GREEN CORRIDORS

A RECENT study by the Global Maritime Forum has identified Spain as a hub for green shipping corridors towards the rest of Europe and beyond.

Based on the scale of trade, energy demand, dominant trade segments and policy environment, the analysis showed that the United Kingdom, Italy, and the United States are Spain’s most promising partner countries for developing green corridors.

The other three identified countries were Turkey, Morocco, and China with Barcelona, Bilbao and Valencia singled out as the key ports.

IHAVE regularly written in this column that world leaders need to take urgent steps on a global level to tackle climate change.

As individuals, there are a number of measures we should be doing.

CUT OUT WASTING FOOD

According to a UN report the world wastes between 25 - 30% of its food. The same report states that around 10% of global carbon emissions are linked to produce we do not consume. This is a pretty staggering statistic.

FLY LESS, DRIVE LESS

Domestic flights have the highest emissions per person per kilometre. There are alternatives - train, bus, car share, and video conferencing for example. Look at an electric vehicle.

Do Your Bit

INSTALL SOLAR PANELS

This really is a no-brainer. If you have a useable roof or suitable land put it to good use. The sun is free… harness it. Solar-generated power is the cleanest form of renewable energy. And it pays back your investment in typically less than four years.

INSTALL LED LIGHTS

Led light bulbs are more energy efficient. They give better quality light and are much cheaper to run.

A 35w Halogen bulb costs over €6 a year to run (and has a short life expectancy). An equivalent Led bulb costs less than €1 per year. It’s not rocket science.

BUY ENERGY-EFFICIENT ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES

Read the label on every new appliance you buy to see how frugal it is to use - washing machines, fridges, dishwashers, ovens, etc.

DO I REALLY NEED IT?

We generally buy more clothing than we need. Get this; according to the UN’s data, when you take into account cotton production, manufacturing, transport and washing it takes over 3,700 litres of water just to make one pair of jeans. Wow! Try secondhand. Some of the charity shops have amazing clothing at a fraction of the new price. So whilst governments around the world redefine the meaning of being slow to act...there’s no need to drag your heels.

Every little helps.

FLOATING: Violette

Enchanting display

MADRID was treated to a unique and enchanting display when French pianist Violette Prevost captivated hundreds with a floating piano performance.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, a mesmerised audience gathered around the Pradolongo artificial lake in Usera to witness an extraordinary concert.

Etheral

The renowned musical ensemble known as Piano du Lac orchestrated the event, their only stop in central Madrid during their summer tour across Spain. Prevost took to her ethereal floating stage and blended classical melodies with contemporary compositions.