‘A Gentle Whisper in Your Ear’

Evacuation Chair Devices – Fire Engineering for All in Buildings ?

This post has been running around in the back of my mind for quite some time … and I know now, for far too long !   But recently, my patience with certain manufacturers and suppliers of evacuation chair devices has reached its limit.

In relation to Building Users … previous posts have examined the technical term: Place of Safety (see the post dated 2009-10-24) … and why this concept is an essential starting point in the development of any practical … and comprehensive … fire engineering strategy for a building.

Previous posts have also explored the complex issue of Areas of Rescue Assistance in a building (see posts dated 2009-03-10 & 2009-03-17).

For the purposes of this discussion, now, a clear statement of Fire Engineering Design Objectives is required … 

1. Evacuation for All Building Users … with an assurance of health, safety and welfare protection during the course of that evacuation.
2. Sustain Building Serviceability during Evacuation … at the very least, while people are waiting in Areas of Rescue Assistance … and, until all of those people can be rescued by Firefighters and can reach a Place of Safety.

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We are rapidly approaching the day when all lifts/elevators in a building must be capable of being used during the course of a fire incident.  AND … these lifts/elevators must be situated so that … alternative, safe and intuitive means of evacuation … are effectively presented to all building users.

Greedy vested interests continue to impede the onset of that inevitable day.

Another surprising barrier to the implementation of this goal, however, is the sloppy and incompetent drafting of fire engineering design standards and codes of practice.  Previous posts have discussed … and shown … some of the serious problems with British Standard BS 9999 – Code of Practice for Fire Safety in the Design, Management and Use of Buildings (2008).

A ‘Restricted’ Architectural Vocabulary is yet another barrier to implementation.  High-Rise and/or Complex Buildings are still typically being designed for Access … not Evacuation !   This fault very definitely lies with the architectural and engineering schools throughout Europe.

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Until all lifts/elevators in a building are capable of being used during the course of a fire incident … there is an obvious and pressing need for a fire engineering design solution which involves the installation, maintenance and proper use of Approved Fire Evacuation Chair Devices … which need to be powered or manual depending upon the particular circumstances in a building !

AND, even when all lifts/elevators are capable of being used during the course of a fire incident … because lifts/elevators must always undergo routine servicing and maintenance and they will not, therefore, be in operation for short periods of time … there will still be an obvious need for Approved Fire Evacuation Chair Devices.  So, these fire-evacuation related products should never be regarded as a wasted investment !

I have repeated the word ‘Approved’ because, unfortunately, since these are also disability related products … insufficient attention, and emphasis, is given to Product Approval in this Market Sector, i.e. showing that the product is ‘fit for its intended use, in the location of use’.

At the most basic level imaginable … National Building Regulations in the European Union Member States, and E.U. Safety at Work and Product Liability Legislation … all demand Product Approval.

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Performance Requirements for Fire Evacuation Chair Devices:  Fire Evacuation Chair Devices, powered or manual, must be capable of …

• being safely and easily operated ;
• carrying people of large weight (150 Kg minimum) ;
• going down staircases which, in existing buildings of historical, architectural and cultural importance, may be narrow and of unusual shape ;
• travelling long distances horizontally … in a robust and stable manner … both within a building … and externally, perhaps over rough ground … in order to reach a Place of Safety.

When going up a staircase is necessary in order to reach a Place of Safety, a powered evacuation chair device must be provided !

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Fire Evacuation Staircases:  A vivid image, with a few accompanying words, are necessary …

Unlike the incredible scene shown in the colour photograph above ... Fire Evacuation Staircases must be suitable for Safe, Intuitive and Unhampered Building User Evacuation, Firefighter Contraflow and the Assisted Evacuation of People with Activity Limitations. A Minimum Clear Width of 1.5 Metres (from edge of handrail to edge of handrail !) is required. Click to enlarge.

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Fire Evacuation Chair Devices & What To Avoid:  Can you spot the Evacuation Chair Device in the first photograph below ?

Colour photograph showing a Fire Evacuation Chair Device Installation at Dublin Airport, Ireland. On so many levels and in so many ways, this 'decorative' installation ... intended to demonstrate that an organization is complying with legislation ... will prove to be, in the event of a real fire emergency, SO wrong and unworkable. Photograph taken by CJ Walsh. 2008-04-04. Click to enlarge.

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Colour photograph showing a Manual/Gravity Fire Evacuation Chair Device in operation. Transfer from a wheelchair to this type of device at the top of a staircase can be difficult and hazardous ... it can only travel down a staircase, using gravity (never up, against gravity !) ... and during horizontal travel, it is shaky and unstable. Click to enlarge.

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Fire Evacuation Chair Devices & Issues To Carefully Consider:  Modern wheelchairs come in all shapes, sizes and styles … are highly adapted by their owners … and can be very expensive.  Why is it a surprise, therefore, to learn that most wheelchair users will not want to abandon their expensive personal property, i.e. the wheelchair, in the event of a real fire emergency.

The answer, of course, is PROPER CONSULTATION with All Building Users (where these are known !) during the preparation of a Fire Defence Plan for a Building.

The following photographs illustrate different aspects of the capability of Powered Fire Evacuation Chair Devices …

Colour photograph showing a Powered Fire Evacuation Chair Device in operation. This particular device facilitates evacuation, down and up a staircase, using the person's own manual wheelchair. Having completed its task at the bottom (or top !) of a staircase ... the device can be quickly released for use by another person who needs assistance on the staircase. Throughout this process, wheelchair users move independently to a Place of Safety. Click to enlarge.

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Colour photograph showing another Powered Fire Evacuation Chair Device. This particular device facilitates evacuation of an adapted manual wheelchair, which may (or may not !) be the person's own wheelchair. It also facilitates travel on narrow or unusually shaped staircases. Click to enlarge.

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Colour photograph showing a Powered Fire Evacuation Chair Device in operation. This particular device facilitates evacuation, down and up a staircase. It is also robust and stable while travelling horizontally ... both within a building ... and externally, perhaps over rough ground ... in order to reach a Place of Safety. Click to enlarge.

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Product Approval in the European Union Single Market:  Fire Evacuation Chair Devices must be permanently CE Marked … including the product itself, any cover (such as that shown in the Dublin Airport photograph above), all product literature, and any product packaging.

It is not acceptable to print the CE Mark on an adhesive label … and then stick the label to the product !   Correct informative text must always accompany a CE Mark !

Please note that the CE Mark is not a Safety Mark.  A CE Mark denotes conformity with the Essential Requirements of a single, specific European Union Directive.

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E.U. ’2 Degree Celsius’ Climate Change Target Is Not Enough !

Europe got its ass whipped at the United Nations Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen, last December 2009.  Why aren’t all the Institutions of the European Union learning … really fast … from this hard lesson ???

This is also a question for the Stop Climate Chaos Campaign here in Ireland !?!

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Back on 10th January 2007 … the European Commission issued COM(2007) 2 final … a Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions … having the title: Limiting Global Climate Change to 2 Degrees Celsius – The Way Ahead for 2020 and Beyond.  [ This document is freely available for download ... at EUR-Lex (a link to the WebSite is provided at the right hand side of this Page). ]

On Page 3 of the Communication, you will read the following …

‘ The EU’s objective is to limit global average temperature increase to less than 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels.  This will limit the impacts of climate change and the likelihood of massive and irreversible disruptions of the global ecosystem.  The Council has noted that this will require atmospheric concentrations of GHG (greenhouse gases) to remain well below 550 parts per million by volume (ppmv) CO₂ equivalent (eq.).  By stabilising long-term concentrations at around 450 ppmv CO₂ eq., there is a 50% chance of doing so.  This will require global GHG emissions to peak before 2025 and then fall by up to 50% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels.  The Council has agreed that developed countries will have to continue to take the lead to reduce their emissions between 15 to 30% by 2020.  The European Parliament has proposed an EU CO₂ reduction target of 30% for 2020 and 60-80% for 2050.’

What a really sloppy, imprecise expression … and explanation … to give to a critical Climate Change Performance Indicator !!   And … please note the overly optimistic ’50% chance’.

On the evidence of Europe’s ‘real’ climate change mitigation performance to date … there is no chance, whatever, of hitting that target.

