NGO outrage at Shell-funded report on Nigeria oil spills

TOKYO – Reports that a major UN investigation into Nigeria oil spills funded by oil giant Shell relies more on figures produced by oil companies and Nigerian state statistics than on community testimony and organizations on the ground who work with communities, has outraged NGO Friends of the Earth.
After releasing some information last week about [...]

Greenhouse mafia active down under

ATTITUDES shown at Copenhagen by the world’s major per capita polluters namely the USA, Australia and China, demonstrated that the core thinking has barely changed since Kyoto 20 years ago.
Sure, the presentation is smoother, the denial less strident, and the opposition to change less aggressive; but behind the scenes it is clear that big [...]

Shell being sued for oil-spills, environmental damage

LONDON ~ Four Nigerian citizens, Friends of the Earth Netherlands and Nigeria will file a unique lawsuit against Anglo-Dutch oil giant Shell in The Hague tomorrow, Friday 07 November.
For the first time in history Shell’s international headquarters will have to appear in court to respond to charges of causing environmental damage abroad.
The Nigerian plaintiffs, fishermen [...]

China oil ventures in Burma add to climate change woes

BANGKOK ~ The unregulated development of oil and gas fields in Burma (Myanmar) is creating a potential environmental disaster that will have a major impact on global warming and climate change, a study released today revealed.
“Blocking Freedom”, a damning new report by environmental and human rights group Arakan Oil Watch said Chinese companies will soon [...]

China to implement new environmental law nationwide

HONG KONG ~ China’s top legislature has passed a raft of environmental laws that will come into force throughout the country on New Year’s Day, 2009.
The objective of the new legislation is to boost sustainability through energy savings and the reduction of harmful emissions.

Jatropha finding favour with Filipinos

MANILA ~ The Philippines president, Gloria Arroyo, appears to be putting her personal stamp of approval on the propagation of jatropha as an alternative source of fuel for the Philippines, according to the Manila Bulletin.
In her recent “state of the nation” speech she announced that land throughout the country is being set aside for jatropha [...]

Thailand first to sell E85 in Asia, claim

BANGKOK ¬ Thailand’s PTT Plc has become the first oil company in Asia to sell E85, but the 85 percent ethanol blended fuel will hardly be a money-maker for the first few months, says a report in Bangkok Post.
In fact, the only customers for E85 will be car companies testing their imported flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) [...]

Shell found guilty by UK watchdog

“If Shell were serious about sourcing sustainable energy, then they would be far better placed investing in renewable energy, such as wind, tidal or solar power.”