– ESG Radio Broadcast – 21st March 2013

We would like to draw your attention to a number of environmental stories which have appeared in the local and UK press.

• Regarding news appearing in the local media: on the development of Government policy with respect to the environment – we welcome hearing of the various plans in mind – especially news that an imminent announcement on the replacement power station project is within sights; apparently we shall be hearing from the Chief Minister himself on this very critical subject next week and we, along with many thousands of Gibraltarians, will be listening with great anticipation.

• Great to see so many of us recycling, pressing the need for increasing the frequency in emptying of bins –this is a good problem..

• Another matter that caught our attention on the online press, and which we believe is very significant, is that of the Conservative UK Govt wanting to change the school curriculum to remove any mention of Climate Change for pupils up to the age of 14yrs. It is no secret that the present UK Govt contains many climate change sceptics but it is of paramount importance that this proposal is met with fierce opposition by the public.

• It has taken many years for the educational process to catch up and include the need to educate our young about how we must change our ways and develop sustainable lifestyles and economies, particularly with respect to climate change. This proposal to remove the issue of climate change from the curriculum is surely a retrograde step and one that will be opposed by many. There are already petitions and campaigns beginning to take off in the UK on this. Of course, Gibraltar follows the UK curriculum so we shall be taking this matter up with the local educational authorities should the UK Govt press ahead with their plans.

• Earth Hour this weekend…hope everyone will acknowledge this important action highlighting the need for collective awareness and responsibility. Remember to switch off at 8.30pm for one hour this Saturday 23rd March and support this important global campaign. Visit earthhour.org for more details as well as the ESG website esg-gib.net for more local environmental news.

March 2013

Please follow link below- refers to Sperm Whale found dead south of Granada. It was confirmed the animal had swallowed large amounts of plastic waste. Scientists from Donana National Park Research Centre believe the plastic waste had eventually blocked the animal’s stomach and killed it.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/mar/08/spain-sperm-whale-death-swallowed-plastic

ESG Radio Broadcast 7th March 2013

Today we look at a few issues of environmental interest. We have released two press releases this week, so let’s begin with those first.

• Government recently announced it had succeeded in a major feat of transposing all pending EC Directives. We congratulate Government for allocating human resources to this herculean task. What was not discussed in the subsequent media coverage and interviews, and the reason for our issuing our statement, was implementation. From the environmental lobby, this is what we really care about as it is only when a directive is “effective”, that real change can be obtained. We therefore hope that as well as being leaders in Europe on implementation, that we can also soon follow this achievement with full implementation. Certainly on the environment, this will provide widespread benefits

• The second statement we have issued refers to news that Government is considering building a hotel at the Nuffield Pool site. This has come as a surprise to us and to others in the community. We are calling upon Government to provide more thinking on this issue. As contained in our statement, while supporting any efforts to beautify, replant, and generally enhance the already spectacular setting of the area, we would not support major construction. Please visit our website at esg-gib.net for the full press release

• Last week the ESG visited the temporary generators at the North Mole site and was given a tour by the site supervisor and GibElec Manager. What a difference to the old, obsolete and polluting stations we have lived with, and continue to suffer today. The turbine technology and onsite equipment in general was literally, a breath of fresh air!!! The high standards of safety coupled with minimal noise and air emissions was most impressive and works are actively underway to further reduce noise emissions. Air emissions will also be tackled when additional equipment currently being built, is installed. We are grateful to the Minister for the Environment for facilitating the tour and to GibElec and the site supervisor for the very interesting visit. It is our view that turbine technology is a very positive step forward in delivering Gibraltar’s energy needs and that introducing combined cycle systems would further increase efficiency

• The ESG received a number of complaints within the past fortnight from residents living in the south and north west districts of higher than usual air pollution from all generating stations. It emphasises the urgent need for Government to announce its plans for a fully compliant, replacement power station which cannot come a day too soon for many

• Finally, a first call out to CUTW team leaders. We shall shortly be contacting you to discuss campaign plans for 2013. More details will be published after initial brainstorming sessions have taken place. These will also be posted on our website. If you are interested in taking part and have not done so before, please get in touch and we can provide you with more information.

Thanks for listening!

ESG PRESS RELEASE
8th MARCH 2013
HOTEL TENDER FOR NUFFIELD POOL SITE

The ESG was surprised to read in the local press of a tender published by the Gibraltar Government for development at the Nuffield Pool site.

In the GSLP’s manifesto there was no mention of hotels or developments in this area; rather, that the Nuffield Pool would be made available to the local community once this was handed back to the Gibraltar Government by the MoD.

In this very special part of the Rock the open nature of the area provides a welcome space for residents and visitors alike to appreciate the special coastal environment in relative peace and quiet.

The ESG would support beautification, replanting and general tidy-up of the area as well as see another GSLP manifesto commitment come to life with the creation of an underwater marine park. Such an attraction and resource would enhance an already beautiful and natural zone which the group believes should be preserved and protected and not see major construction.

It is hoped that more information will be made available soon and that:-

• there will be public participation in deciding whether this project goes forward or not as has been the case with other special coastal sites like Rosia Bay;
• and that Government will follow its open policy to date by sharing plans for its major projects with the DPC

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ESG PRESS RELEASE
7th MARCH 2013

EU DIRECTIVES AND IMPLEMENTATION

The ESG believes the Government’s recent announcement on achieving full transposition of all pending EU Directives to be a most welcome and positive step. In the group’s experience, however, transposition alone is a part of a critical process to ensure a directive produces the desired benefits to citizens and the environment.

Speaking from the environmental lobby, the ESG believes that robust implementation, policing and enforcement, are crucial to the directive process and would like to see Gibraltar also lead with full implementation of all environmental directives to bring about long awaited practical and tangible benefits and higher environmental standards. It is further hoped that all local industry and commerce will comply and support these important measures.

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