'Mt. Trashmore' - Government mulls 12 bids

Cayman Net News
February 3, 2010

The George Town landfill, commonly known as Mount Trashmore, is said to be the highest point in Grand Cayman, and has long been a cause for concern. Government is now considering proposals to convert the waste material into energy.

“We have received 12 proposals and we are looking to award a contract to a company who can convert the waste products into renewal energy production, and get rid of that dump,” said Premier Mckeeva Bush.

Landfills produce a steady stream of methane as heaps of biodegradable materials decompose. This can be tapped and used as fuel to run power generators and vehicles as a supplement to conventional energy production.

Mount Trashmore is estimated to be about 27 years old, and is located on a 58-acre, Government-owned parcel of land. It is clearly visible to cruise ship passengers entering Grand Cayman, and is quickly running out of space...read full story.

Deloitte and DoE to partner up

Caymanian Compass

A local firm has taken a step further in asserting its commitment to the environment. On 10 December 2009 Deloitte and the Department of Environment signed a memorandum of understanding to promote, assist and support increasing awareness and implementation of environmental projects and green initiatives.

Director of the Department of Environment, Mrs. Gina Ebanks-Petrie said that she was delighted to be able to work cooperatively with a company such as Deloitte to promote sustainable development concepts and projects.

“I think it is critical that government and private sector corporations begin to work jointly to ensure the continued viability of the resources and environmental systems on which our future well-being depends and I am grateful to Deloitte for their foresight and commitment,” she said.

The partnership will allow Deloitte and DoE to work together to identify, prioritize and provide technical assistance and funding to implement activities relating to the environment and to actively seek to network with other corporations who have similar green initiatives.

By Will @ 350.org

We have discussed the tremendous leadership of the Maldives in the fight against climate change on numerous occassions, but this latest bit of news likely ought to make the US and other developed countries blush...

In advance of the January 31 deadline to submit mitigation targets under the new Copenhagen Accord, the Maldives has reinforced their goal of becoming carbon neutral in the next decade, declaring that they will reduce CO2 emissions 100% by 2020. This comes days after the US submitted their plans to cut emissions just 17% below 2005 levels (3% below 1990 levels) and the Europeans continue to stick with their 20% by 2020 target. These targets are not new, but as the international community continues to find it's feet again after the confusion of Copenhagen these submissions are a reminder of where the real leadership rest...read full story.

Conservation law still up in the air

By: Basia McGuire Pioro
The Observer

The state of conservation in the Cayman Islands has been in flux in recent years, as government after government has made promises to enact a comprehensive conservation law that would protect Cayman’s natural areas.

In the most recent development, MLA Ellio Solomon announced on January 14 that the minister responsible for the Environment portfolio, Mark Scotland, hoped to revive the law and get it passed as soon as possible.

The Minister explained that he hopes to set in motion a process that will allow him to table a new version of the bill in the June session of the Legislative Assembly.

“Right now, we intend to start a public consultation process with key stakeholders like the tourism association, real estate association, and the National Trust, then move on to coordinating meetings with the general public.”

Read the full story...

How High Will Seas Rise? Get Ready for Seven Feet

by Rob Young and Orrin Pilkey
Yale 360

As governments, businesses, and homeowners plan for the future, they should assume that the world’s oceans will rise by at least two meters — roughly seven feet — this century. But far too few agencies or individuals are preparing for the inevitable increase in sea level that will take place as polar ice sheets melt. Read whole story here.

After Copenhagen - the Tactics and the Treaty

In the wake of the COP-15 summit in Copenhagen, the first Earthcast of 2010 is scheduled for Wednesday, January 27th (17:00 GMT, 12:00 EST, 9:00 PST). This live interactive web event will examine the treaty that emerged, the negotiating tactics behind it, and what the next steps are likely to be.

Experts Michael Grubb, David Satterthwaite and Richard Smith will be dissecting the agreement and asking whether future negotiations can establish a binding treaty that sets ambitious limits for the large emitters while supporting developing nations financially and technologically.

To register, go to the following link.