February 9, 2007

Branson announcement of climate change prize

Scientists commented on the launch of a competition by Richard Branson with a $25 million prize for the best way of removing significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Stuart Haszeldine, Professor of Geology at the University of Edinburgh, said:

“Richard Branson is ahead of the pack in getting to grips with CO2 in the atmosphere. His decisive action places shame on the dithering of the UK Treasury, who will not let British power companies build CO2 capture plants, in case they are too expensive.

“I hope all other businesses, large and small, follow his lead. Yes, its true Branson’s company may benefit eventually, but we will all benefit, by a cleaner greener planet. We all share the same atmosphere

“Do I want to add £50 a year to my electricity bill, or face global catastrophe? Its a question with an instant YES answer. We have the IPCC report, the Stern Report, and the polite words from the UK Government. Now its time for action.”

Dr Celine Herweijer, principal scientist on future climate at Risk Management Solutions, said:

“While we should welcome initiatives like this that aim to limit the amount of climate change in the future, we also need more creative solutions to the problems that climate change is already causing. Many developing countries are already being affected by climate change, through increased risks of droughts and flooding, but they are not receiving enough help to face them. We need more initiatives to deal with the reality of climate change happening today.”