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DEPARTMENTS: WORLDWATCH CLIMATEWATCH 'Creating a new UK carbon market will be the foundation on which the UK achieves net zero emissions cost-effectively', reads the government's new White Paper on Energy. It has promised to establish a UK ETS (Emission Trading Scheme) to replace the cap-and-trade system pioneered by the EU, in which energy-intensive businesses receive allowances to emit greenhouse gases and are obliged to buy more if they cross their threshold. The new white paper states that 'the UK is open to linking the UK ETS internationally and we are considering a range of options' - as if there were lots of options. [Extracted from the article]

Reports on the publication of visionary targets and energy projects from the Great Britain government designed to reduce carbon emissions, increase renewable energy and investment to clean up existing technologies. Changes into the energy policy; Design of buildings that would need very little energy; Development of biomass heating and power systems based on local forestry and special energy crops.

The UK has made progress in transitioning to green energy, particularly in offshore wind power. Scotland's largest offshore wind farm is now fully operational, providing electricity to two-thirds of Scottish households. Renewable electricity generation capacity has grown, with offshore wind and solar experiencing high rates of growth. However, challenges remain in decarbonizing transportation and heating, and concerns have been raised about the government's commitment to carbon reduction. A formal green industrial strategy and increased investment in clean technologies are needed to further progress towards net zero emissions. The UK's transition to a green economy presents opportunities for specialized services and regions that have experienced economic decline. However, the UK lags behind in certain areas, such as gigafactories for electric car batteries, and other countries have more government support and investment incentives for clean technologies. Business leaders and the public support green initiatives, but a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors is necessary. The government's role in implementing an effective industrial strategy and investing in new technologies and infrastructure is crucial. While renewable energy sources are contributing to the UK's power generation, progress is still needed in sectors like heat and transport. [Extracted from the article]

Reports on the declining state of Britain's seaside resorts. Causes and effects of decline; Planning policies on seaside towns viability; European Union's green paper for coastal areas; Efforts to attract holidaymakers back. INSETS: Oh to be beside the seaside.;Restore our resorts..

Focuses on the multi-purpose forestry policy (MPF) in Great Britain. Threat to the survival of woodland wilderness; MPF's timber production priority; Benefits of managing forest for wood production; Coexistence of commercial forestry and conservation; Trees for Life director Alan Watson's plans to restore a self-sustaining native forest ecosystem in the Central Highlands of Scotland. INSETS: Britain's big appetite.;Putting woods back to work.;Planning for growth..

The author discusses biodiversity conservation in Great Britain and the ignorance towards the geological resources. He states the reversal of certain principles related to natural conservation based on an assessment named National Ecosystem Assessment (NEA) conducted by the government. He also highlights the faults in the white paper submitted on natural environment.

An interview with Rebecca Hosking, freelance wildlife producer and camerawoman, is presented. When asked what influenced her to campaign against plastic bags in Modbury, she said that it is when she witnessed the damages caused by plastics to wildlife. She recommended using fairtrade cotton bags as an alternative to plastics. She also explained the efforts to implement plastic ban in Great Britain.

The article announces various forums in Great Britain related to geography. Postgraduates studying a geography course who wish to keep more up-to-date with the latest conference details, calls for papers and other relevant information are invited to join the RGS-IBG Postgraduate Forum. Young members who wish to learn more about their environment and how we can respond and adapt to climate change are invited to attend a question and answer evening entitled Climate Change and the Environment: Your Questions Answered. A panel of experts, including botanist, author, broadcaster and environmental campaigner David Bellamy will approach different subjects from all angles.

Reports that a White Paper on rural living will be published jointly by Great Britain's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and the Department of Environment.

'The gold price might be high at the moment, but the margin to turn a profit on a gold mine is generally narrow', says Ferry. A mine was first attempted by a different company in the 1980s (when, adjusted for inflation, the all-time highest gold value was reached due to a recession), but failed when the price subsequently crashed. Pubs are a good place to overhear tales about gold in the valley. Although Alba's Welsh project is younger, by prioritising historical mines and their existing infrastructure, it's also trying to cash in on the current gold price. [Extracted from the article]

The article announces the introduction of new policies from Great Britain Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) designed to provide protective buffer zones around the country's World Heritage sites. The buffer zones are associated with the government's attempt to prevent the heritage sites from being degraded by unsympathetic developments. The policies will also aim to streamline the country's heritage protection system. The 830 World Heritage list includes 31 properties located in Great Britain.

