In light of my previous post, to Newsnight, following their insights into the state of political response to climate change and the reaction of the electorate to it.
This has just popped in from the Green Party (well, a spokesperson, I guess): GREEN TORIES? NOT LIKELY!
Siân Berry takes on Zac Goldsmith:
http://www.newstatesman.com/200709200057
To see Zac Goldsmith's reply please go to:
http://www.newstatesman.com/200709190003
To see Siân's orginal post please go to:
http://www.newstatesman.com/200709170001
Q... blooming E... flipping D
Showing posts with label ZAC GOLDSMITH. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ZAC GOLDSMITH. Show all posts
Friday, September 21, 2007
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Carrot Tops
I just watched the newly-celeb billed (why?) Andrew Marr show, with one guest being Zac Goldsmith, who was there to explain the new Conservative proposals on the environment.
These are by all accounts discussed in the papers today and I will add links as I come across them later. And then there is the report itself, which is due soon.
I must say how well he came across, though Andrew Marr is not exactly the most challenging of interviewers, and was encouraged by the commitment to 'carrot first, stick second' initiatives.
One obvious one, though smart in its thinking, is to put the incentives at the best point. Hence lowering stamp duty at the point of a house being exchanged in a sale, when there is the best opportunity to upgrade.
Just... I wonder about the logistics of assessment to ensure it is carried out as intended. Also, as one who is committed to eco-upgrades at every opportunity, I remain concerned at forthcoming incentives to those who improve, which leaves hanging whether those who have already may see less reward for having done so. Targets based on improvements are OK, but not if they favour those who hold back to get a better bonus. That is bad enviROI as well as being unfair.
He was also quite clear on the matter of celebrity 'awareness', which was refreshing. By birth and position he cannot help to be who and where he is, but as a multi-millionaire his stated beliefs came across as quite Fiesta Family friendly as to Prius Person Pontificating.
BBC - Tory group urges 'green rebate' - nice to see the FoE on baord
Indy - Tories bite tax bullet in battle for the green vote
Guardian - Tory green package targets short-haul flights and landfill
These are by all accounts discussed in the papers today and I will add links as I come across them later. And then there is the report itself, which is due soon.
I must say how well he came across, though Andrew Marr is not exactly the most challenging of interviewers, and was encouraged by the commitment to 'carrot first, stick second' initiatives.
One obvious one, though smart in its thinking, is to put the incentives at the best point. Hence lowering stamp duty at the point of a house being exchanged in a sale, when there is the best opportunity to upgrade.
Just... I wonder about the logistics of assessment to ensure it is carried out as intended. Also, as one who is committed to eco-upgrades at every opportunity, I remain concerned at forthcoming incentives to those who improve, which leaves hanging whether those who have already may see less reward for having done so. Targets based on improvements are OK, but not if they favour those who hold back to get a better bonus. That is bad enviROI as well as being unfair.
He was also quite clear on the matter of celebrity 'awareness', which was refreshing. By birth and position he cannot help to be who and where he is, but as a multi-millionaire his stated beliefs came across as quite Fiesta Family friendly as to Prius Person Pontificating.
BBC - Tory group urges 'green rebate' - nice to see the FoE on baord
Indy - Tories bite tax bullet in battle for the green vote
Guardian - Tory green package targets short-haul flights and landfill
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Word from above
Let the free market fight climate change
'There is potential merit in much that is advocated here. However, as a country-dweller of modest means I can only hope that whichever administration finds itself tasked with resolving what is a very complex long term problem, it can find itself able to do so from more than the perspective of a London C (for centric) - zone urban elite who can afford to indulge in symbolic practices. Or, worse, have mates in high places who don't see cutting back as the way to adequately dispose of their salaries.
At the end of the day, if we accept that a reduction of emissions is the prime objective, and an increase in efficiencies a valid route to this, the only acceptable routes are via establishing genuine enviROIs. It's one thing to practice, or impose, some green 'measure' even if there is a financial cost, quite another if it does not even end up helping the planet either.
Hence my doubts on current carbcon trading proposals, which seem more focused on allowing things (and commissions for 'handling') to continue than any reductions at commercial or personal levels for those who can afford to pay.
While I have no problem with the notion of wealth creation ('Where there's muck...' 'n all), I really would advocate that in looking to the future it may help to realise that money... isn't everything.'
'There is potential merit in much that is advocated here. However, as a country-dweller of modest means I can only hope that whichever administration finds itself tasked with resolving what is a very complex long term problem, it can find itself able to do so from more than the perspective of a London C (for centric) - zone urban elite who can afford to indulge in symbolic practices. Or, worse, have mates in high places who don't see cutting back as the way to adequately dispose of their salaries.
At the end of the day, if we accept that a reduction of emissions is the prime objective, and an increase in efficiencies a valid route to this, the only acceptable routes are via establishing genuine enviROIs. It's one thing to practice, or impose, some green 'measure' even if there is a financial cost, quite another if it does not even end up helping the planet either.
Hence my doubts on current carbcon trading proposals, which seem more focused on allowing things (and commissions for 'handling') to continue than any reductions at commercial or personal levels for those who can afford to pay.
While I have no problem with the notion of wealth creation ('Where there's muck...' 'n all), I really would advocate that in looking to the future it may help to realise that money... isn't everything.'
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