BES Parliamentary Shadowing Scheme Opens

Applications are now welcome for the 2009 BES Parliamentary Shadowing Scheme.

The scheme is now in its third year. Since 2007 our ecologists have had the opportunity to shadow two Parliamentary Under-Secretaries (Barry Gardiner MP and Joan Ruddock MP) at Defra, two MEPs (John Bowis MEP and Linda McAvan MP), plus officials from the devolved administrations. Those members of the BES who have taken part have commented on the value of this experience to them; gaining an unprecedented opportunity to gain first-hand experience of how science is used to inform policy-making. Ecologists spend one-two days with the parliamentarian, before spending another day or so with civil servants and policy-advisors.

The full list of Ministers, MEPs and Officials who have agreed to participate in the 2009 scheme has yet to be finalised. However, we are delighted to confirm that the following have so far agreed to take part:

• Jane Davidson AM, Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing at the Welsh Assembly Government
• Professor Maggie Gill, Chief Scientific Advisor for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Scottish Government
• Linda McAvan MEP, Labour Spokesperson on the Environment, European Parliament
  Expenses

If you are a member of the BES and an early-career researcher (no more than eight years since finishing PhD) interested in the science-policy interface, then consider applying. The BES will cover all reasonable expenses you incur whilst on the scheme.

Find out more at the BES website.
Closing date: 27 February

Wales' Largest Wind Farm Approved

The Welsh Government yesterday granted assent for the development of Wales' largest wind farm - and the second largest in the world - off the North coast of the country. When complete, in 2014, and fully operational, the wind turbines will supply electricity for 700,000 homes.

The wind farm, at Gwent y Môr, will be built by NPower Renewables and will generate 750MW of 'clean' energy. The approval brings Wales a step closer to meeting its ambitious target, announced by Jane Davidson, Environment Minister, in February: to supply all of Wales' electricity from green, 'clean' sources by 2025. Electricity generation accounts for 30% of Wales' carbon emissions.

The UK is the world's leader in generating power from offshore wind farms, with a total offshore built capacity of 590MW at present. The proposed 'London Array' in the outer Thames Estuary, which would generate 1GW of power.

The announcement from Wales follows Tuesday's 'plugging in' of the largest wind farm in Europe into the Portuguese National Grid. The development, in the Upper Minho region of Portugal will provide 1% of the country's total energy and will supply electricity for over 1 million residents.

See original article in the Guardian, 4 December 2008: Go-ahead for wind farm puts Wales on track to meet clean energy targets

£55 Million Alliance for Biological and Environmental Science

The Welsh Assembly Government has announced that it will provide £23.5 million to support a £55 million alliance between the universities of Bangor and Aberystwyth. The alliance will bring together Aberystwyth’s Institute for Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences and Bangor’s College of Natural Sciences to create the largest group of biological, environmental and rural scientists in the UK.

Research at the newly formed group will focus on some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges, including climate change, renewable energy, food security and wildlife disease.

Environmental Audit Committee Launches New Inquiry

The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has today launched a new inquiry into climate change and local, regional and devolved government. With a vital role to play in reducing emissions , all levels of government should work to mitigate the effects of, and generate strategies to adapt to, climate change. Recent evidence to the Committee suggests a lack of cohesion between the various levels of government in the UK with respect to engagement in this area. Written evidence to the Committee from organisations and members of the public is invited by 3 January 2008.

Scottish and Welsh Ministers

Scottish Executive
Rural Affairs and the Environment

• Cabinet Secretary: Richard Lochhead MSP
• Minister for Environment: Michael Russell MSP

Education & Lifelong Learning

• Minister for Schools and Skills: Maureen Watt MSP
• Cabinet Secretary: Fiona Hyslop MSP

Welsh Assembly Government

First Minister (including science): Rhodri Morgan AM
Sustainability and Rural Development: Jane Davidson AM
Education, Culture and the Welsh Language: Carwyn Jones AM

Severn Barrage

On Wednesday in the House of Commons, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and Wales discussed the possible development of the Severn Barrage which could create a significant supply of clean, electricity for the UK by harnessing the tidal flow of the Severn Estuary. Rt. Hon Peter Hain MP stated: "experience at La Rance river in France is that biodiversity can increase as a result of the construction of a barrage and that if we are not prepared to take bold steps to fight climate change, biodiversity will be, in a sense, a secondary matter". Read the full debate here.

The BES produced a booklet on the Ecological Impacts of Estuarine Barrages.

Welsh Assembly Elections

The Welsh Assembly elections are on 3 May. The following pledges from the Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats and Plaid Cymru manifestos may be of interest to ecologists:

Science funding and education: The Conservatives pledge a general increase in higher education funding. The Liberal Democrats want to make Wales a world leader in “eco-technology and research”. Plaid Cymru wants to focus research money on renewables. Labour pledges more outdoor education and eco-schools.

Environment: All four parties pledge to cut CO2 emissions. The Liberal Democrat’s have a target of 100% renewable energy by 2050. Plaid Cymru propose the creation of a national forest of native trees and a Marine Bill. Labour supports action to halt the decline in biodiversity and to look at marine reserves. The Liberal Democrats promise to support marine spatial planning, halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010 and promote biodiversity through agri-environment schemes. The Conservatives offer similar promises on agri-environment schemes and halting biodiversity loss by 2010.