little Greener.

I've borrowed this text from Avaaz: 'The outcome of the US election will affect the entire world, and every issue we campaign on. But will the next US president continue to be a major part of the problem, or change course? Global citizens may not be able to vote in the election, but we can still have a voice. Let's join together in signing the letter opposite (its main points - climate protection, human rights and peace not war - were decided in an on-line poll of Avaaz members). The letter will be published prominently in US newspapers and delivered to the leading presidential candidates, so add your support by following this link'.
Clearly I would be most pleased if all the citizens of the USA were to vote Green - and they are going to choose between 4 candidates in July, including former Congress woman Cynthia McKinney and film maker Jesse Johnson.

Finally, if you are going to be in the Reading area next week, we will be holding our national conference there in the Town Hall from the 14th-17th. Everyone is welcome, members and non-members alike, and entry is charged on a sliding scale according to income. With contributions from Martin Bell and delegations from Green Parties around the world it promises to be a really interesting event.

Wed, Dec 26, 2007

Merry Christmas

Nadolig Llawen

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas, Solstice or which ever festivities you may be celebrating to brighten these long winter nights. I was particularly pleased to hear in the Queen's and Pope's speeches that we should remember the poor, those in need, or at war. However, I had even greater pleasure to hear that Dr Rowan William's (Arch-Bishop of Canterbury) used his Christmas address to press home the need to stop plundering the planet and destroying its beauty. This tied in well with the final in the Planet Earth series on the BBC. Again the wonder and fragility of this precious home was shown. Let's hope that I won't be alone in my New Year's resolution to do more to preserve our future on this rare Earth

Thu, Dec 20, 2007

We Saved Our Sea, for now

I am in a cautiously optimistic mood following the news that Cardigan Bay is unlikely to see any exploration for oil and gas in the near future. Today the newly formed Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform released a draft environmental report that said not enough was known about the dolphins in the bay to grant licences. It states 'On account of uncertainties about the size, distribution and location of the resident population of bottlenose dolphins within the Cardigan Bay Natura 2000 site, this assessment does not presently support the granting of consent...This conclusion may be revisited once new data becomes available.' The assessment on Cardigan Bay concluded that lack of knowledge about the dolphins living there meant that it would be hard to put in place measures to avoid disturbing them. The only other bottlenose dolphin population in UK waters were not so lucky. The assessment for the Moray Firth was in favour of allowing licensing on the basis that the dolphins there were better studied and so measures could be made that would reduce the impact.
Naturally I am delighted that all out hard work appears to have paid off. However, this is still a draft assessment and it is possible they could overturn this decision. I am disappointed that rather than accept that oil and gas exploration causes environmental damage and contributes to climate change, they have halted plans for now due to lack of information. I won't celebrate until we have a firm NO to drilling, not just now but into the future.

So, before I crack out the champagne (if only I believed in decadence, or had the wealth to do so) I should explain my long absence from the blog. Holiday. New Job. Christmas. Will that do? Oh, and before you worry too much about your Christmas overspend, spare a thought for the Chancellor. The UK's deficit is the highest its been since, um, just before the last recession. Maybe we should start hoping for a Christmas in the black before we dream of a white one. Sorry, I forgot, white Christmas's really are becoming a fantasy with that lovely climate change to warm us all up. (I know it's all a bit gloomy but we're not used to winning)

Fri, Nov 30, 2007

It won't wash

I was amazed when I heard that 77% of Green Party members who voted said yes to a leader.. Truly gobsmacked. Being a democrat who likes the party's policies I will admit defeat gracefully and won't resign like some I know. However, I think it is a bad day for democracy when a party is defined through a single figure, when media coverage determines elections, when personality is worth more than substance. But good news for Greens comes from Australia, where they have increased their number of Senate seats from 4 to between 5&7; have supplanted the National Party as Australia's third largest political party; and reached a new record high percentage national Senate vote (9.02%). Congratulations.

Although I was somewhat more amazed by the positive coverage given to a consortium of the big, the bad and the ugly (that the world calls transnational corporations) for calling for international agreed targets on greenhouse gases. These beauties are asking world leaders to make binding decisions on climate change. Presumably so that they can figure out how long they have and how far they will have to travel to keep polluting. The obvious fact that this is green-wash to help them win back the 'ethical consumer' seems to have passed most news outlets by (but read this this story. These very same corporations have in many cases spent decades and $$$$$$'s doing their best to scupper and weaken every environmental and socially just policy put forward in every country in the world. And now, I am expected to read an article that says they care and believe it! Green-wash doesn't stick, it slides straight back off again.
The observant among you will have noticed that despite their favourite buddies asking for legal targets the good ol' USA is still refusing to submit. Happy days.

Mon, Nov 26, 2007

Still here and still steaming

So I spent Saturday getting soaking wet all in the name of dolphins... I was in Aberystwyth with two other hardy soles having greeting cards signed by members of the public. The cards are now going to be sent to Malcolm Wicks, Minister for Energy, as an ironic Christmas surprise. Lets hope he gives the wildlife of Cardigan Bay an excellent present - the right to live in the sea free of disturbance from oil and gas exploration.