Reports on the development of a coastal mapping system in Great Britain. Importance of coastal environments; Coverage of the Ordnance Survey maps; Limitations of the maps.

The article discusses challenges for cities to improve air quality on account of scandals surrounding diesel car emissions and the huge health costs of pollutants. Topics include impact on environment after switching from petrol to diesel engines, meeting climate change targets through lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of diesel engines, and views of David Carslaw of the Environmental Research Group, on breach of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) limits in Great Britain.

Reports on the Ordnance Survey's completion of its digital cartographic database of Great Britain. Scale of the digitization operation; Transcription from the initial field survey to the final artwork for the map; Project cost; Challenge of inserting the Scottish highlands in the graphic maps. INSET: In brief (potential applications of the OS map)..

The article examines the need to take more radical approaches in order to control flooding on the Somerset Levels in Somerset, Southwest England. Topics discussed include dredging of the bifurcation of the rivers Tone and Parre, views of global organization Wetlands International's Marcel Silvius on the impact of subsidence and construction of dykes around the levels.

The article explores the extent to which wind turbines can supply electric power in the Britain which are due to be built in the nation in 2015 and controversies related to the same. Topics discussed include planning of onshore wind projects and turbines in Great Britain, difficulties and costs of deploying wind farms, and bird deaths caused by wind farms. Other topics include comparison of cost of onshore wind with that of gas and nuclear power, and other renewable energy sources.

The article presents news briefs concerning global climate change and other environmental concerns as of November 2008. The global temperature of 2008 is reportedly the coolest in the 21st century and 10th warmest since 1850. The efficiency of outsourcing paper recycling from Great Britain to China is discussed. Diet policy changes in the dairy industry of Great Britain are also cited towards reducing methane emissions.

The author examines why explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott was hailed as a national hero in Great Britain despite losing the race to the South Pole to Norwegian Roald Amundsen in 1910. Clements Markham, former president of the Royal Geographical Society (RGS), proclaimed that the expedition was a scientific enterprise and Scott never entered a race against Amundsen. The author notes that the British praise for Scott is an indication of the national preoccupation with gallant losers.

The section presents the career paths of graduates of geography on universities in Great Britain. It traces the foray of these graduates in fields including aviation, police work, and environmental education. Personal experiences are offered on how geography studies have helped these graduates in their careers, including Andrew Badham, Nick Williams and Rose-Marie Roberts.

The article presents a historical account of pundits of the British Empire during the 19th century. It discusses how these men disguised as Tibetan monks were trained as surveyors and sent on a pilgrimage by Captain Thomas George Montgomerie of the Royal Engineers who was in charge of the Himalayan Survey in the then unknown lands of Tibet and Central Asia. It explores the exploits of pundits, including Nain Singh, Sarat Chandra Das and Kintup.

The article presents news briefs concerning the Royal Geographical Society-Institute of British Geographers (RGS-IBG) as of January 2006. University of Oxford professor Linda McDowell will chair the RGS-IBG annual conference. The society plans to launch its new Web site, which is currently undergoing major changes.

The article focuses on the historical background of tsunami incidents in Great Britain as an island nation highlighted in the book "Tsunami: The Underrated Hazard." Marine fossils deposited by a mega-tsunami more than 7,000 years ago was caused by the Storegga Slide with waves around 25 metres high in the Shetland Islands. An alleged storm surge devastated the town of Redwick as stated in a flood marker at a local church which may be in reality caused by a tsunami as described in a 17th-century chapbook. Boulder deposits at the Bristol Channel suggest that it was hit by a tsunami four metres high.

