
Guest essay by Eric Worrall
UK Environment Minister Michael Gove just slammed President Trump for walking out on the Paris Agreement.
Michael Gove ‘deeply regrets’ Trump’s approach to Paris climate agreement
In first speech since cabinet return, environment secretary says he hopes US president will have a change of heart
Michael Gove has said he “deeply regrets” Donald Trump’s approach to the Paris agreement on climate change and hopes the president will have a change of heart, in his first speech since returning to the cabinet.
The environment secretary said international cooperation was crucial to resolve the problem of climate change, adding: “The world’s second-biggest generator of carbon emissions can’t simply walk out of the room when the heat is on.”
Gove also said the government was not prepared to compromise on environmental standards, sustainability or animal welfare to secure a trade deal.
Instead, Britain would compete on quality and not take part in a “race to the bottom” to win new trading relationships, he said. “Of course it’s important we explore new trading opportunities, with the United States and other nations across the world but it must not be, and the cabinet is agreed on this, at the risk of dropping any environmental standards whatsoever.”
…
In the speech at the WWF, Gove also pledged to deliver a “green Brexit”, although critics have pointed out that the Queen’s speech contained no planned environmental legislation. He also said farmers must prove they deserve future subsidies after the UK leaves the European Union.
…
The full text of Gove’s speech is available here. In the speech, Gove praises the contribution of green organisations like the WWF and Greenpeace.
… Environmental organisations – from WWF to the RSPB, the Wildlife Trusts to Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth – enjoy memberships in the tens and hundreds of thousands, and also the support of millions more and a capacity to move hearts more powerful than any other set of institutions in our civil society.
And their campaigning energy and idealism, while occasionally uncomfortable for those of us in power, who have to live in a world of compromise and deal-making, is vital to ensuring we continue to make progress in protecting and enhancing our environment.
On everything from alerting us all to the danger posed by plastics in our oceans and nitrogen oxide in our air, to the threats posed to elephants by poaching and cod by over-fishing, it’s been environmental organisations which have driven Governments to make progress. They have demonstrated that we can, with sufficient will, halt and reverse those trends and forces degrading the natural world and we can, if we have that will, improve the environment we are handing on to the next generation. …
Read more: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/the-unfrozen-moment-delivering-a-green-brexit
Michael Gove is an interesting figure in Conservative British politics.
Gove was widely blamed for sabotaging popular MP Boris Johnson’s bid for leadership of the Conservative Party in 2016, after Gove abruptly withdrew his support from Boris Johnson, and threw his own hat in the ring.
As The Telegraph said at the time;
… “This was a carefully planned assassination,” an ally said. “It was systematic and calculated to do the maximum damage to Boris.
“When he saw his opportunity for an act of midnight treachery he took it.” …
Gove was accused of being over-enthusiastic in his support for President Trump, immediately after Trump won the election. But now Gove accuses President Trump of “walking out when the heat is on”.
As Education Secretary Gove claimed to champion the poor – but now he cosies up to the WWF and Greenpeace, and throws his support behind the Paris Agreement, which if implemented in full will have a brutal impact on energy bills. High renewable energy bills disproportionately hurt poor people.
What does Michael Gove really stand for? Difficult to say. Lets just say if I was a leading Conservative politician, I would not want my close ally Michael Gove to be standing directly behind me.
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https://youtu.be/3A0q36NOgdQ
China, the biggest emitter, gets a pass of course.
And by 2030, India will be the second biggest CO2 emitter, and it too has a free pass.
What do these politicians not understand about the Paris Agreement; it does nothing to stop manmade CO2 emissions being far higher in 2030 than they are today. Further, them seem to fail to grasp the fact that even outside the Paris Agreement, the US will reduce its CO2 emissions far more effectively than any other developed nation which is still within the Paris Agreement.
By 2022 India will have installed 175GW of wind and solar… it has banned new coal plant applications till 2022. It is intending all new cars sold after 2030 will be electric…
I don’t think you have looked at how hard India is working on renewables and CO2 reduction.
richard verney July 24, 2017 at 9:41 pm
“What do these politicians not understand about the Paris Agreement; it does nothing to stop manmade CO2 emissions being far higher in 2030 than they are today. ”
And what is wrong – provably wrong – with manmade CO2 emissions being far higher in 2030 than they are today?
Might the planet be greener?
May fewer – mostly elderly – Brits die from the cold in marginally warmer winter nights?
And was the younger Michael Gove the original model for Alfred E. Neuman?
Auto – dumb enough to think Copy-Paste works in Word Press. Shucks!
You can all google an image of Alfred E., and see for yourself . . . .
