UK Highlights – Queen’s Speech, Barrages and Butterflies
The Green Investment Bank, electricity market reform and proposals for the water industry all made it into the Queen’s Speech on May 9, and environmental groups and business leaders are pressing for further details on Government plans. A proposed tidal barrage across the Severn estuary, the Government’s commitment to green growth and the UK’s springtime weather has also made the headlines.
UK highlights – Clean Energy Ministerial
Energy Ministers from 23 of the world’s leading economies gathered together in London last week for the third Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM3) to help accelerate the transition to clean energy technologies. A joint press release was released from Energy Ministers outlining commitments made on energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy access, and other cross-cutting initiatives. Under pressure from green groups, UK Government Ministers were keen to demonstrate their renewed commitment to be the “greenest government ever” and give a clear vision to investors in renewable energy.
Secretary Chu’s Remarks at the Clean Energy Ministerial Opening Session, as prepared for delivery
April 25, 2012 – 9:03am
I would like to thank Secretary of State Davey and the United Kingdom for hosting the third Clean Energy Ministerial, and thank everyone here for traveling to join us and for participating in this important forum.
Today, we have an extraordinary responsibility and opportunity: a responsibility to confront our shared energy and climate challenges, and an opportunity to do this by advancing clean energy technologies that can save consumers money, promote economic growth, strengthen energy security, and expand access to energy. Read more 
Earth Day Photo Contest Winner: Act Green, Plant Green
Congratulations to Ever Alonzo who won the U.S. Embassy’s 2012 Earth Day Facebook Photo Contest. The photo, titled “Act Green, Plant Green,” won the public vote by a large margin. The well-deserved prize is an Amazon Kindle with accompanying Solar Powered Charger.
Description: ”Many mass-produced vegetables travel thousands of miles before arriving at the grocery store, and must be packaged in man-made materials such as plastic and cardboard. Growing your own vegetable garden is an easy way to benefit the environment by reducing the carbon emissions and waste created by shipping and packaging. Also growing your own vegetables is chemical free and it’s healthy, nutritious and fresh.” (Ever Alonzo)
UK highlights – clean energy, green growth and climate science
London is set to host the Clean Energy Ministerial amid debate in UK politics over the direction of green policy and the cost of environmental measures to families and businesses. The Coalition Government has made announcements on fracking, investment in climate science, the green deal and EU emissions targets, and MPs have called on the government for greater clarity on the “outsourcing” of carbon emissions abroad.
Free April 27 London Screening of Sundance Film Festival documentary “Chasing Ice” with Q & A
INVITATION: You are cordially invited to a special screening of the award-winning documentary ‘Chasing Ice’ and a Q & A with the film’s director, Jeff Orlowski. This event is being sponsored by the U.S. Embassy as part of the first-ever Sundance Festival in London.
Earth Day is Fast Approaching!
April 22 is Earth Day, a day intended for reflection on the immeasurable value and beauty of the Earth’s diverse ecosystems and natural environment. To catalyze global activities on the issue, Earth Day Network (EDN) developed its “A Billion Acts of Green” campaign as the theme for Earth Day 2011, and is continuing it for Earth Day 2012. From switching off a light to planting a tree, each “act of green” by groups or individuals brings us closer to a more sustainable future.
UK Highlights – Easter eggs, airports and health reform
With Parliament breaking for Easter Recess, politicians have been busy stoking up the debate on airport capacity in the South East, turning the spotlight on wasteful Easter egg packaging, and discussing ways to better engage the public on climate change. Ministers have launched a new Carbon Capture and Storage competition, a new energy saving advice line and set out plans to cut emissions from heat. After the twists and turns of NHS Reform debate, the Health and Social Care Bill has finally received Royal Assent and the Prime Minister has launched a challenge to tackle the “crisis” in dementia care.
Drought in parts of the UK
The Environment Agency has declared that East Anglia, the south east of England and parts of Yorkshire are in drought, following prolonged dry weather in parts of the UK. Several water companies are to impose hosepipe bans on April 5.