Today’s top five climate change stories chosen by RTCC
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(Pic: Lord Browne)
1 – Fracking will not cut energy prices
Cuadrilla chairman and former BP chief Lord Browne says that fracking will not bring down energy prices in the UK, reports the Guardian. This contrasts with previous statements from David Cameron and Chancellor George Osborne, who have used encouraged the controversial technology with promises that it will drive down household bills.
2 – China to bump up coal imports
China will raise its threshold for coal imports, tighten approvals for new coal mines and push industry consolidation in a bid to help its ailing coal sector. This comes as China’s new leaders have vowed to tackle a pollution crisis that has stoked public anger, according to Reuters.
3 – Oil drilling exploration in Pechora Sea
Gazprom Neft, the fourth largest oil producer in Russia, is preparing for the construction of another two ice-protected oil platforms designed for the icy waters of the Pechora Sea. According to Barnets Observer, an exploration well will be drilled in the area in 2014, and a field development plan will subsequently be elaborated.
4 – Rising temperatures in Indian Ocean linked to Australian bushfires
A new study in Nature Geoscience has shown that extreme weather in Australia, such as drought and bushfires, is linked to temperature changes in the Indian Ocean. The effects are likely to strengthen as the climate warms. Last month, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott accused UN chief Christiana Figueres of “talking through her hat” when she linked Australian fires with climate change.
5 – Energy firms asked to freeze prices
The British government is asking the country’s big six energy firms to hold prices until the middle of 2015, designed to cut annual bills by around £50. Industry sources have told the BBC the government wants to avoid another round of price rises that could be blamed on government green levies.