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In Copenhagen, the Group of 77 & China and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS), in particular, demanded that the planetary temperature rise be limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius !

Outside Europe … irreversible climate change is already happening … and people must adapt in order to survive !!!

For example … climate change is seriously affecting the people of the Sundarbans.  Located at the mouth of the Ganges River in Bangladesh and West Bengal in India, this area is part of the largest delta in the world.  Sundarban means ‘beautiful forest’ in Bengali, as the region is covered in mangrove forests …

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Under the Aegis of the European Environment Agency ... these 3 Photographs were taken by Mikkel Stenbaek Hansen. In each case, click to enlarge !

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Colour photograph showing Ruhul Khan, who has lost three houses in recent years. His former homes were located to the left of the picture, an area now covered by water.

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Colour photograph showing that the rising sea level brings salt water inland, damaging the soil’s fertility. Some residents have adapted by using their farmland for fish breeding. Others are experimenting with crop species that are resilient to salt water.

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Tags: Built Environment, By stabilising long-term concentrations at around 450 ppmv CO2 eq. - there is a 50% chance of doing so, Climate Change Adaptation, climate change is seriously affecting the people of the Sundarbans - located at the mouth of the Ganges River in Bangladesh and West Bengal in India, COM(2007) 2 final ... Communication from the Commission to the Council, E.U. '2 Degree Celsius' Climate Change Target Is Not Enough, EU, Europe got its ass whipped at the United Nations Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen, European Parliament has proposed an EU CO2 reduction target of 30% for 2020 and 60-80% for 2050, european union, human and social rights, human environment, In Copenhagen the Group of 77 & China - and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) - demanded that the planetary temperature rise be limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius, India, Ireland, limit the impacts of climate change and the likelihood of massive and irreversible disruptions of the global ecosystem, On the evidence of Europe's 'real' climate change mitigation performance to date, Outside Europe ... irreversible climate change is already happening ... and people must adapt in order to survive, photograph, social rights, Sundarban means ‘beautiful forest’ in Bengali - as the region is covered in mangrove forests, Sustainability Implementation, Sustainable Human & Social Development, The EU's objective is to limit global average temperature increase to less than 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions ... 'Limiting Global Climate Change to 2 Degrees Celsius - The Way Ahead for 2020 and Beyond', the European Parliament, This is also a question for the 'Stop Climate Chaos' Campaign here in Ireland, This will require global GHG emissions to peak before 2025 and then fall by up to 50% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels, What a really sloppy imprecise expression ... and explanation ... to give to a critical Climate Change Performance Indicator, Why aren't all the Institutions of the European Union learning from this hard lesson, will require atmospheric concentrations of GHG (greenhouse gases) to remain well below 550 parts per million by volume (ppmv) CO2 equivalent (eq.)

U.S. Consumer Organization Identifies Hazardous Plasterboards

In the United States of America, there has been a long-running saga of Hazardous Hydrogen Sulphide (H₂S) Emitting Plasterboard/Drywall being installed in new housing.  My U.S. cousin and his beautiful wife were crying their eyes out, here in Ireland last year, having discovered that their new home in Florida had been constructed using this plasterboard … or ‘drywall’, as it is known in the local language over there, i.e. American.

This sorry story graphically illustrates a number of important points …

1. The Construction Products & Materials Industry is completely and utterly global in nature.  Europe is not immune from this phenomenon !
2. Within the European Single Market, proper and unqualified emphasis must be placed on the correct CE Marking of Construction Products.  Unfortunately, too many European Manufacturers have not the remotest notion about what CE Marking means or involves.  And … CE Marking Technical Control Systems & Procedures in European Countries are totally inadequate.
3. Just as many people think nothing about stealing the intellectual property of others … so many people think nothing about Fraudulently Applying the CE Mark to unapproved construction products.
4. In order to improve the situation concerning Consumer Ignorance about CE Marking … even when a manufacturer has his/her/their CE Marking in order … it is still necessary to clearly and simply demonstrate the Route of Conformity which has been taken in order to obtain the CE Mark.  This is not a requirement of European Union Law … but merely a strong personal opinion based on the experience of being a technical controller for many years.
5. The problem of hazardous plasterboard in buildings could also happen in Ireland … or in any other European country.  It might already have happened.  Beware !
6. It is not acceptable that a well-established European Brand Name has engaged in this sort of ‘sharp’ practice outside Europe !!   Across a large trans-national organization … it is essential that Product Quality Control is consistently at a uniformly high level.

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In a CPSC (USA) Press Release #10-243, dated 25th May 2010 …

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is releasing today the names of the plasterboard manufacturers whose plasterboard emitted high levels of hydrogen sulphide in testing conducted for the agency by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), in California.  There is a strong association between hydrogen sulphide and metal corrosion.

Of the samples tested, the top ten reactive sulphur-emitting plasterboard samples were all produced in China.  Some of the Chinese plasterboard had emission rates of hydrogen sulphide 100 times greater than non-Chinese plasterboard samples.

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U.S. CPSC Chart of Hydrogen Sulphide Emitting Plasterboards (PDF File, 602kb)

Click the Link above to read and/or download the CPSC Chart

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“Homeowners who have problem plasterboard in their homes are suffering greatly”, said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum.  ”I appeal to these Chinese plasterboard companies to carefully examine their responsibilities to U.S. families who have been harmed, and do what is fair and just”.

At the US-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue meetings in Beijing on 24th & 25th May 2010, U.S. officials pressed the Chinese government to facilitate a meeting between CPSC and the Chinese plasterboard companies whose products were used in U.S. homes, and which exhibit the emissions identified during the testing procedures.  The Strategic and Economic Dialogue represents the highest-level bilateral forum to discuss a broad range of issues between the two nations.

The following list identifies the top 10 plasterboard samples tested which had the highest emissions of hydrogen sulphide, along with the identity of the manufacturer of the plasterboard and the year of manufacture, from highest to lowest.

• Knauf Plasterboard (Tianjin) Co. Ltd.: (year of manufacture 2005) China ;
• Taian Taishan Plasterboard Co. Ltd.: (2006) China ;
• Shandong Taihe Dongxin Co.: (2005) China ;
• Knauf Plasterboard (Tianjin) Co. Ltd.: (2006) China ;
• Taian Taishan Plasterboard Co. Ltd.: (2006) China ;
• Taian Taishan Plasterboard Co. Ltd.: (2006) China ;
• Shandong Chenxiang GBM Co. Ltd. (C&K Gypsum Board): (2006) China ;
• Beijing New Building Materials (BNBM): (2009) China ;
• Taian Taishan Plasterboard Co. Ltd.: (2009) China ;
• Shandong Taihe Dongxin Co.: (2009) China.

Other Chinese plasterboard samples had low or no detectable emissions of hydrogen sulphide, as did the plasterboard samples tested which were manufactured domestically.

They include …

• Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin: (2009) China ;
• Tiger ***ShiGao JianCai***liangpianzhuang: (2006) China ;
• USG Corporation: (2009) U.S. ;
• Guangdong Knauf New Building Material Products Co. Ltd.: (2009) China ;
• 9 mm (3/8″) plasterboard manufacturer uncertain (date uncertain): China ;
• Knauf Plasterboard (Wuhu) Co. Ltd.: (2009) China ;
• CertainTeed Corp.: (2009) U.S. ;
• Georgia Pacific Corp.: (2009) U.S. ;
• Dragon Brand, Beijing New Building Materials Co. Ltd.: (2006) China ;
• CertainTeed Corp.: (2009) U.S. ;
• Pingyi Baier Building Materials Co. Ltd.: (2009) China ;
• Sample purchased in China, manufacturer unknown: (2009) China ;
• Panel Rey S.A.: (2009) Mexico ;
• Lafarge North America: (2009) U.S. ;
• National Gypsum Company: (2009) U.S. ;
• National Gypsum Company: (2009) U.S. ;
• Georgia Pacific Corp.: (2009) U.S. ;
• Pabco Gypsum: (2009) U.S. ;
• Temple-Inland Inc.: (2009) U.S. ;   and
• USG Corporation: (2009) U.S.

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Last month, CPSC released the results of plasterboard emissions tests by LBNL.  The studies showed a connection between certain Chinese plasterboard and corrosion in homes.  In addition, the patterns of reactive sulphur compounds emitted from plasterboard samples show a clear distinction between certain Chinese plasterboard samples manufactured in 2005/2006 and other Chinese and non-Chinese plasterboard samples.