The article examines the possibility that the rate of oil extraction will soon decline and will not meet global demand and discusses the concerns over predictions on reaching the peak oil, or the maximum rate at which oil can be extracted. Based on the conclusions of Great Britain's Energy Research Centre, 60 regions and more than 100 countries had already passed the point of peak production. International Energy Agency's 2008 World Outlook predicts that output of conventional crude oil and natural gas liquids would level off as 2030 nears and that energy demand in developed nations has peaked. Yet oil industry sceptics of peak oil believe that there are still lots of hydrocarbons in the ground yet to be discovered and expect a peak in demand rather than a peak in supply. INSETS: MAJOR OILFIELDS IN DECLINE;THE DIFFICULTY OF CALCULATING PEAK OIL.

This article discusses the redevelopment of canals and other man-made navigable waterways in Great Britain during the early 21st century. The work of the British Waterways Association to redevelop canals with funding from the National Lottery as aesthetically pleasing features of the urban landscape is described. Estimates of the value added to residential properties by the restoration of canals are provided by the developer Brian Jervis of Valley and Vale Properties. An increased interest in the use of waterways as an amenity for offices, including the development of office boats, is also noted.

Present an update on issues related to tourism in Great Britain as of December 2004. Campaign against British airport expansion; Celebration of Britain's relationship with the sea; Discussion by Tourism Concern of ethics.

Presents the schedule of geographical-related conferences in Great Britain in August 2004. 30th Congress of the International Geographical Union; BGRG Joint International Geomorphology Conference.

Photographs are presented of several images from Great Britain's Royal Geographical Society archives of Japan in the year 1910 which were created in black and white but were hand painted by former woodblock artists before being sold as postcards or in photo albums.

The article explores the significance of William Fitzwilliam Owen, a former member of Great Britain's Royal Navy, in ending transatlantic slave trafficking. Owen, a surveyor, was asked by the Admiralty to create charts of the African coastline. From 1822 to 1826, Owen surveyed the African coast. Owen believed that accurate charts of the coastline would guide the Navy's patrols and help in ending the slave trade. Despite the presence of the Royal Navy, slave trafficking continued until a mixture of diplomacy and annexation was implemented in 1870 in the Atlantic and 1920 in the Indian Ocean. INSET: Freetown and Fernando Po.

The article presents the opinions of a select group of academic geographers about the study of geography in Great Britain. According to the panel of geographers, geography is composed of three key elements such as humans, the Earth and interactions between the two. One geographer sees geography as the science of the processes of the surface of the Earth and the interactions between this and the living environment, including human beings. The panel also offers opinions on the important contributions to human knowledge that geography has made in the past. INSETS: WE ASKED NINE ACADEMIC GEOGRAPHERS...;WHO WE ASKED....

Presents information on maps of underground areas in Great Britain. Prototype map developed by surveyor of canals and coal mines William Smith; Features of the underground map by engineering draughtsman Henry Beck; Details of the military survey of Scotland by William Roy, a civilian draughtsman in Ordnance office. INSETS: Deecoding Smith's geological map;Decoding Beck's London Underground map;Decoding Roy's military map of Scotland;Decoding an Ordance Survey map

Presents information on the television series "Mapman," which explores the masterpiece maps of Great Britain from the Middle Ages to a 17th-century coastal chart. Role of maps in changes in British landscapes since the 1300s; Discussion on the Gough map; Plan of Christopher Saxton, a surveyor from Yorkshire, England, to produce an accurate map of Norfolk; Efforts of Captain Greenville Collins to complete the survey of British coasts. INSETS: Decoding the Gough map;Decoding Ogilby's road atlas, Britannia;Decoding Collins's Coasting Pilot.

Focuses on the use of aerial photography during World War II to promote regeneration across Great Britain. Purpose of aerial photographs during World War II; Advantages of using pictures over maps in treating the contaminated land in Cheshire County, England; Need for historical aerial images of the coastal region in Great Britain. INSET: THE STORY OF THE RAF PHOTO RECONNAISSANCE UNIT.

Provides information on the tea trade and industry in Great Britain and discusses recommendations for increasing its sales, as of November 2002. Competition with fresh producer areas and soft drinks markets; Sales potential of advertising medicinal properties of tea; History of the tea trade in Great Britain and India. INSETS: Why tea is good for you;The perfect cuppa.

Reveals the animals that are being smuggled into Great Britain through Heathrow Airport in London, England. Information on the captured Horsfield tortoises; Efforts to protect the confiscated creatures; Danger in consumption of bushmeat. INSET: ROUGH TRADE.