[If you are too young to remember MAD from the 60s. [Is it still publishing?]}
And India’s new wind and solar projects will be generating approx 25% of the nameplate MWh so while they will have 175GW installed capacity it will be producing < 45GW of electricity. This is why they still have plans for an additional 1100+GW of Coal Generation through 2030
While global coal use is thought to have fallen by 4.6% year on year through the first nine months of 2015 – … A third of the new capacity in the global pipeline is coal (1161/3165 GW) …– and nearly 90% of this is in rapidly growing Asian economies.
An earlier study from the San Francisco-based Climate Policy Initiative found that China had invested as much as US$38 billion (253 billion yuan) in coal fired power plants overseas between 2010-2014 and had announced plans for another US$72 billion (480 billion yuan) worth of projects, an almost 100% increase.
China’s coal footprint is particularly large in Asia. In 2015 coal-fuelled plants accounted for 68% of generating capacity built by China in the rest of Asia, and in future this is set to rise, according to an earlier paper co-authored by Hannam. In contrast, where countries built capacity without Chinese support, coal-fired plants made up only 32% of new capacity. Worldwide, the majority of China’s support to the power sector in the global south was funnelled into coal, says the paper.
China is the largest supplier of equipment to India, which is expected to double its coal capacity by 2031. Chinese firms account for 60% of the equipment ordered in the private sector and are involved in at least 19 projects across the country, the largest being a massive 4,000 MW plant in Gujarat, built by Huaneng and financed by the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC)
It honestly doesn’t matter. The UK will be a Muslim majority country within one or two generations anyway so answers to these and all other problems must be sought in Islamic scripture. As the Islamic demographic soars unabated why anyone would be concerned with these trivia is a bit of a mystery.
Sadly, the way things are going I don’t think it will take a generation. The current Uni crop have already sold out, the only hope is the next generation after them fights back. Why do people like Gove join the Convervative Party? are they moles? He even looks like a LibDem.
“He even looks like a LibDem.”
If you ask me, he looks like Mr. Bean.
Bartleby
“If you ask me, he looks like Mr. Bean.”
Just less able.
I am sure that Mr Bean would find that comment hurtful.
Not a mole, nor a LibDem, although the UK really has only one political party, the LibLabCon. Ignore the rhetoric, especially at election time or in opposition. If you look at what they actually do their policies are pretty much the same with only a difference in emphasis and what they consider the priorities. They are ALL social democrats, big government, big welfare, big regulation, big spending, big taxing, big direct provision. As to Gove, he is the epitome of the modern politician, whatever seems to be the most expedient position at any given time is his position. Like the rest of his ilk, deceit, spin, massaging or selecting desirable fact is ingrained to the extent they lie with almost every word they utter, indeed they lie even when the truth would suit them better.
RVR 6:01 pm: His face could compete with Alfred E. Newman.
Ah, yes cephus0 and Mr. Reynolds, that would be ‘ethnic cleansing’, ask Blair & Clinton, succumbing to incessant media agitprop and fake news, they’ll bomb you into submission, then you’ll have to leave your home, your churches will be burnt, priceless mediaeval treasures turned into ashes, all under watchful guard of UN’s coalition forces protecting few obstinate christian ‘remainers’, all seen elsewhere in Europe.
And once Britain is an islamic republic, they will automatically revert to “developing” country status and be exempt from emission reductions, but instead will be eligible for payments from the US under the Paris agreement. Maybe he’s just looking ahead.
Excellent comment cephus0. It is very sad to see one of the great world powers and the home of much enlightenment descend in barbarism. But, it looks as if that is the future for UK. I don’t see anyone or anything on the horizon to stop it.
[snip…this is a debate which does not belong on this site~ctm]
[snip…this is a debate which does not belong on this site~ctm]
Don’t know much about UK politics. But on the face of it, Gove should be long gone. The governing principle is idiots not well tolerated. Anywhere. A personal view from a Deplorable.
The Conservative Party in Britain was always a bit of a mystery to me. I ran for VP of my College Student Union as a conservative in the late 70’s (a small Technical College in Hampshire and incidentally won) and it seemed like we were “tasteful” before almost anything else. The “loyal, royal opposition” I suppose. Labor were always the grease covered knuckle dragers, while we Conservatives knew how to pour tea and could be trusted with a shotgun.
BTW, for the record I’m now considered a “grease covered knuckle dragger” myself. Times change. I’m still a conservative though and I can still handle a shotgun reliably. I probably don’t bathe often enough anymore…
I would like to say that the Brits have to play a careful game with what they say within earshot of Europe as the main event is Brexit negotiations, however, it’s pretty clear that Gove is a self serving, ambitious little weasel. In other words, a politician!