To date, CPSC has spent over $5 million to investigate the chemical nature and the chain of commerce of problem plasterboard.  Earlier this year, CPSC and the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) issued an Identification Protocol to help consumers identify problem plasterboard in their homes.  Last month, CPSC and HUD issued Remediation Guidance to assist impacted homeowners.

To see this release on CPSC’s WebSite, including a link to a Chart listing plasterboard chamber test results … please go to … www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10243.html

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Tags: 'drywall' - as it is known in the local language over there (American), a long-running saga of hazardous plasterboard being installed in new housing, a strong personal opinion based on the experience of being a technical controller for many years, Built Environment, CE Marking Technical Control Systems & Procedures in European Countries, China, Client Organizations, Construction Products and Materials Industry is completely and utterly global in nature, Consumer Ignorance about CE Marking, CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum, CPSC Chart listing plasterboard chamber test results, CPSC's WebSite, european union, Hazardous Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) Emitting Plasterboards, HUD Identification Protocol to help consumers identify problem plasterboard in their homes, HUD Remediation Guidance to assist impacted homeowners, Ireland, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) in California, many people think nothing about Fraudulently Applying the CE Mark to unapproved construction products, necessary to clearly and simply demonstrate the Route of Conformity which has been taken in order to obtain the CE Mark, Product Quality Control, proper and unqualified emphasis must be placed on the correct CE Marking of Construction Products, Some of the Chinese plasterboard had emission rates of hydrogen sulphide 100 times greater than non-Chinese plasterboard samples, Technical Control of Construction, The problem of hazardous plasterboard in buildings could also happen in Ireland, the top ten reactive sulphur-emitting plasterboard samples were all produced in China, There is a strong association between hydrogen sulphide and metal corrosion, U.S. Consumer Organization Identifies Hazardous Plasterboards, U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), United States of America, US-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue meetings in Beijing on 24th & 25th May 2010

Air Travel Crisis in Europe – Know & Claim Your Rights !!

This is very personal … family, friends and I myself … have all been caught, twisted and mangled by the current air travel havoc in Europe.  Catching a plane is stressful enough … the long queues … the security screening … the silly, ineffective regulations about liquids … the unbelievably high prices for everything at an airport (every airport !) … the marathon walks to departure gates … without having to endure the additional stress of not knowing whether the flight is on or off … and even IF you then get to your destination … not knowing whether the return flight will be on or off.

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For an update on the Volcanic Eruption at Eyjafjallajökull, in Iceland … go to this Page on the Icelandic Meteorological Office WebSite … http://en.vedur.is/earthquakes-and-volcanism/articles/nr/1884

For an update on the Latest Atmospheric Observations, Forecasts and Satellite Imagery … go to this Page on the British Meteorological Office WebSite … http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/europe/volcano/volcano_blog.html

HOWEVER … to Know and Claim Your Rights, under European Union Law, during the volcanic ash crisis … go to this Page on the European Commission (DG SANCO) WebSite … http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/health_consumer/icelandic-volcanic-cloud/index_en.htm   It’s time to kick ass with the airlines !   And … that is exactly what happened with Ryanair in Italy, when it was fined €3 Million on 15th May 2010 !!!

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IMPORTANT UPDATE … IATA Press Release #20, dated 18th May 2010 …

[ IATA (International Air Transport Association) represents approximately 230 airlines, comprising 93% of scheduled international air traffic.]

Geneva – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on European governments and air navigation service providers to urgently develop more precise procedures to identify ash contaminated air space and allow more flights.  The call came in the wake of 1,000 flight cancellations on Monday (17 May) as a result of the continued volcanic eruptions in Iceland.

“This problem is not going away any time soon.  The current European-wide system to decide on airspace closures is not working.  We welcome the operational refinements made by the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres (VAAC) in their theoretical model, but we are still basically relying on one-dimensional information to make decisions on a four-dimensional problem.  The result is the unnecessary closure of airspace.  Safety is always our number one priority.  But we must make decisions based on facts, not on uncorroborated theoretical models”, said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

Bisignani noted some successful exceptions which provide examples to follow.  ”France has been able to safely keep its airspace open by enhancing the VAAC Data with operational expertise to more precisely determine safe fly zones.  Today, the UK Civil Aviation, working with the UK NATS (the air navigation service provider), announced another step forward by working with airlines and manufacturers to more accurately define tolerance levels while taking into account special operational procedures.  Both are examples for other European governments to follow”, said Bisignani.

Bisignani called for (1) more robust data collection and analysis; (2) a change in the European decision-making process; and (3) urgency in addressing the issues.

Data Collection & Analysis:  ”Numbers show that the current system is flawed.  Over 200,000 flights have operated in European airspace identified by the VAAC as having the potential presence of ash.  Not one aircraft has reported significant ash presence and this is verified by post-flight aircraft and engine inspections.  We must back the theory with facts gathered by aircraft to test ash concentration.  France and the UK are showing that this is possible.  If European civil aviation does not have the resources, it should look to borrow the test aircraft from other countries or military sources”, said Bisignani.

Changing the European Decision-Making Process:  “We have lost confidence in the ability of Europe’s governments to make effective and consistent decisions.  Using the same data, different countries have come to different conclusions on opening or closing airspace”, said Bisignani.

“Ultimately the industry needs a decision-making process for ash clouds similar to the one used for all other operational disruptions.  Every day, airlines make decisions whether to fly or not to fly in various weather conditions.  Airlines collate the information available and make informed decisions placing safety first and with full access to all the latest weather reporting.  Why should volcanic ash be any different ?”, said Bisignani.

In the US, which has a lot of experience with volcanic activity, the government identifies a no-fly zone where ash concentration is the highest.  For all other areas, it is the responsibility of the airline to decide to fly or not based on the various data sources available.  ”The US has well-established, safe and effective procedures for tracking the hazards of volcanic ash.  In recent years, the industry had no recorded safety incidents from volcanic activity in US airspace.  Europe has a lot to learn”, said Bisignani.

Urgency:  “Volcanic ash is a new challenge for European aviation.  We can understand that systems need to be developed to cope.  But, what is absolutely inexcusable is the failure of Europe’s governments to act urgently and collectively to provide real leadership in a crisis.  We have vast amounts of data from over 200,000 safe flights ready for analysis to support an urgent review of the current processes.  The UK is finally moving in the right direction.  But what about the other affected European governments ?  The next transport ministers meeting is scheduled for 24th June 2010.  What kind of leadership waits more than a month to make crisis decisions ?  European businesses are dependant on air travel and passengers certainly cannot wait that long for initiatives like the UK’s to be implemented continent-wide”, said Bisignani.

To enhance the industry’s long-term ability to address volcanic ash issues, Bisignani is travelling to Montreal for urgent meetings with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).  ”IATA and ICAO have been working intensely on this issue since the crisis first struck in April, 2010.  IATA is strongly supporting the ICAO Task Force which is reviewing ash tolerance thresholds with states, operators, manufacturers and the scientific community.  The responsibility of manufacturers is critical in providing performance information to back decisions”, said Bisignani.

Tomorrow, Bisignani will meet Roberto Kobeh-Gonzales, President of the ICAO Council and Raymond Benjamin, ICAO Secretary-General.  ”It is important that we act urgently and globally to better deal with this crisis and to lay a solid foundation for better decision making in future eruptions.  Even as Europe stumbles with its fragmented approach, IATA is working with the global community through ICAO and by tapping into the experience of leading regulators like the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to facilitate harmonized solutions”, said Bisignani.

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Earlier Information Which Is Now Very Interesting !   … EEA Press Release, dated 23rd April 2010 …

Volcanic Ash is Having Little Impact on Europe’s Air Quality

Copenhagen – The European Environment Agency (EEA) is closely following the impacts of recent volcanic eruptions in Iceland, in particular assessing changes in ground-level air pollution.  According to preliminary monitoring data, ground-level air quality across Europe has not deteriorated significantly as a result of the volcanic activity.

Volcanic eruptions have the potential to inject substantial amounts of sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and ash into the atmosphere.  Volcanic aerosol, a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in the air, is created during eruptions and can be transported thousands of kilometres.  Particles in the volcanic aerosol may carry pollutants with the potential to harm human health and ecosystems.

