In our second 2020 broadcast we have great expectations from a fresh government and highly environmental manifesto – that has aspiration to deliver a Child Friendly and Green City. We share this vision, of course, and want to see measures to achieve this in place as fast as possible. We are now seeking and holding meetings with Government in various areas to ascertain their plan of action. This week we held a lengthy and productive meeting with several of our committee members and the Minister for the Environment and his team and ran through all our objectives. We will continue to monitor issues until such time as we see these fully addressed. You can find our Core List of Objectives at the home page of our website at  : www.esg-gib.net

Later this month we meet with the Minister for Transport. Following a lengthy understanding with the previous Minister Paul Balban, the ESG looks ahead to re-establish contact on these issues with Minister Daryanani on Traffic and Transport matters to address Gibraltar’s most pressing issues in these areas. This topic is huge – we will talk about cleaner technology, about the need for urgent and decisive action, about cross border vehicles and the construction industry contribution, and enforcement measures to tackle worst offenders.  The Govt STTP  “Sustainable Traffic and Transport Plan” produced after wide consultation and preparation has within it a number of bold measures which, if applied, could bring about changes that many seek.

We are hopeful that reports explaining Government’s plan of action in every sector to co-deliver a Child Friendly and Green city will be released soon.

Just some info for those of you interested. Following positive feedback from our 1^st 5G debate we are currently exploring a follow up and will also be participating in a dedicated Viewpoint Programme on this topic very soon!

Now we are out of Europe politically speaking, it raises big concerns for us. One of our key targets since we started in the year 2000 was cleaning up the petrochemical industry across the border, namely CEPSA. We had representation in the EU Parliament, legislation that even the EU could not argue was being flagrantly ignored, despite strong Spanish lobbying,  we managed to get the spotlight all the way from Brussels on to this huge industry, saw audits undertaken and measures introduced to drag it up a few notches into a measurably cleaner operation.  This loss of redress deeply concerns us. We shall be studying our Environmental MOU’s to see how we can protect ourselves and the environment from transgressions caused by our neighbours.

Yesterday saw heavy emissions from a chimney at this plant blow across Puente Mayorga and towards La Linea. It appeared to have lasted a considerable time with Verdemar complaining late last night about the heavy smoke blowing while people slept. They talked about sulphurous fumes.

The ESG detected strong chemical smells in the south district, that our local authorities thought could possibly be linked to the smoky emissions in Spain. The smells in Gibraltar were very much like you find close to the Refinery itself, a sweet and sickly smell.  During our Bucket sampling days we learnt to distinguish between chemical smells and yesterday gave us reason to believe the fumes were solvent based VOC (volatile organic compounds).

We hope there won’t be any repetition of these fumes but should this happen it may be time for us to revive our bucket sampler and grab an air sample!

Thanks for listening –

Hi there- this our first radio broadcast for 2020! We start the year planning and strategising best way forward in a number of areas important to the ESG and to many in the community.

Very recently, and on the back of 5G mast applications presented to DPC by Gibtelecom, the ESG organised a public debate that saw Gibtelecom and the ESG present information and concerns on this ever growing technology to those present. The interest and knowledge displayed by many in the audience was evident and the thirst for more discussion also clear.

The meeting was lively, busy and informative. The issue behind 5G represents a variety of areas of interest/query and concern. Thus the mtg focused only on whether 5G, as is being discussed globally, will be set up in Gibraltar any time soon – and what exactly this meant.

We believe assurances were delivered on current plans but many questions relating to this topic remain and we are now exploring the possibility of a follow up public debate.

Look out for ‘A Brighter Future” GBC series that plans to feature this debate and subject next week. Viewpoint is also preparing a special programme on this issue.

The debate has certainly started – and will continue for some time still. Our view of updating safety regulations for this industry tailored specifically for Gibraltar needs, and the application of the Precautionary Principle,  remains firmly in place.

 While on the subject of A Brighter Future we urge those interested in Gibraltar’s environment and climate change to look at this series currently online, as it aims to draw attention to our wonderful biodiversity, the impressive community participation and support for our nation wide Clean up Campaign and in Episode 3, information on where exactly you can take your non kitchen waste for recycling – it informs on facilities, waste types etc.  Think this will surprise many, and also encourage those who think recycling is not being done in Gibraltar and is a waste of time. It clearly is, on an impressive scale, and the more people who use our facilities, the better we will do. Another feature in episodes 1 and 3 is coverage on Climate Change action, marches, and interviews by the Coalition for Climate Action etc. This Coalition is currently also planning its campaign for 2020.

Another issue never far from our thoughts is Transport. We are seeking a meeting with the new Minister for Transport where we shall present our concerns and recommendations in the hope that urgency will be applied to this issue. Updates on this soon!

DPC – that’s the Development and Planning Commission – resume its monthly sessions next week with the first 2020 mtg happening on the 4^th February. A large project that could interest the public is the old casino site on Europa Road and the replacement building planned for this site. The ESG is opposed to the scale of this project, which we believe impacts on an important part of our natural heritage including the Botanic Gardens and Nature Reserve. DPC meeting is open to the public and starts at 9.30am.

In 2020 the ESG will be following up with various Ministers on issues within their portfolios which carry significant environmental impacts. We will also run additional debates and discussions on key areas of interest and concern to our members that are also in the public interest.

Visit our website at esg-gib.net for press releases and newsletters. Email us at esg@gibtelecom.net  . Thanks for listening.