Indeed, politicians tend to “go native” when they find themselves running an area that they know nothing about, they simply parrot the world view of the Civil Servants who actually run things. Owen Patterson (former environment minister) got it right when he spoke about the Green Blob.
So. Michael Uriah Heep Gove wants President Trump to have “a change of heart”…. loves that environmentalist groups are good at “moving hearts.”
Science and good public policy are grounded in facts and sound, proven-effective, principles. Such things are largely the province of: the mind.
Response of Trump:
http://www.azquotes.com/picture-quotes/quote-this-very-expensive-global-warming-bullshit-has-got-to-stop-our-planet-is-freezing-record-donald-trump-86-91-51.jpg
Response of Citizens of the United States of America:
We hired Mr. Trump to make America great again — not to put money into the pockets of EU cladding-pushers, wind-sc@mmers, and solar hu$tlers.
Gotta love Uriah Heep!
https://youtu.be/m4o–q6xuvs
Ah, memories. But a little rough. I don’t envy them having to perform that one live, but I doubt many in the venue felt much pain.
My reference was an attempt at an allusion to the Uriah Heep of the book David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens.
I have never heard of the band by that name.
“I have never heard of the band by that name.”
You must have had a sheltered upbringing !!
I agree with your “Michael Uriah Heep Gove” coment,
he’s a realy nasty little runt.
As a young man I used to enjoy Dickens
but haven’t been invited to one for years.
Gove’s statements and actions do seem to be a bit 2-faced — but then, he IS a politician! ‘Stab-In-The-Back’ is normal AND expected.
A friend to a politician is someone that stabs you in the front.
No, he slides the knife in sideways so it doesn’t hurt as much.
While photos can be deceptive, Gove looks like an idiot compared to President Trump.
Gove’s “take” on the “Green” movement makes me suspicious of his motives–has money anything to do with his support?
There is no right wing in Europe and there hasn’t been a centrist even in 30-40yrs. Left ward drift hit the US in the new millennium and were it not for Trump, who wasn’t actually right wing really until he unwittingly took up this position in recognition of the country’s deep problems and their causes, the right would be dead as a dodo had HRC got in and we had another 8yrs of new clueless millennials hatched out.
Basically, he is a pragmatist businessman and if he can simply ignore the MSM and angry floundering Dems, and go to the districts of lefty Republicans and get voters to straighten them out, he will save the world from itself.
“There is no right wing in Europe and there hasn’t been a centrist even in 30-40yrs.”
That’s been my impression, too.
The only party in the world close to being conservative is the American Republican party. All other parties in the free world are some form of socialism to one degree or another.
There is the AfD, Le Pen, the Dutch, the govts of Poland and Hungary (though maybe more nationalist than right wing?) and UKIP.
Many of which are failing and a bit of a joke, but they are there
Poland, Hungary, lol, not in it for the money? I know many in the UK that lost jobs to Hungarians. And what have Hungarians done for us?! Biro’s and automagic gearboxes.
“since returning to the cabinet.”
I went to that link. Reads like an episode of the 3 stooges
** an American vaudeville and comedy team active from 1928 until 1970, **
Non-serious people are in charge of the UK. Maybe when Trump is done kicking butt in the US, he can come over there and fix things.
That would be good of him. We already have a Trump Street in the City of London.
Why shouldn’t he join the green squishies? The most prominent California GOP seem to have suddenly decided to back eviscerating the state economy in order to “save the world”. He has lots of company.
If influencial and megaphone proponents of renewable energy and global warming horror were made to disclose their financial interests in the racket we would say in retrospect “That was bloody obvious wasn’t it”.
How can someone regret something he himself had no part in? Methinks he meant he “resents” Trump’s decision, but aren’t all ministers assumed to be supremely literate? Sad!
This pendulum will swing back eventually. How much civilization remains is the question.
“……..Instead, Britain would compete on quality and not take part in a “race to the bottom” to win new trading relationships, he said…….”
Now that is more than a little outside his Bailiwick and I sense this is a guy playing some leadership cards, and is making all the right noises to appease the anti Brexiters.
Well now we have a Brexit and a “green” Brexit.
I am tipping you won’t be able to tell the difference.
Gove’s modus operandum as Boris knew!
?w=640
Why does the picture of Mr. Gove remind me of Alfred E. Neuman?
Astonishing, SMC, that was exactly my reaction. “What, me worry?”
For Mr. Slayton:
🙂
More like the bastard son of Austin Powers and a transgender Alfred E. Neuman (or vice versa.)
I think it’s the camera angle.
Because…. huh. I wonder why. 🙂
http://www.madmagazine.com/sites/default/files/MAD-Magazine-Alfred-for-President-Brink.jpg
My thought exactly
“…Gove praises the contribution of green organisations like the WWF and Greenpeace.”
