Is the fuel crisis a blessing in disguise?
- The Guardian,
- Monday June 23, 2008
- Article history
It depends on your point of view, of course, but there is some evidence that the surge in oil prices is succeeding where green campaigners and government initiatives have not: in persuading people to drive less. This means a cut in carbon dioxide emissions, and ultimately, less global warming. It also means less money handed over by hard-pressed motorists at their local forecourt.
Earlier this month, the International Energy Agency reported that UK petrol sales had collapsed by up to 20% over the past year. Motorists, the agency said, were switching to public transport.
Perhaps, says the Association of Train Operating Companies, although passenger numbers have been increasing steadily for a decade or more. What is clear is that trains have not emptied of people the way they did during the last recession in the early 1990s. Bus operator Stagecoach also says passenger numbers are up, though again it is difficult to spot a recent spike against a long-term steady rise.
The AA says up to two-thirds of motorists are thinking of cutting back. The RAC Foundation suggests two-car families may be leaving the gas-guzzler in the garage and relying more on the economic run-around. Halfords reports an upswing in commuter bike sales, as well as repairs and accessories.
Perhaps drivers are also taking it easier; “eco-driving” – less right foot action on both the brake and the accelerator – can save the equivalent of 9p a litre. And traffic speeds on the M6 from Birmingham to Carlisle and around the M25 are down slightly on last year, according toKeepmoving.co.uk. In 2005, leaked documents showed the government considered stricter enforcement of the 70mph limit for environmental reasons was too “politically sensitive”. Saving money, it seems, is acceptable to all.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/jun/23/ethicalliving.energy
Royal Dutch Shell conspired directly with Hitler, financed the Nazi Party, was anti-Semitic and sold out its own Dutch Jewish employees to the Nazis. Shell had a close relationship with the Nazis during and after the reign of Sir Henri Deterding, an ardent Nazi, and the founder and decades long leader of the Royal Dutch Shell Group. His burial ceremony, which had all the trappings of a state funeral, was held at his private estate in Mecklenburg, Germany. The spectacle (photographs below) included a funeral procession led by a horse drawn funeral hearse with senior Nazis officials and senior Royal Dutch Shell directors in attendance, Nazi salutes at the graveside, swastika banners on display and wreaths and personal tributes from Adolf Hitler and Reichsmarschall, Hermann Goring. Deterding was an honored associate and supporter of Hitler and a personal friend of Goring.
Deterding was the guest of Hitler during a four day summit meeting at Berchtesgaden. Sir Henri and Hitler both had ambitions on Russian oil fields. Only an honored personal guest would be rewarded with a private four day meeting at Hitler’s mountain top retreat.
IN JULY 2007, MR BILL CAMPBELL (ABOVE, A RETIRED GROUP AUDITOR OF SHELL INTERNATIONAL SENT AN EMAIL TO EVERY UK MP AND MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS: 
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A head-cut image of Alfred Donovan (now deceased) appears courtesy of The Wall Street Journal.
