Risk of Planetary Insolvency due to Climate and Nature crises. What does this mean for our region?

A guest blog by Darcy White A new report, using more realistic ways of assessing the financial risks of environmental breakdown, has dramatically changed predictions and says that urgent action is desperately needed if we are to avoid catastrophe. The report, by risk management experts at the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA), says thatContinueContinue reading “Risk of Planetary Insolvency due to Climate and Nature crises. What does this mean for our region?”

Europe’s largest insurance brokers conference confronted with climate protests

A colourful and dramatic protest from environmental groups greeted delegates at Europe’s largest insurance brokers conference last Wednesday at Manchester Central Convention Centre. The demand was for the industry to stop backing fossil fuel projects. Without this insurance fossil fuel companies would not be able to continue polluting our planet. Sheffield was represented by theContinueContinue reading “Europe’s largest insurance brokers conference confronted with climate protests”

What happens to the money we pay Yorkshire Water?

I have written to the Sheffield Star about Yorkshire Water. Dear Editor John Bunting is right when he says more people produce more sewage (Star 21st May see below). But more people also provide more money for the water companies when they pay their bills. The question is what happens to that money? Unfortunately, itContinueContinue reading “What happens to the money we pay Yorkshire Water?”

Only Fools Insure Fossil Fuels! Extinction Rebellion at the BIBA Conference in Manchester.

Here are the videos from the Extinction Rebellion lobby of the British Insurance and Brokers Association in Manchester on Wednesday, May 14th. You will find everything from a drowning sports car to Zombies, Samba Band to singing, Insurance CEO’s on trial to messages from flood victims all over the globe. A full write-up will appearContinueContinue reading “Only Fools Insure Fossil Fuels! Extinction Rebellion at the BIBA Conference in Manchester.”

Sheffield’s Hidden Legacy: A Toxic Threat Beneath Our Feet?

A concerning investigation has brought to light a potentially hazardous legacy lurking beneath our feet. Analysis by Unearthed reveals that over 100 old landfill sites across England, some containing a cocktail of dangerous substances from heavy metals to persistent pollutants, have flooded at least once this century. This revelation, coupled with the fact that overContinueContinue reading “Sheffield’s Hidden Legacy: A Toxic Threat Beneath Our Feet?”

Israel is a Terror State

I’ve sent this letter to the Sheffield Star in response to Cyril Olsen, whose letter is below. There is plenty more that could have been said in response, so please write too. The address is letters@thestar.co.uk (word limit 300). Israel is a terror state Dear Editor Cyril Olsen repeats the mantra that Hamas is aContinueContinue reading “Israel is a Terror State”

Could Degrowth be the way forward to solve the environmental crisis?

A guest blog by Darcy White At the Festival of Debate last week, Jason Hickel, political economist, addressed the topic: Degrowth: A 21st Century Revolution. Hickel is a leading international scholar and writer in this field – and the 450-seat venue was almost full. Sara from Festival of Debate introducing the meeting. Jason Hickel isContinueContinue reading “Could Degrowth be the way forward to solve the environmental crisis?”

Plan Z. From Lab Coats to Handcuffs

I’m delighted to share the new film Plan Z that accompanies the book Scientists on Survival. It is certainly worth 23 minutes of your time. Many of the authors of the book appear in the film. https://youtu.be/cNvk-qFN2Ww?si=RFFpopyrwesQ_SjQ

Scientists on Survival: Scientists talk from the heart about what the planetary emergency means to them.

What comes to mind when you try to picture a scientist? Maybe a nerdy white man in a lab coat who writes complicated research papers and can’t communicate with ordinary people or deal with emotions? It most certainly won’t be someone so concerned about humankind’s survival that they risk arrest and even get imprisoned forContinueContinue reading “Scientists on Survival: Scientists talk from the heart about what the planetary emergency means to them.”

Degrowth: A 21st Century Revolution

A guest blog by Ci Davis Degrowth is a word that attracts strong opinions.  The opportunity to talk to Jason Hickel, bestselling author of Less is More: How Degrowth Will Save the World, provides a chance to challenge some of the misrepresentations and misconceptions Jason is a world-renowned political economist, and ICREA Professor ICTA-UAB, andContinueContinue reading “Degrowth: A 21st Century Revolution”