Admittedly I was not overly enamoured by the idea of an early election when it was being seriously considered this autumn. However, I am loosing patience with the government. First they have made no attempt to really consider public wishes; then they loose 25 million child benefit records; Gordon has yet to sack Alistair Darling despite his obvious incompetence; they try and tell us that identity theft can be stopped by entrusting them with even more personal data (including DNA); and they are going to try and persuade us that they can expand airports whilst 'meeting their targets' on combating climate change. Excuse me, but I would have thought that any government serious about this threat (arguably larger than that of identity fraud) would not merely be aiming to meet targets but to exceed them by having a radical rethink about structures and lifestyles in this country. I also have major misgivings about how they intend to meet their targets - by building new nuclear power stations and probably giving planning permission to any renewables application outside Labour constituencies. I like renewable energy but it has to be spread across the country and sited appropriately alongside a real push on energy efficiency, better public transport, lower consumption of goods and more small scale local schemes. Rant over.

Mon, Nov 19, 2007

Between a Rock and a harpoon

There's not a lot I can add to the various comments and opinion already on offer about the Northern Rock debacle. As always it is the entire notion behind financing that hasn't been given enough consideration. That is why there is surprise and anger that humans trying to make judgements about the best way to make money in the globalised markets muck up, and then why government intervention also doesn't do much to salvage the situation. How can the Government bargain effectively when the very companies that they wish to buy Northern Rock have turnovers of a similar scale to most nations, and whilst these companies might be gambling with their profit margins our government is spending taxpayers money that could be benefiting millions in the UK. Whatever the outcome many people will be left unhappy and quite possibly it will be the average taxpayer who hadn't even heard of Northern Rock six months ago. The lesson that I think has to come out of this is that the entire notion of markets and stock exchanges where billions, trillions, in pension funds and savings are gambled daily only genuinely benefit the very few.

The Chief Constable of my local police force has resigned amid allegations of financial misconduct and use of the police database for private research. Our local AM Nick Bourne comments that few people within the area would complain about the local policing. I think he hasn't met many of the people I know. Dyfed Powys police are well known locally for having an over-zealous approach to drug offences. Whilst it is only right that dealers in heroin, cocaine and suchlike are found and prosecuted they have continued to arrest and charge those found with small quantities of cannabis after it was downgraded to Class C. Whatever your beliefs about cannabis, the purpose of downgrading was in part to free up police time and resources. Similarly I am not sure the local force can be credited with low crime levels. This is a low crime area because it has an ageing population and no huge disparities in wealth. What's more there are few places with high levels of deprivation, which are often associated with high crime rates. So, I am happy to see him depart and hope his replacement may take a firm stand on the crime that really affects those around here - speeding, drunks, and petty theft.

p.s Apologies I had a fact wrong in my last blog - I wrote about the fresh hunt for Minke Whales, but the Japanese whalers are also planning to catch up to 50 Humpback whales and they are the ones most critically endangered.

Fri, Nov 16, 2007

Globalisation - a pirates treasure trove

As if to prove the fears of SOS are not unfounded a disturbing story was released today. In Russian waters an oil spill is killing dolphins (read full story here). Efforts to clean up the spill are being delayed because it occurred in disputed waters. Cardigan Bay borders the Irish controlled part of the Irish Sea, and though spills or pollution would be seen as an urgent threat by both countries there is no way of being sure that the two countries services would be able to work coherently. The dolphin deaths from the spill also destroy the notion that as intelligent creatures dolphins will simply avoid pollution hot spots. It would be madness for the BERR to grant licences. To help the campaign you can come along to the meeting this Saturday, 12-2, or sign a Christmas Card to send to the Minister for Energy on Saturday 24th November in New Quay, Aberaeron or Aberystwyth.

The wildlife of our oceans had another devastating blow with the Japanese announcement it is going to carry out more whaling. The plan is to hunt for various species including 1,000 Minke Whales which are recognised as being at particular risk of extinction. The International Commission on Whaling has to show some teeth and stop this slaughter. The only way that can happen is if it stops rich whaling countries effectively bribing poorer ones through offers of aid (or threats of withholding aid) if they vote in favour of allowing whaling to resume. The international community also needs to decide on how to prevent and prosecute countries that don't respect the environment. There are no incentives to protect wildlife and ecosystems at present. I think it is time our elected politicians used less words and more action on the environment.

Fri, Nov 09, 2007

Fancy a million?!

Yes a million pounds could be yours, all you have to do is answer one, simple question. Groups of entrants only. And the questions is? (drum roll) Your ideas on how to tackle climate change. So nothing big then. I am not sure whether to laugh or cry over the initiative. We already have thousands of innovative ideas around for tackling climate change. They aren't being used because they are 'unpopular' or 'unfeasible'; that means in plain speak, too likely to work. I am not dismissing the eco-fund out of hand, anything that encourages debate about how to tackle climate change has to be good, especially if it involves those who would otherwise leave it to the 'experts'. Lets face it we know what needs to be done - we need to use fewer fossil fuels and fast. Which means, travelling less, consuming less, heating less, and thinking more. The reward will only go to the group that actually makes the biggest impact in their community which is good, but climate change needs everybody on board and being a sceptic I wonder if it will actually engage enough people. It's worth a shot though, so if you are part of a group (P.T.A, charity, or such like) and fancy having a go at grabbing some of that million you can find details at this site.

