United Kingdom & Europe - March 10
by Staff
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The Right Rev Rowan Williams used a lecture in Cardiff at the weekend to deliver a wide-ranging attack on a globalised economic system which had been "spectacularly successful in generating purchasing power" but which had also led us to "the most radical insecurity imaginable". ... "To use one of the more obvious examples, it has become clear that lifestyles dependent on high levels of fossil fuel consumption reduce the long-term opportunities of basic human flourishing for many people because of their environmental cost - not to mention the various political traps associated with the production and marketing of oil in some parts of the world, with the consequent risks to peace and regional stability." Dr Williams criticised the unthinking pursuit of growth, which had led to an "unhealthily hyperactive" economy.
I'm talking about the scrappage payments being proposed by almost everyone linked to the motor industry: the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, most of the big car firms, the AA, and the unions. Lord Mandelson is said to be a fan. They argue that drivers should be paid around £2,000 a head to scrap their old cars and buy new ones. As well as saving the jobs of hundreds of thousands of workers, this, they say, will catalyse a low-carbon transport revolution. It's bunkum. Let's start by getting a misconception out of the way. The media are reporting the proposal as a subsidy for switching to smaller, more efficient cars. But the manufacturers have called for no such thing.
Charles will repeat the prediction made by experts that there are around eight years in which to make further cuts to CO2 emissions, halt deforestation and take other measures to stave off a permanent problem. The comments will form part of a speech, 'Less than 100 months to act' to be made to business leaders in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, next week as the Prince tours South America with the Duchess of Cornwall. |
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