So far, monitoring stations in Europe have only detected a few episodes of ambient air concentrations of particulate matter and sulphur dioxide of volcanic origin, in particular at elevated mountainous locations, for example at Zugspitze in Germany (2,659 m).  The threat to public health in the European Union is therefore considered minimal at present.

On Iceland, however, the situation is different: concentrations of particulate matter are markedly higher than usual in some areas.  That potentially represents a significant threat to humans and farm animals, according to the Icelandic Directorate of Health, which closely monitors pollution levels.

In Europe, rain and snowfall are expected to remove volcanic debris from the atmosphere.  Detecting this process requires the chemical content of precipitation to be analysed, which takes time.  Should these data indicate high pollutant levels, the current assessment of risk for human health and ecosystems may need to be reassessed.

The EEA maintains a public air quality information system, Air Watch, within its Eye on Earth Portal.  It displays near real-time measurements of concentrations of three air pollutants (ground-level ozone O₃, particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide NO₂) from approximately 1,000 monitoring stations in 32 countries, as well as updates from citizens.

Because ambient air concentrations and fallout can vary across short ranges within Europe, the EEA also advises the public to refer to national or local air quality authorities, which may have additional or new information on local conditions.  Detailed information on national and local data providers is also available via Eye on Earth.

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Tags: assessing changes in ground-level air pollution, British Meteorological Office WebSite, Changing the European Decision-Making Process, EEA 'Eye-on-Earth' Portal displays near real-time measurements of concentrations of three air pollutants: ground-level ozone - particulate matter - nitrogen dioxide, European Commission (DG SANCO) WebSite, European Environment Agency (EEA) is closely following the impacts of recent volcanic eruptions in Iceland, family friends and I myself ... have all been twisted and mangled by the current air travel havoc in Europe, Giovanni Bisignani - IATA’s Director General and CEO, human health and safety, IATA (International Air Transport Association), Icelandic Meteorological Office WebSite, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), It's time to kick ass with the airlines, Latest Atmospheric Observations Forecasts and Satellite Imagery, legal rights, Particles in the volcanic aerosol may carry pollutants with the potential to harm human health and ecosystems, Roberto Kobeh-Gonzales - President of the ICAO Council ... and Raymond Benjamin - ICAO Secretary-General, that is exactly what happened with Ryanair in Italy when it was fined €3 Million on 15th May 2010, the current system is flawed, the marathon walks to departure gates, the silly regulations about liquids, the unbelievably high prices for everything at an airport (every airport !), This is very personal, to Know and Claim Your Rights under European Union Law during the volcanic ash crisis, to urgently develop more precise procedures to identify ash contaminated air space and allow more flights, U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), update on the Volcanic Eruption at Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland, Volcanic aerosol - a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in the air - is created during eruptions, Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), Volcanic ash is a new challenge for European aviation, Volcanic Ash is Having Little Impact on Europe's Air Quality, Volcanic eruptions have the potential to inject substantial amounts of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and ash into the atmosphere, we are still basically relying on one-dimensional information to make decisions on a four-dimensional problem, We have lost confidence in the ability of Europe’s governments to make effective and consistent decisions, we must make decisions based on facts - not on uncorroborated theoretical models, without having to endure the additional stress of not knowing whether the flight is on or off

How ‘Sustainable’ are Built Environment Adaptation Projects ?

The Inter-Basin Water Transfer Project from Lough Ree, on the River Shannon, to Dublin City, in Ireland, has been described as a Pilot Adaptation Project on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) WebSite Database relating to the Nairobi Work Programme (2005-2010).

I did not imagine this … please check out the listing, for yourselves, on this WebPage … www.unfccc.int/adaptation/nairobi_work_programme/knowledge_resources_and_publications/items/4555.php?sort=focus_sort&dirc=DESC&seite=1&anf=0&type=&region=&focus=&means=

Detailed information concerning the Project can be accessed and downloaded at this Irish Address:  www.watersupplyproject-dublinregion.ie   It will cost approximately €600 million (probably much more !) … devour many material resources and have an adverse environmental impact … the objective being to divert water from the Shannon, a large river in the mid-west of the country … to Dublin, the capital city, which is located over 100 kilometres away on the east coast … in order to deal with the expected shortage of water which will be caused, among other relevant factors, by future climate change.

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Colour image showing the many options for a future Dublin Region Water Supply Project ... linking the River Shannon, and its lakes ... to the Capital City, which is over 100 kilometres away on the east coast. Click to enlarge.

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BUT … just how Sustainable is this Climate Change Adaptation Project … if the following other relevant factors are considered ?????

1.  Since the 1960′s … a dysfunctional and corrupt Spatial Planning System in the Dublin City Region has actively encouraged an uncontrolled, urban and suburban horizontal sprawl to take place.  Today, this pattern of development remains unchecked.

2.  At this time, there are still no Residential Water Charges in Dublin.  The concept of water conservation is, therefore, almost unknown among householders.  National and local politicians are terrified by any prospect of having to vote in favour of imposing these necessary charges.

3.  There are enormous un-intended losses, i.e. Leaks, from the public mains potable/drinking water distribution system … approximately 40% even in the good times, and recently, well in excess of 60% following the National Snow Emergency in Ireland.

4.  Potable/drinking water supplied to houses in the Dublin City Region is not yet Metered.  There is no urgency, therefore, in locating and repairing water leaks which occur between the private property boundary of a house and the house itself.

5.  There is no existing legal requirement in Ireland’s National Building Regulations to Harvest Rainwater in any buildings, or on any hard surfaces in the vicinity of those buildings.  A current proposal to amend Technical Guidance Document H: ‘Drainage & Waste Water Disposal’ will merely present relevant guidance text to building designers concerning this option.

Furthermore, there is no effective System of Technical Control operated by the Local Authorities in the City Region … to enforce a legal requirement concerning rainwater harvesting … even if such a legal requirement were to be introduced !

6.  In 2005-2006, at the height of the Celtic Tiger Economic Boom … the existing Foul and Storm Water Drainage Infrastructure in the City Region was already stretched to keep pace with the ‘wild’ demands for new development land.  Detailed information concerning the Greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Study can be accessed and downloaded at this Irish Address:  www.dublincity.ie/WaterWasteEnvironment/WasteWater/Drainage/GreaterDublinStrategicDrainageStudy/Pages/RegionalDrainagePolicies-OverallPolicyDocument.aspx

Overloading of the existing drainage systems was evident from a marked deterioration in water quality, increased risks of flooding and pollution, and concerns that the drainage system and sewage treatment plants had insufficient capacity to cater for future development.

7.  Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) …

‘ a continual evaluation and optimization assessment – informing initial decision-making, or design, and shaping activity/product/service realization, useful life and termination, or final disposal – of the interrelated positive and negative social, economic, environmental, institutional, political and legal impacts on balanced and equitable implementation of Sustainable Human & Social Development ‘

… is not yet a standard procedure, at any level, within national, regional and local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ’s).  If it were, the most glaring flaw in this project would rapidly be identified.  There is no comprehension at all, in the minds of Dublin City’s decision-makers, that water is a very valuable, but limited, resource !

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Although today is 1st April 2010 … far too many people in senior policy and decision-making roles are giving solemn, unquestioning consideration to this Project.

To be successful, however, National Adaptation Strategies, Programmes and Projects must be informed, in a meaningful way, by the concept of Sustainable Human and Social Development … and, prior to implementation, must be filtered through the lens of a comprehensive Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) !

