Consumers need carrots, not sticks, to make ‘green’ choices

With the amount of shopping days until Christmas fast running out, consumers who would like to make ‘green’ choices are often helpless to change their behaviour, according to research at the University of Surrey. The project, which was funded by ESRC, warns policymakers that eco-taxes and information campaigns have only a limited impact on how people behave.

Other Energy – Dec 15

Calif. Regulators Unveil Solar Power Plan / ConocoPhillips set to buy gas producer Burlington for US$35.6b / Shell spending to rise as costs soar / Shell Lacks Oil Sources, Merrill Says / Venezuela, Iran Sign Deal to Explore Orinoco Oil Reserves

S.African fuel crisis: Oil companies could owe motorists R60m

In the wake of the continuing fuel shortage in South Africa, Minister of Minerals and Energy Lindiwe Hendricks has called for fuel companies operating in South Africa to reimburse motorists for the payments they receive for storing extra stocks of petrol and diesel, meaning the industry could face a collective payment of about R60-million.

Optimising Energy – Cultivate Magazine

Powering down in response to Peak Oil and Global Warming: Dr. Colin Campbell writes on the dawning of the Second Age of Oil / Torbjörn Lahti on The Natural Step / Richard Douthwaite on Peak Oil and Irish economics / Dr David Fleming warns that Peak Oil may be delayed / Nutrition and personal energy / More…