Here is an “idiot” from Greenpeace:
Too bad Cruz didn’t win. He wouldn’t be tweeting lies and crazy stuff. No one could win a debate with him…
JPP…
Trump always dodged debating Cruz. Wise move.
I think Cruz is just a little too close to the Bush family and their establishment views. Time will tell if I am right or way of the mark.
Yes – no Cruz Trump debate – too bad…Trump wouldn’t allow it…
I thought the Governor of Ohio prevented the Trump Cruz debate by staying in to the end with virtually no support in the polls
Gove comes across as the sort of squishy “moderates” like Schwartzenegger who portray themselves as the opposition party, and then sell out cheaply. A$$ hats, all.
Michael Gove also happens to be married to Sarah Vine, a journalist for the MSM. She is credited with guiding his political career, apparently, so this may be a strategic move undertaken on her advice. Gove was also one of the cabinet ministers fired by Teresa May after the Brexit vote so he’s probably just trying to weasel his way back into good grace. Anyway, they’re clearly an ambitious couple so they are doing this for reasons of his political career rather than anything else, I’m sure!
Phil Rae
Gove is manoeuvring for Theresa May’s job. Always has been. And he’ll do anything to get it.
HotScot +10
No doubt he dreams about such things but his fantasy was brought back down to Earth with a bump last time he made that pathetic attempt after the Brexit vote. I think he’s a smart-enough guy…..but “vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself and falls on th’other” (along with a wife who “chastises with the valour of her tongue”) have put paid to many otherwise sensible individuals from that neck-of-the-woods. Poor Macbeth….and poor Michael Gove, perchance? A future Shakespearean tragedy? /sarc
Out damn spot!
About the only Macbeth quote I remember from secondary school days. And we were even taken to see the 70’s movie in Glasgow by the English dept.
I don’t imaging Gove will ever be remembered in history though. Odious little oik.
Sarah Vine is a columnist on the Daily Mail so I have today written to the editor:
(My apologies if the formatting goes awry)
Harry Passfield +100
The formatting is great….the content is even better! I’d love to see it published tomorrow! Fat chance, sadly!
Hare-brained better than hair-brained
/Proof reader!
Thanks, Colin. And I used to be (amongst other jobs) a tech author! 🙂 That said, I think both spelling are accepted except I should not have inserted a hyphen in my spelling. 🙂
You should check out the number of UK councils and housing associations who have already installed solar panels on social housing.
There is no doubt they will follow up with batteries to, in due course.
Oh Griff! How little you know. Where I live the council installed solar and ground source heat pumps in tons of properties ‘they’ own. Guess who pays for that? Me!!! It doesn’t work!!!
@ur momisugly Phil Rae
Got in one!
Boris is out of the country ATM – better check that his seat at the house is still there when he returns. Just say’n
Kleinefeldmaus
Good point! I’m sure Boris has somebody sitting in his chair just to keep it occupied after that “Et tu, btute” moment. Actually, Gove did a decent enough job in Education….at least trying to stop the rot in standards and the ongoing devaluation of exam results. He’s no fool, of that I’m pretty sure. However, he’s a politician so all bets are off when it comes to doing the right thing for the environment versus doing what he perceives to be the best thing for his career. What a dirty business!
Sorry! “Et tu, Brute” obviously!
Don’t you just love those red eyed WWF land grabbers…
http://i1.getsurrey.co.uk/incoming/article13366194.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Brexit.jpg
Maybe he thought they were border collies.
Sorry Mr Grove but your agreement with Mr. Obama is not an agreement with the United States.
Do we have a time frame of when Michael Gove becomes Michelle Grove or was it Michelle Grove who transgendered into Michael Gove.
From the article: “Michael Gove has said he “deeply regrets” Donald Trump’s approach to the Paris agreement on climate change and hopes the president will have a change of heart”
How many billions of dollars is Britain on the hook for through the UN Green Climate Fund and the Paris Accord?
Mr. Gove should be deeply concerned that Britain might just be throwing their money away on the GCF when they have better things to spend that money on in Britain.
TA
2016 NHS defecit – £2.6Bn.
Current green budget £9Bn, rising to £14Bn by 2020. £300Bn total spend by 2050.
You bet we have better things to do with the money.
It’s OK the UK will import migrants from the former eastern block countries, like Poland and Romania, all will be fine. Oh, wait! Not working too well is it?
Patrick MJD
The tragedy of that is it rips the physical and intellectual resources from the countries that desperately need it most, Poland/Romania etc. The UK, Germany and France have a net benefit, but how are emerging economies supposed to thrive when hollowed out.
That’s one of my main beefs about the EU in general.