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Tags: A current proposal to amend Technical Guidance Document H: 'Drainage & Waste Water Disposal', a dysfunctional and corrupt Spatial Planning System in the Dublin City Region, a marked deterioration in water quality, actively encouraged an uncontrolled urban and suburban horizontal sprawl, Built Environment, Climate Change Adaptation, concerns that the drainage system and sewage treatment plants had insufficient capacity to cater for future development, cost approximately €600 million (probably much more !), Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG), devour many material resources and have an adverse environmental impact, enormous un-intended losses from the public mains potable/drinking water distribution system, expected shortage of water which will be caused among other relevant factors by future climate change, far too many people in senior policy and decision-making roles, Foul and Storm Water Drainage Infrastructure in the City Region, Greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Study, How 'Sustainable' are Built Environment Adaptation Projects, increased risks of flooding and pollution, Inter-Basin Water Transfer Project from Lough Ree on the River Shannon to Dublin City, Ireland, Nairobi Work Programme (2005-2010), national - regional - local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ's), National Adaptation Strategies Programmes and Projects, National and local politicians are terrified by any prospect of having to vote in favour, no effective System of Technical Control operated by the Local Authorities in the City Region, no existing legal requirement in Ireland's National Building Regulations to Harvest Rainwater in any buildings, no urgency in locating and repairing water leaks, Overloading of the existing drainage systems, Pilot Adaptation Project, Potable/drinking water supplied to houses in the Dublin City Region is not yet Metered, Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA), Sustainability Implementation, Sustainable Design, Sustainable Human & Social Development, Technical Control of Construction, there are still no Residential Water Charges in Dublin, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) WebSite Database

‘Climate’ Politics – From 2007 Consensus to 2009 Fracture ?

The 2007 UNFCCC Climate Summit held in Bali, Indonesia, from 3rd-15th December … resulted in a strong global consensus in favour of immediate and concerted action on climate change … and a sharply worded document, the 2007 Bali Action Plan … key parts of which state …

‘ The Conference of the Parties,

Resolving to urgently enhance implementation of the Convention in order to achieve its ultimate objective in full accordance with its principles and commitments ;

Reaffirming that economic and social development and poverty eradication are global priorities ;   …

Recognizing that deep cuts in global emissions will be required to achieve the ultimate objective of the Convention and emphasizing the urgency to address climate change as indicated in the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ;

1.  Decides to launch a comprehensive process to enable the full, effective and sustained implementation of the Convention through long-term cooperative action, now, up to and beyond 2012, in order to reach an agreed outcome and adopt a decision at its fifteenth session, by addressing …

(a)   A shared vision for long-term co-operative action, including a long-term global goal for emission reductions … in accordance with the provisions and principles of the Convention, in particular the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities ;

(b)   Enhanced national/international action on mitigation of climate change …

(c)   Enhanced action on adaptation …

(d)   Enhanced action on technology development and transfer to support action on mitigation and adaptation …

(e)   Enhanced action on the provision of financial resources and investment to support action on mitigation and adaptation and technology co-operation … ‘

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Just a few weeks later, on 12th February 2008, in New York … Ambassador John Ashe, Permanent Representative of Antigua & Barbuda to the United Nations, delivered an Important Statement on behalf of the Group of 77 & China (comprising 130 countries) … at the Thematic Debate of the U.N. General Assembly: ‘Addressing Climate Change – The United Nations and the World at Work’.  Fully reflecting and supporting the Bali Action Plan, this Statement clearly set out the Climate Change Priorities for the Developing and Least Developed Countries, including the Small Island Developing States (SIDS).  It included the following important extract …

‘ Climate Change as a Sustainable Development Challenge

5.  Mr. President, the Group of 77 and China is of the view that discussions on climate change should be placed within the proper context of sustainable development.  It is imperative that our discussion reinforces the promotion of sustainable development …

6.  We must not lose sight of the fact that climate change is a sustainable development challenge.  As such we should adhere steadfastly to the Rio principles, in particular the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.  We must take fully into account that poverty eradication, economic and social development are the paramount priorities of developing countries …

7.  Mr. President, urgent action is needed now to fully implement the commitments under the Convention and the Kyoto Protocol, especially commitments on financing for adaptation, technology transfer and capacity building, if we are to make progress towards the achievement of the sustainable development goals of developing countries …

8.  Urgent action is particularly needed on commitments, as climate change threatens the livelihoods of the very poor and vulnerable developing countries, in particular Africa, the Least Developed Countries, the Land-Locked Least Developed Countries, Small Island Developing States, and disaster prone developing countries.  The G77 and China is of the view that while addressing the challenge of climate, the most affected countries and most vulnerable countries should be given adequate attention and support.

9.  Developed countries Parties must take the lead in addressing the implementation gap, since the extent to which developing countries Parties can effectively respond to the challenge depends on the effective implementation by developed country Parties of their commitments relating to financing and technology transfer.’

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The Developed Countries, i.e. those listed in Annex I of the 1992 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, did not listen to the words of John Ashe.  This helps to explain the Fracture of the 2007 Bali Consensus at Copenhagen, in December 2009 … the sharp division between the ‘have’s’ and the ‘have-not’s’ of our small planet.

Within Developed Countries … there may be a certain comfort, at an intellectual level, in linking Sustainable Development and Climate Change.  However, in vulnerable Developing Countries this link is critical … where poverty eradication, and economic and social development are paramount priorities.  All are ‘responsible needs’ which are clearly specified and supported by International Law.  Yet, the Developed Countries persist in disregarding their legal obligations under Articles 2.3 and 3.14 of the 1997 UNFCCC Kyoto Protocol … and, more importantly, evading their historical responsibility for causing the problem of Anthropogenic Climate Change in the first place.

Closer to home, in the European Union Member States, far too much emphasis is being placed on fully exploiting the various ‘flexibility mechanisms’ within the UNFCCC Process … rather than on direct and proper compliance with their individual Kyoto Mitigation Commitments.  There is little or no interest in Adaptation.  Meanwhile, the reality shown by the latest analysis of observations from the World Meteorological Organization’s Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) Programme is that the globally averaged mixing ratios of carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) reached new highs in 2008 with CO₂ at 385.2 parts per million, CH₄ at 1797 parts per billion (ppb) and N₂O at 321.8 ppb … higher than those in pre-industrial times (before 1750) by 38%, 157% and 19%, respectively !

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Tags: 'Climate' Politics - From 2007 Consensus to 2009 Fracture, 2007 Bali Action Plan, 2007 UNFCCC Climate Summit held in Bali, Ambassador John Ashe - Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations, Annex I of the 1992 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Anthropogenic Climate Change, Built Environment, China, Climate Change Adaptation, Climate Change as a Sustainable Development Challenge, Climate Change Priorities for the Developing and Least Developed Countries, deep cuts in global emissions will be required, Developed Countries, direct and proper compliance with their individual Kyoto Mitigation Commitments, economic and social development and poverty eradication are global priorities, Enhanced action on adaptation, Enhanced national/international action on mitigation of climate change, european union, European Union Member States, far too much emphasis is being placed on fully exploiting the various 'flexibility mechanisms' within the UNFCCC Process, Fracture of the 2007 Bali Consensus at Copenhagen, G77 and China, globally averaged mixing ratios of carbon dioxide (CO2) - methane (CH4) - nitrous oxide (N2O) reached new highs in 2008, higher than those in pre-industrial times (before 1750), human and social rights, human environment, in December 2009, International Legal Instrument, It is imperative that our discussion reinforces the promotion of sustainable development, legal obligations under Articles 2.3 and 3.14 of the 1997 UNFCCC Kyoto Protocol, provision of financial resources and investment to support action on mitigation and adaptation and technology co-operation, Resolving to urgently enhance implementation of the 1992 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Sustainability Implementation, Sustainable Human & Social Development, technology development and transfer to support action on mitigation and adaptation, Thematic Debate of the U.N. General Assembly: 'Addressing Climate Change - The United Nations and the World at Work', There is little or no interest in Adaptation, World Meteorological Organization's Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) Programme

2009 Camberwell Fire – Today’s Fire Engineering Challenges

In Ireland, it is rarely the case that there is an opportunity to practice Rational, Evidence-Based Fire Engineering … and to apply its Principles in a manner which is both professional and project-specific.  The grim reality of everyday fire consultancy revolves around playing ‘cat and mouse’ with current national building and fire regulations/codes … with ‘cost effectiveness’, i.e. to achieve a defined objective at the lowest cost, or to achieve the greatest benefit at a given cost … being the real, hidden driver behind such dangerous games !   Who wants to hear that the Irish Fire Safety Certification System is little more than a charade … an elaborate, resource consuming paper exercise … made all the more meaningless because Part B: ‘Fire Safety’ (of the Second Schedule to the 1997 Building Regulations, as amended) is isolated from a necessary and vital consideration of the other Parts, particularly Parts A: ‘Structure’; D: ‘Materials & Workmanship’; K: ‘Stairways, Ladders, Ramps & Guards’; and M: ‘Access for People with Disabilities’ ?

