Introduction
The winners of the inaugural Scottish Stupid Awards 2009 have been announced, highlighting the environmental offenders who have contributed to trashing the planet. The awards ceremony, organized by Friends of the Earth Scotland and the World Development Movement, took place in Edinburgh and aimed to bring attention to the dangers of climate change showcased in the new film, The Age of Stupid.
The Ostrich Award Goes to Donald Trump
Donald Trump, the controversial billionaire tycoon from America known for his dodgy hair, won the coveted Ostrich Award for "steamrolling Scottish democracy in order to open the door to developments that encourage flying". Trump received planning permission in 2019 to build a £1 billion luxury golf resort in Aberdeenshire, despite criticism from environmentalists.
Other Environmental Offenders
Several other individuals and organizations were shortlisted for their eco-stupidity:
- The Royal Bank of Scotland was nominated for investing billions of pounds in oil and gas.
- Ryanair received a nomination for its cheap flights, contributing to increased carbon emissions.
- The Water Industry Commission for Scotland and Lord Christopher Walker Monckton were nominated for denying climate change.
Greenwash Accusations
The Scottish government nearly won the Greenwash award for introducing a climate bill but failing to commit to serious annual targets until a decade later. They were criticized for proposing a new Forth road bridge, expanding airports, encouraging new coal plants, and rejecting a comprehensive energy efficiency plan.
The European Emissions Trading Scheme was eventually awarded the Greenwash prize for its failure to effectively combat climate change through creating a market for pollution permits.
Recognition for Climate Conscious Actions
In addition to the "Stupid Awards," recognition was given to individuals and organizations who demonstrated commitment to fighting climate pollution:
- Mike and Karen Small, originators of the Fife local diet, were praised for their efforts.
- A community-owned wind turbine in Fintry, Stirlingshire, was commended for generating renewable energy.
- Edinburgh University received an award for successfully reducing its carbon footprint.
Response from the Offenders
The Scottish government, ScottishPower, and the Royal Bank of Scotland responded to the awards by highlighting their commitment to tackling climate change. ScottishPower emphasized their position as the largest developer of onshore wind power in the UK, while the Royal Bank of Scotland stated that banks should not solely shoulder the blame for society's decisions regarding oil and gas usage. The Trump organization did not provide any response.
The Age of Stupid Film
The Age of Stupid, a new film starring Pete Postlethwaite, explores the urgent need for action against climate change. Showcased in various venues across Scotland, the film has raised awareness about the environmental challenges we face.
The Link Between Hotels and Climate Change
Hotels play a significant role in the travel and tourism industry, which contributes to carbon emissions and climate change. With the growing focus on sustainability, many hotels are now adopting eco-friendly practices to minimize their environmental impact.
Green initiatives within the hotel industry include energy-efficient lighting, water conservation, waste reduction, and the use of renewable energy sources. By implementing these measures, hotels can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to the overall fight against climate change.
Furthermore, hotels can educate guests about sustainable practices, encouraging them to conserve resources during their stay. This could involve promoting towel and linen reuse programs, providing recycling bins in guest rooms, or offering vegetarian and locally sourced food options to reduce the carbon emissions associated with food production.
In recent years, eco-certifications and green building standards have become popular among hotels aiming to showcase their commitment to sustainability. These certifications assess various aspects of a hotel's operations, including energy efficiency, waste management, and community engagement.