Auld Reekie Enters the New Age – Pollution Free Future?
Auld Reekie Enters the New Age –
Pollution Free Future?
Edinburgh has been around since the before 8,000 BC, although not as grand then as it is now since that pre-dates the Bronze and Iron Ages. It has changed an adapted as needs must throughout the millennia. So it is no surprise to find that the good burghers of the city are planning for a new kind of town in the very near future. The latest adaptation is to go carbon neutral by 2030, a mere ten years away now. It seems that transport is responsible for nearly 30% of the EU’s total CO2 emissions, of which 72% comes from road transportation. So as part of efforts to reduce CO2 emissions, the EU has set a goal of reducing emissions from transport by 60% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. Auld Reekie has already the tram network and construction of the tram extension to Newhaven, which will cost us the people at least £207m, began last 18 November.
On Yer Bike Jimmy!
Now, trumpets please, Edinburgh City Council announced draft plans for a 10-year strategy to help the Capital become carbon neutral by 2030 by encouraging, or perhaps forcing, more people to use public transport. It is likely the tram will be extended to Granton and the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary while George Street will be for pedestrians only. Retailers are struggling at the moment so I’m not sure how closing a host of streets including Waverley Bridge, Cockburn Street and Victoria Street will change that. There is good news with a seamless ticketing system like the Oyster one you find in London which will mean card payments across the range of public transport, not endlessly buying tickets: Although there is a “Bus War” going on at the moment according to the local papers. They also want you to get on yer bike to commute, a strategy which works well in the summer, but is fairly unpleasant in the winter. Even in hardy Finland in the city of Oulu where cycling to work is common, 32% do it in summer and only 12% in the winter - and its flatter there. The Edinburgh council are planning for “mass commuting by bike”- I kid you not. Edinburgh may soon be the Amsterdam of the north, although they grit the cycle paths at 3 in the morning every day there in winter, not once in a while as the whim takes them.
J P Ahead of the Curve
Well we here at James Pirie are already ahead of the curve and have made shopping eco friendly from the comfort of your chair. Yes studies show that home shopping from reputable retailers is more environmentally friendly, so sit back and glide that mouse. And as we are talking about new trends take a peek at the gin side of life. The lovely Royal Scot Crystal - Diamante with Swarovski crystals 2 Gin and Tonic Glasses are in a presentation box. They are five star customer rated and currently half price. That’s a rosy looking future.