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Colour photograph showing an external view of Lakanal House, Sceaux Estate, Camberwell, London (GB) ... after the Fatal Fire which occurred at 16.19 hrs, on 3rd July 2009. The fire was caused by a faulty television set, and resulted in the loss of 6 lives, with 15 residents and 1 firefighter left injured. London Fire Brigade was required to assist the evacuation of a further 40 building occupants to safety. Along with the serious loss of life, and the large number of injured people ... over 90 families had to vacate their flats.

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Discussing the Principles of Fire Engineering … and elaborating on the significant differences between the limited Fire Safety Objectives of legal regulations/codes … and the much broader range of Fire Engineering Design Objectives intended to fully protect social wellbeing and the interests of clients/client organizations, i.e. to properly protect their asses and their assets, in the event of a fire … is a constant, tortuous, but rewarding, struggle.  Masochism does help !

However, the 2009 Fire in a High-Rise Flat Complex at Camberwell, London (GB) … from just looking at the photograph above and reading available information about the spread of fire internally … raises some challenging fire engineering issues for building designers, property managers and construction organizations.

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1.  Reliability of People Strategies in a Fire Emergency ?

In spite of the People Strategies elaborated in current Fire Codes/Regulations/Standards … it is totally and utterly irresponsible to advise people to wait in their own flats/apartments during a fire incident, or to develop fire safety strategies based on this approach … unless the confidence level (of ‘Competent Persons’ in Control … managers, designers and builders … of the flat/apartment complex) with regard to the following aspects of construction is very high …

• reliability of both passive and active fire protection measures ;
• reliability of fire compartmentation (see below) ;
• reliability of not just the building’s structural stability, but also its serviceability, during the fire and for a minimum period of time afterwards, i.e. the ‘cooling’ phase.

Competent Person:  A person capable of making sound value judgements in the area of professional  endeavour in which he/she possesses profound knowledge, understanding and practical experience.

Fire Codes/Regulations/Standards, wherever or whatever their origin, are NOT Infallible … and it is unbelievably mind-boggling, and sad, to witness a blind and unquestioning faith in such documents !

Looking beyond the headline figure of 6 Fatalities in the 2009 Camberwell Fire … adequate attention should also be focused on the 16 Injured … comprising building occupants and firefighters … the lengthy disruption of community wellbeing resulting from the fire … 90 Families had to be re-located … and, of course, the tremendous amount of direct and indirect damage to property and the environment.  And, I wonder … how did the more vulnerable occupants … and there may also have been visitors present in the complex at the time … cope in this emergency situation ?

This is why Fire Safety, Protection and Evacuation for All must be a Priority on any ‘Sustainability’ Agenda. 

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2.  Independent Technical Control of AHJ Construction ?

I have said this before, but it is worth repeating here again … Self-Regulation Is No Regulation !   Surely this lesson has been burnt into our souls, following the recent scandals, financial and otherwise, in Ireland ?   National and Local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ’s) … Government Departments & Agencies, Semi-State Organizations, a myriad of Qwangos, the Office of Public Works and Local Authorities are complacent, careless and stubborn concerning proper compliance with even the minimal performance requirements specified in fire regulations, codes and standards.

The 2005 & 2008 National Institute of Standards & Technology (USA) Reports on the 9-11 WTC Incident in New York presented us with some stark language … and a set of important Recommendations which must be heeded …

‘ NIST recommends that such entities be encouraged to provide a level of safety that equals or exceeds the level of safety that would be provided by strict compliance with the code requirements of an appropriate governmental jurisdiction.

To gain broad public confidence … NIST further recommends that as-designed and as-built safety be certified by a qualified third party, independent of the building owner(s).  The process should not use self-approval for code enforcement in areas including interpretation of code provisions, design approval, product acceptance, certification of the final construction, and post-occupancy inspections over the life of the buildings.’

[2005 NIST Final Report on WTC 1 & 2 Collapses - Recommendation No. 25]

Later posts, here, will examine the individual NIST Recommendations in more detail.

However … many individuals and organizations, with vested interests, are still trying to discredit and/or ignore the Recommendations contained in the 2005 & 2008 NIST Reports on the WTC 9-11 Incident.   British Standard BS 9999:2008 is a typical case in point … a document which is slowly seeping into the marrow of the Irish Fire Establishment.  The complete and abject failure to consider any of the NIST Recommendations during the long development of this British Standard, or even to reference the Reports in the Standard’s Bibliography … was an inexcusable and unforgivable technical oversight.  The result was … and remains … a sloppy, crassly inadequate, deeply flawed and discriminatory national fire safety standard.  The British Public deserves far better !

At this stage … reluctantly … I must invite the Chair of British Standards Institution Committee FSH/14, Mr. David B. Smith, to seriously re-consider his position. 

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3.  Fire Resistance, Compartmentation & Fire-Induced Progressive Collapse ?

Every person participating in the design, construction, management or operation of a building, no matter how simple or complex, must have a working knowledge and proper understanding of the Fire Engineering Principle of Fire Compartmentation:

The division of a building into fire-tight compartments, by fire and smoke resisting elements of construction, in order …

-   to contain an outbreak of fire ;

-   to prevent damage, within the building, to other adjoining compartments and/or spaces ;

-   to protect a compartment interior from external fire attack, e.g. fire spread across the building’s facade or from an adjacent building ;

-   to minimize adverse, or harmful, environmental impacts outside the building.

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BUT … But … but … buildings are no longer designed and constructed, today, as they were in the 18th or 19th Centuries …

In a fire situation, Fire-Induced Progressive Collapse may commence before any breach of ‘integrity’ occurs in the boundary of such a Fire Compartment, i.e. the building compartment of fire origin.

Fire-Induced Progressive Collapse:  The sequential growth and intensification of distortion, displacement and failure of elements of construction in a building – during a fire and the ‘cooling phase’ afterwards – which, if unchecked, will result in disproportionate damage, and may lead to total building collapse.

… which is related to, but distinguishable from …

Disproportionate Damage:  The failure of a building’s structural system … (i)  remote from the scene of an isolated overloading action ;   and (ii) to an extent which is not in reasonable proportion to that action.

Structural Fire Engineering:  Those aspects of fire engineering concerned with structural design for fire, and the complex architectural interaction between a building’s structure and fabric, i.e. non-structure, under conditions of fire and its aftermath.

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AND … And … and … a designer of a Sustainable Building will want to utilize … in order to conserve energy … natural patterns of air movement for heating or cooling.  This means that it will be necessary to have gaps between elements of construction which are continuously open … in direct conflict with the Principle of Fire Engineering just quoted above !

What happens when this sort of conflict … or lack of resolution (!) … occurs in modern, highly energy-efficient construction projects ?   At the final stages of approval/certification … the Fire Prevention Officer will insist on following the outdated prescriptive approach in his/her rulebook.  In other words, he/she will illegally apply the guidance text of Technical Guidance Document B as if it were prescriptive regulation.  Fire Compartmentation will be uncompromisingly slapped onto ‘unresolved’ areas of a completed building design … to achieve the limited Fire Safety Objectives of Building Regulations … and the fire safety related construction will probably be badly executed, anyway, because the un-supervised sub-contractors of sub-contractors of sub-contractors couldn’t care less if it goes one way or the other !   The outcome is … nobody wins !!!

In Sustainable Building Design, therefore, Fire Resistance (a ‘passive’ protection concept) must not only be extended to consider a complementary relationship with ‘active’ fire protection concepts, but be stretched … ‘intelligently’ … to embrace the concept of ‘non-construction’ …

Building Sterile Space (Fire):  An open space of sufficient and appropriate extent which is designed to retain an exceptionally low level of fire hazard and risk, and is ‘intelligently’ fitted with a suitable fire suppression system – in order to resist and control, for a specified time during a fire, the advance of heat, smoke and flame.

Fire Resistance:  The inherent capability of a building assembly, or an element of construction, to resist the passage of heat, smoke and flame for a specified time during a fire. 