Presents news and information on environmentalism around the world. Protection of the sea coasts of Great Britain from pollution; Consultation on protecting and managing common land in Great Britain; International trade of elephant ivory; Study on ancient emerald trade.

Presents information on the beaches along the coastline of Great Britain. Government policy on sewage treatment; Details on the Blue Flag scheme; Diseases that can be contracted from swimming along the coastline; Information on the organization Surfers Against Sewage.

Reports that Great Britain's canal network is undergoing a spectacular transformation. Information on the restoration of the Avoncliff Aqueduct; Significance of the nationwide restoration initiative; Historical background on canals; Reason for the popularity of canals.

Focuses on the collaboration among several conservation organizations to establish which breeds of farm animals are best suited to a particular habitat. Studies on the rise and fall of farm animal breeds; Initiation of grazing schemes to promote local distinctiveness; Installation of the `Tamworth Three' in the Rahoy Hills of Ardnamurchan; Use of rare breeds as an aid to conservation at Cheddar Gorge.

Features an online computer service in Great Britain to access data on industrial pollution. Friends of the Earth (FoE); Chemical release inventory (CRI) database; Increase in number of searches of database; Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Pollution (HMIP).

Reports on the release of the CD-ROM version of Britain's Hydrographic Office's Admiralty Charts. Digital nautical mapping; Interactive electronic chart system; Two-dimensional images.

Reports that the British Waterways Board (BWB) is campaigning to become Great Britain's only navigation authority. Planned transfer of the National Rivers Authority's (NRA) role to BWB; Disagreement to the proposal; Support for the idea for a single navigational licensing authority.

Informs about the experience of 1994 A Level Geography prizewinners at the Royal Geographical Society, London, England on their subject and how they selected their university degree courses. INSETS: Schools TV.;Syllabus link-up..

Reports on the study about the geography of safety campaigns aimed at children in Great Britain. Examination of the various campaigns made by diverse group of organizations; Remarks of doctor Gill Valentine.

Describes the Spurn Head sandspit in Great Britain. Impact on coastal management; Formation theory; Sediment deposition.

Reports on the history of gambling in Great Britain. Introduction of the National Lottery; Insight into sale and purchase of lottery tickets; History of betting shops; Moral issues of betting; Physical characteristics of betting shops; Role of planning authorities; Insight into gambling on horse racing.

Assesses the achievements of Great Britain's first Land Utilization Survey (LUS), a data-gathering exercise which was designed to provide a detailed picture of the country's land-resources. Geographer Dudley Stamp as LUS organizer from 1930 and 1934; Map colorization; Aerial viewpoint; Major impact of LUS maps; Mobilization of LUS results during the war. INSETS: Organising the land use survey.;A map fit for its time..

Focuses on how to protect and conserve the marine environment of Great Britain. Elements that pollute Britain's underwater; Provisions of the European Union's Habitats Directive; Definition of Marine Protected Areas; Creation of Marine Nature Reserves and Voluntary Marine Conservation Areas; British sites recognized as Marine Consultation Areas; Declaration of St. Kilda as a World Heritage Site.

Discusses the benefits of car travel in Great Britain and its geographical consequences. Growth in car ownership; Impact on settlement and journeys; Problems in traffic planning; Reduction of the need to travel.

Discusses Great Britain's policy of building roads despite lack of a clear assumption linking road construction to development. High quality environment as the factor that attracts businesses to a locality; Massive development pressure by bypasses on land enclosing and around junctions; Need for a sustainable transport policy. INSETS: Motor madness.;The real cost of cars.;The alternative route: Budgeting for sustainable development..

The article provides information for several career opportunities in Great Britain for those with a degree in geography or a geography-related discipline from the viewpoint of employees. Great Britain's Environment Agency is seeking people for their geosciences departments such as geoscientists, hydrogeologists, and geotechnical engineers. The Environment Agency is the leading body for protecting and improving the environment in the country, according to the article. Details and contact information is given for several government agencies including Great Britain's Forestry Commission, the Training and Development Agency for Schools and Ordnance Survey, and Natural England as well as environmental consultancy agency Entec UK. INSETS: Case study: Alex Melling;Case study: Caro Cowan.