Nadolig - Christmas has begun to creep over the horizon again. The (wasteful) street decorations are up and the shops are already pushing their dubious goods at hapless shoppers. However, it can be an good excuse for making a difference. I am a big fan of alternative giving. For the last 3 years my family and friends have been the 'lucky' recipients of toilets, dung, and condoms through the Oxfam Catalogue. However, the reason I am writing this now is that I have just finished reading my youngest son a beautiful story that would make an ideal gift. It is an alternative take on the three little pigs, that eloquently shows how violence doesn't work. The book in question is in Welsh and titled Y Tri Blaidd Bach a'r Mochyn Mawr Drwg (The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig - it might be available in English). It deserves to be widely read.

Tue, Nov 06, 2007

Response to the Queens Speech

Rather than blog today, I refer you to this page which sums it all up rather nicely.

Mon, Nov 05, 2007

The enemy of your enemy is your friend

The actions of President Musharraf of Pakistan are blatantly politically motivated. The reasons are obvious: influencing any elections that are held by displaying his strength; frightening opponents; securing his candidacy through exerting pressure on the judiciary. The question is, therefore, not why he has called a state of emergency but how he can get away with it internationally. He clearly believes that the powers that be (USA, EU, China) are not going to hold him to account. He has this immunity due to "mutually beneficial business" with these countries and from his "cooperation on the war on terror" (BBC Radio 4, 6pm News). Musharraf is advertising the insurance policy for all other dictators and wannabees - cooperate where it matters, back it up with a nuclear arsenal, and the west will turn a blind eye to what you do at home beyond some pitiful bleating.

Meanwhile, hubby is rubbing his hands with glee at the financial news. Seeing in it an impending international collapse of the 'debt economy'. I don't blame him, but do suspect the the world economy and supporters of neo-capitalism have more tricks up their sleeves. Either way, enjoy the fireworks.

Wed, Oct 31, 2007

Alco-frolics

A petition to curb anti-social behaviour fuelled by alcohol has been launched in Aberystwyth. I support this because I know how hard life is when you live in the middle of a town surrounded by pubs. When I first moved to Ceredigion I lived in a small flat with my husband and our 1st born, then 6 months old. We lived next to a pub with a couple more round the corner. I was constantly being woken up at 2am by fights happening outside our window and was occasionally concerned for the safety of my son if someone were to be thrown against the window and break it with him sleeping nearby. So I sympathise with others in the now worse situation with 24 hour licensing. I am not convinced that penalising drinkers for bad behaviour will help much as I think the availability and relative cheapness of alcohol encourage excessive drinking. There is also the cultural aspect, whereby being drunk is seen to give, if not permission, at least an excuse for behaviour that would otherwise not be tolerated. If we are to take full responsibility for ourselves and expect others to do the same, society has to have a shift in thinking, towards saying that individuals are always responsible for their behaviour - drunk or sober.

Mon, Oct 29, 2007

Time to pay old debts

In my opinion Britain is still a racist society, although it is often cleverly cloaked. I don't mean by this that British people have a racist attitude on the whole, but that policies discussed and implemented have race implications. The most obvious are ones regarding immigration, with David Cameron making it clear that to him the level of 'unskilled' people coming from outside the EU needs an 'adult conversation'. This is doublespeak for "too many (Black) African and Asian people are migrating to the UK, how can I suggest this without being overtly racist". Then we have climate change, the Millennium Goals, and world trade talks which collectively act against the poorest of the world (again, mostly African and Asian, but not forgetting South Americans). Therefore, reforms are not made on these issues because it is perceived as being political suicide to actively favour 'less-developed' countries at the expense of the more developed. Restricting car use or trade so that it benefits others whilst 'harming our interests' has become taboo. Then, there is an outcry in the gutter press that many people want to leave difficult and degrading lives for a comfortable one here. Before action is taken to restrict or minimise immigration from anywhere, some serious action has to happen on those factors that make life abroad hard. My suggestions for us developed places:

• Exceed or at least meet the Millennium Goals
• Atone for slavery, including payments to the countries from where slaves were illegally taken
• Make substantial cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, partly by curbing economic growth
• Compensate countries who suffer catastrophic damage that is likely to have been caused by climate change
• Help with expertise and materials, if desired, to prevent climate damage
• Reforming trade rules to favour poorer nations (e.g. by allowing restrictions on imports and subsidies)
• Reform trade talks so that lobbyists are excluded and all nations have an equal number of participants
• Turn the World Bank into the World Credit Union, wiping all debt in the process
• Completely overhaul the UN, including removing permanent places at the Security Council