Tag Archives: Al Gore

19-year-old Explorer to set World Record on Antarctica Adventure

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Earlier this week, 19-year-old explorer, Parker Liautaud made the announcement that he will attempt to set the record for the fastest journey from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole on skis. Parker will begin his journey in December and will be spending Christmas Day in freezing conditions.

On his journey to the South Pole, Parker will be undertaking three distinct scientific research programmes to contribute to a better understanding of how climate is changing; including testing a lightweight weather station, the ColdFacts 3000BX for the first time in Antarctica.

9-year-old Explorer to set World Record on an Antarctic Adventure

 

On Monday, The Willis Resilience Expedition brought a taste of Antarctica to London as Parker Liautaud tested his camp and equipment for his world record attempt in front of the iconic Tower Bridge. The ambitious teen froze London with 500 square meters of snow; a full polar camp with a true expedition breakfast on offer so passersby can understand what a day in the life of a polar explorer would be like, giving the public the ultimate survival experience. In preparation for his expedition, Parker set up camp in his expedition tent inside the Antarctic Chamber: a large glass box filled with snow, set beneath the iconic backdrop of Tower Bridge.

 

At the young age of 19, Parker has already debated climate change with Al Gore at the UN’s Social Good Summit, as well as studying at Yale University and has already completed three trips to the North Pole. We’re impressed.

Watermelons Book Review: Is Climate Change a Conspiracy?

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James Delingpole is known for being controversial. He is right wing and speaks his mind. You may know of him not only because of climategate, but also due to the furore he created when he debated in Tatler magazine whether people were sending their daughters or sons to private school.

One sometimes feels he is saying things for effect, but if there is one word I would use for his new book, Watermelons, it’s “interesting”.

It takes courage to be apart from the general conscious, especially on something like climate change. A subject most people in power have stopped debating over. The environment is at the forefront of political agenda, newspapers, televisions and people’s minds. You can’t go to a supermarket without being asked if you really want a plastic bag. I try to never use them (after seeing the effect they have on animals and the ocean thanks to Greener-upon-Thames) but when you have lots of shopping and someone asks if you need a bag you just feel like asking them if you should just juggle it all home.

I don’t judge people on their political beliefs, but I feel that will stop some people reading Delingpole’s book. Some of my liberal friends were not amused I was even reviewing Delingpole’s book, but, really, who cares.

I found this book interesting. Even if you get to the end and don’t agree with Delingpole it is a fascinating read. The name ”watermelons” is Delingpole’s description of people who are red on the inside and green on the outside. In this book he is debunking the myth of anthropogenic global warming (CAGW). Delingpole has a chapter on the evidence behind his theme of the book, which is; politicians and scientists are using the myth of man-made climate change to raise our tax and control us. Delingpole is not just a crack pot conspiracy theorists. Alain De Botton is mentioned in the book, Delingpole asked him what he wanted to read in the book and he said the science, the evidence, of Delingpole’s claim. Delingpole took his friends advice and included this.

The chapter on the climategate emails is hilarious. Really funny. The scientists involved to not come across well. I will still recycle and be environmentally aware but the book has some good points. It expose hypocrisy in droves, and takes people to task.

This book is for anyone interested in the debate on climate change. Whether environmentalist or sceptic. Delingpole is educated and outspoken. Most people follow other people’s opinion rather than make up their own minds . Which is why I do think you should read this book, it is entertaining and political and sparks debate Then make up your own mind.

Watermelons: How the Environmentalists are Killing the Planet, Destroying the Economy and Stealing Your Children’s Future

David Beckham more likely than Leonardo DiCaprio to make us act on climate change

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According to new research released to mark the launch of the Climate Week Awards, David Beckham is more likely to inspire us to save the planet than green god Leonardo DiCaprio. The Climate Week Awards will celebrate inspiring achievements by the greenest businesses, communities and people in the UK.

Climate Week commissioned Millward Brown to identify which celebrities have most influence in encouraging the public to go green. Bill Gates, Boris Johnson and David Beckham emerged as top influencers on the environment – amongst the most likely to inspire us to become greener. All figured in the top five out of a list of 20, beaten only by Al Gore and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Meanwhile, Hollywood’s most committed eco-hero, Leonardo DiCaprio, languished in 14th place.

The research found a strong correlation between familiarity and green influence, showing that celebs who are not actively ‘green’, like Beckham, still have tremendous potential to wade in on environmental issues. This also explains why, amongst female celebrities, X factor judge Cheryl Cole beat known environmentalist Gwyneth Paltrow to be the woman most likely to make people more eco-friendly.

Supported by Headline Partner, Tesco, and Supporting Partners Aviva, EDF Energy, Kelloggs and RBS, Climate Week runs from 21-27 March. Everyone will have the chance to influence the way society combats climate change by running an event for Climate Week, entering for an award or voting for their own Climate Week Hero at www.climateweek.com/awards

The full list of celebrities ranked (in order of their eco influence) is:

1. Al Gore

2. Bill Gates

3. Arnold Schwarzenegger

4. Boris Johnson

5. David Beckham

6. Ken Livingstone

7. Chris Martin

8. Cheryl Cole

9. Gwyneth Paltrow

10. Duncan Bannatyne

11. Phil Schofield

12. Robbie Williams

13. Fearne Cotton

14. Leonardo DiCaprio

15. Holly Willoughby

16. Colin Firth

17. Graham Norton

18. Sienna Miller

19. Paloma Faith

20. Gary Neville

Kevin Steele, chief executive of Climate Week, said:

“The celebrities in our survey could become award-winning climate heroes, but the survey also showed that everyone can have a big influence with the people they know. The Climate Week Awards give everyone the chance to show what they’re doing to make a difference. From young activists to innovative companies and jaw-dropping technology, these awards will recognise the best ways of combating climate change, and bring them to public attention.”

To enter the Climate Week Awards or to vote for your Climate Week Hero go to www.climateweek.com/awards