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Tags: 'cost effectiveness' being the real hidden driver behind such dangerous games, 2005 & 2008 National Institute of Standards & Technology (USA) Reports on the 9-11 WTC Incident in New York, 2005 NIST Final Report on WTC 1 & 2 Collapses - Recommendation No. 25, 2009 Fatal Camberwell Fire - Today's Fire Engineering Challenges, 2009 Fire in a High-Rise Flat Complex at Camberwell, an elaborate resource consuming paper exercise, apply its Principles in a manner which is both professional and project-specific, British Standard BS 9999 - Code of Practice for Fire Safety in the Design Management and Use of Buildings, Building Sterile Space (Fire), Built Environment, Chair of British Standards Institution Committee FSH/14 - Mr. David B. Smith, challenging fire engineering issues for building designers - property managers - construction organizations, Client Organizations, complacent careless and stubborn concerning proper compliance with even the minimal performance requirements specified in fire regulations - codes - standards, Disproportionate Damage, Energy Performance of Buildings, Fire Codes/Regulations/Standards are NOT Infallible, Fire Engineering Design, Fire Resistance - Fire Compartmentation - Progressive Building Collapse, Fire Safety, Fire Safety Protection and Evacuation for All must be a Priority on any 'Sustainability' Agenda, fire-induced progressive collapse, gaps between elements of construction which are continuously open, grim reality of everyday fire consultancy, headline figure of 6 Fatalities in the 2009 Camberwell Fire, Independent Technical Control of AHJ Construction, Ireland, Irish Fire Safety Certification System is little more than a charade, lengthy disruption of community wellbeing resulting from the fire, limited Fire Safety Objectives of legal regulations/codes, London (GB), much broader range of Fire Engineering Design Objectives intended to fully protect social wellbeing and the interests of clients/client organizations, National and Local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ's), natural patterns of air movement for heating or cooling purposes, Part B: 'Fire Safety' (of the Second Schedule to the 1997 Building Regulations as amended) is isolated from a necessary and vital consideration of the other Parts, People with Activity Limitations (2001 WHO ICF), Personnes à Performances Réduites (2001 WHO ICF), playing 'cat and mouse' with current national building and fire regulations/codes, Rational Evidence-Based Fire Engineering, reliability of both passive and active fire protection measures, reliability of fire compartmentation, reliability of not just the building's structural stability but also its serviceability during the fire and for a minimum period of time afterwards, Reliability of People Strategies in a Fire Emergency, Self-Regulation Is No Regulation, Structural Fire Engineering, Sustainability Implementation, Sustainable Building Design, Sustainable Fire Engineering, Technical Control of Construction, the 'cooling' phase after a fire in a building, the confidence level of 'Competent Persons' in Control, totally and utterly irresponsible to advise people to wait in their own flats/apartments during a fire incident, tremendous amount of direct and indirect damage to property and the environment, unbelievably mind-boggling and sad to witness a blind and unquestioning faith in such documents

European Parliament’s URBAN InterGroup – Inaugural Meeting

On Wednesday afternoon, 24th February 2010, the URBAN InterGroup of the European Parliament met for the first time in the new Parliamentary Term … at 16.30 hrs … in Meeting Room 6Q2 of the Parliamentary Complex in Brussels, Belgium.  Dr. Jan Olbrycht, Member of the European Parliament (MEP), chaired the proceedings.  The attendance was large, and included a large proportion of the 50, or so, MEP’s who are directly involved with the InterGroup.  Please forgive the jargon, but … many other URBAN InterGroup Partners, Sectoral Stakeholders and Interested Practitioners also attended.  However … not one Irish MEP appears to show any interest in this important InterGroup.  Why is that ?

Colour photograph showing the Inaugural Meeting of the European Parliament's URBAN InterGroup, in Brussels, on 24th February 2010. The Meeting, chaired by Mr. Jan Olbrycht MEP, had a large attendance. Click to enlarge. Photograph taken by CJ Walsh. 2010-02-24.

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I was very pleased to attend this Meeting, representing Sustainable Design International Ltd. (a Multi-Disciplinary Design & Research Practice in Europe, and a Micro-SME).  Further to a series of interventions on my part, the following are some Comments on last Wednesday’s Meeting … and a few Suggestions …

1.  Accountable & Representative Governance is an important component in the implementation of Sustainable Human and Social Development.  It is not being too ambitious, therefore, to say that the URBAN InterGroup has an important task to fulfil within the ‘system’ of the European Parliament.

2.  Within such a ‘system’ … it is a big advantage that the InterGroup’s Structure is informal and fluid.  This allows the InterGroup to be cross-party and cross-committee at the Parliament … and to adopt a ‘flexible’ horizontal approach to Urban-Related Issues.

3.  This same Horizontal Approach must, however, be applied to a proper consideration of the Urban Environment (City) itself … which is far more than the sum of its buildings, public spaces, transport systems, engineering infrastructure (roads, bridges, etc.), and service utilities, etc., etc.

4.  In order to deal effectively with Urban-Related Issues and the many different Sectoral Stakeholders … it is essential that the Intergroup discusses and develops a comprehensive and coherent vision of what exactly is a Sustainable Urban Environment (City).  Please see the previous post on this Blog, dated 2010-03-02.

And … even though the regular InterGroup Meetings will be of short duration … it will be of great benefit to link small, individual issues to that larger, coherent vision.  Then, and only then, will the InterGroup always know where it is … and, more importantly, in which direction it is travelling … in order to monitor progress.

5.  It was not clear to me, at the Meeting, that the significant differences between the words ‘Sustainable’ and ‘Green’ are fully understood.  This will cause problems for the InterGroup in the future, and should be examined in more detail.

The European Union (E.U.) Treaties refer to ‘Sustainable Development’ … not to ‘Greenness’ !! 

6.  It was also evident, at the Meeting, that there is a Lack of Communication between the European Parliament and the European Commission on Urban-Related Issues.  Let me immediately say, however, that there is a worrying lack of communication (on any issue !) between the different Directorates-General within the Commission.

It must be a Priority for the InterGroup … a difficult one, I know … to have direct access to available Urban-Related Information … across all of the European Union’s Institutions.  It is too wasteful of the InterGroup’s limited resources to be required to ‘re-invent wheels’ !

7.  With regard to the URBAN InterGroup’s Work Programme … it is necessary to add a specific mention of the following Two Subjects:

(i)  Proactive Climate Change Adaptation

Climate Change Adaptation, generally, encompasses actions to reduce the vulnerability and strengthen the resilience of the Human Environment, including ecological and social systems, institutions and economic sectors … to present and future adverse effects of climate change and the impacts of response measure implementation … in order to minimize the threats to life, human health, livelihoods, food security, assets, amenities, ecosystems and sustainable development.

Urban Environment Climate Change Adaptation, more precisely, means … reliably implementing policies, practices, projects and institutional reforms in the Urban Environment (City) … with the aim of reducing the adverse impacts and/or realizing the benefits directly/indirectly associated with climate change, including variability and extremes … in a manner which is compatible with Sustainable Human and Social Development.

Following detailed briefing meetings, in Dublin, from high-level participants in Copenhagen … the suggestion of this subject arises from what happened … or, more correctly, did not happen … to the European Union and its inadequate Climate Change Policies at the 2009 Climate Summit in December.

(ii)  Accessibility for People with Activity Limitations (Personnes à Performances Réduites)

The 2006 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities entered into force on 3rd May 2008, i.e. it became an International Legal Instrument.  European Union (E.U.) Member States are currently undertaking the process of ratifying this Convention at national level.  At a certain stage in the near future, the Union (as a polity, post Lisbon Treaty) will certainly also ratify the Convention.

People with Activity Limitations now have a clearly defined right, under International Law, to be able to access and use the Urban Environment (City).  They also have the right to receive an equal and meaningful consideration in situations of risk, e.g. when there is a fire in a building.

The InterGroup must fully take account of these rights !   This is no longer an option.  In this regard and until now, the attitudes and performance of the E.U. Institutions has been nothing less than a complete and utter disgrace.

8.  With regard to the Main Objectives of the URBAN InterGroup … it is necessary to add the following Preamble to those Objectives …

Adopting a long-term perspective, i.e. beyond the lifetime of any single parliamentary term … the Main Objectives of the InterGroup are to:

-   monitor the legislative and non-legislative work of the European Parliament’s Committees on Urban-Related Issues ;

-   work on common European Union Strategies – to put Urban Needs on the agenda of E.U. Policies ;

-   be actively involved in the preparation of E.U. legislation ;

-   constantly stay in contact with partners and practitioners ;

-   be informed about the realization of E.U. Policies on the ground.

Please note well … that the short-term perspective of elected politicians, whether at European, National or Local Levels, is a Serious Impediment to the proper implementation of a Sustainable Urban Environment (City) !

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Tags: a 'flexible' horizontal approach to Urban-Related Issues, a comprehensive and coherent vision of what exactly is a Sustainable Urban Environment (City), a proper consideration of the Urban Environment (City) itself ... which is far more than the sum of its parts, a Serious Impediment to the proper implementation of a Sustainable Urban Environment (City), Accessibility of buildings for people with disabilities, Accessible Fire Engineering, Accountable and Representative Governance, Adopting a long-term perspective beyond the lifetime of any single parliamentary term, an important task to fulfil within the 'system' of the European Parliament, Built Environment, Comments on last Wednesday's Meeting ... and a few Suggestions, EP URBAN InterGroup Partners - Sectoral Stakeholders - Interested Practitioners, European Parliament's URBAN InterGroup - Inaugural Meeting, European Union and its inadequate Climate Change Policies at the 2009 Climate Summit in December, Further to a series of interventions by CJ Walsh, human and social rights, human environment, in order to monitor progress, InterGroup's Structure is informal and fluid, International Legal Instrument, Ireland, Lack of Communication between the European Parliament and the European Commission, Main Objectives of the URBAN InterGroup, Mr. Jan Olbrycht - Member of the European Parliament (MEP), People with Activity Limitations (2001 WHO ICF), Personnes à Performances Réduites (2001 WHO ICF), photograph, Priority for the URBAN InterGroup, Proactive Climate Change Adaptation, Sustainability Implementation, Sustainable Design International Ltd. - a Multi-Disciplinary Design & Research Practice in Europe and a Micro-SME, Sustainable Human & Social Development, The European Union (E.U.) Treaties refer to 'Sustainable Development' ... not to 'Greenness', the significant differences between the words 'Sustainable' and 'Green', United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, URBAN InterGroup's Work Programme

Sustainable Cities – The Driver to Forge a ‘Creative’ Society ?

Dr. Craig Barrett, Chair (2005-2009) of Intel Corporation’s Board, recently dropped some sharp home truths onto our frail and sensitive Irish laps … concerning national competitiveness in the Global Economic Environment.  It was like a breath of fresh air !   And … how right he was !!

Today, however, I want to focus on just one of his themes …

Quality Education + Quality Research & Development + Facilitating and Fostering Creativity & Innovation in Society

Since the 1990′s … we have had to listen to endless amounts of bullshit and hot air … until we are blue in the face … about the Information Society, the Knowledge Society, the Smart Society, the Green Society [what is 'Green' anyway ?], etc., etc., etc … and the biggest anti-climax of them all … the European Union’s Lisbon Strategy … boring, boring, boring !!!!

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When you hit the bottom of the barrel, there is only one place to look … and that’s up … with an engaged mind feverishly picturing what’s around outside !   So … for one wild moment, let’s join together some nice ideas …

Could Sustainable Cities be that essential driving force which forges a ‘Creative’ Society ???

What is the Sustainable Urban Environment (City) ?   A geographical region, with open and flexible boundaries, consisting of:

• An interwoven, densely constructed core (built environment) ;
• A large resident population of more than 500,000 people (social environment) ;
• A supporting hinterland of lands, waters and other natural resources (cultivated or ‘wrought’ landscape) ;

And together functioning as …

1. A complex living system (analogous to, yet different from, other living systems such as ecosystems and organisms) ;    and
2. A synergetic community capable of providing a high level of individual welfare and social wellbeing for all of its inhabitants.

Our Ultimate Goal must be to achieve a dynamic and harmonious balance between a sustainable ‘human’ environment and a flourishing, not just a surviving, ‘natural’ environment … with the Overall Aim of achieving social wellbeing for all.

Sustainable Design Solutions must be appropriate to local geography, climate and future climate changes, economy, culture, social need and language(s)/dialect(s).

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Supporting Definitions

Human Environment:  Anywhere there is, or has been, an intrusion by a human being in the ‘natural’ environment.

Built Environment:  Anywhere there is, or has been, a man-made or wrought (worked) intervention by humans in the ‘natural’ environment, e.g. cities, towns, villages, rural settlements, services, transport systems, roads, bridges, tunnels, and cultivated lands, lakes, rivers, coasts, and seas, etc … including the ‘virtual’ environment.

Social Environment:  The complex network of real and virtual human interaction – at a communal or larger group level – which operates for reasons of tradition, culture, business, pleasure, information exchange, institutional organization, legal procedure, governance, human betterment, social progress and spiritual enlightenment, etc.

The ‘social’ environment shapes, binds together, and directs the future development of, the ‘built’ (including ‘virtual’) environment.

Economic Environment:  The intricate web of real and virtual human commercial activity – operating at micro and macro-economic levels – which facilitates, supports, but sometimes hampers or disrupts, human interaction in the ‘social’ environment.

Virtual Environment:  A designed environment, electronically-generated from within the ‘built’ environment, which may have the appearance, form, functionality and impact – to the person perceiving and actually experiencing it – of a real, imagined and/or utopian world.

Human Health:  A state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.  (World Health Organization)

Individual Welfare:  A person’s general feeling of health, happiness and fulfilment.

Social Wellbeing:  A general condition – in a community, society or culture – of health, happiness, creativity, responsible fulfilment, and sustainable development.

Sustainable Human & Social Development:  Development which meets the responsible needs, i.e. the Human & Social Rights*, of this generation – without stealing the life and living resources from future generations, especially our children … and their children.

*As defined, in International Law, by the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UN OHCHR).

Sustainable Design*:  The ethical design response, in built or wrought form, to the concept of Sustainable Human and Social Development.

*Includes Spatial Planning, Architectural / Engineering / Interior / Industrial Design and e-Design, etc.

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Tags: 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UN OHCHR), a complex living system, a dynamic and harmonious balance between a sustainable 'human' environment and a flourishing 'natural' environment, a large resident population, a supporting hinterland of lands, a synergetic community capable of providing a high level of social wellbeing for all of its inhabitants, an interwoven densely constructed core, Built Environment, Could Sustainable Cities be that essential driving force which forges a 'Creative' Society, cultivated or 'wrought' landscape, Dr. Craig Barrett - Chair (2005-2009) of Intel Corporation's Board, Economic Environment, endless amounts of bullshit and hot air, European Union (E.U.), human health, Individual Welfare, Information Society - Knowledge Society - Smart Society - Green Society - European Union's Lisbon Strategy, international law, Ireland, national competitiveness in the Global Economic Environment, Our Ultimate Goal, Overall Aim, Social Environment, Supporting Definitions, Sustainability Implementation, Sustainable Cities - The Driver to Forge a 'Creative' Society, Sustainable Design, Sustainable Design Solutions, The ethical design response - in built or wrought form - to the concept of Sustainable Human and Social Development, until we are blue in the face, virtual environment, waters and other natural resources, What is the Sustainable Urban Environment (City), When you hit the bottom of the barrel

Sustainable Climate Adaptation – 2008 G-77 Statement to the UN

How did the Developed Countries get everything so wrong in Copenhagen during December 2009 ?   Why was the European Union irrelevant to what was taking place ?   Were there no obvious signals … no straws in the wind … well in advance of the Climate Summit ?

Yes, there definitely were !   Almost two years beforehand !!   Take a deep breath … and suck this up …

Statement on Behalf of the Group of 77 & China by Ambassador John Ashe, Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations, at the Thematic Debate of the General Assembly on ‘Addressing Climate Change: The United Nations and The World at Work’  (New York, 12th February 2008)

Introduction

1.  Mr. President, the Group of 77 & China thank you for convening this debate in the General Assembly on the theme ‘Addressing Climate Change: The United Nations and The World at Work’.  It provides the Assembly with an additional opportunity to exchange views among Member States and with other partners on one of the important issues on the development agenda of the UN.

2.  At the outset, the Group of 77 & China reiterates that the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is, and should remain, the primary comprehensive framework for addressing climate change.  Therefore, this thematic debate should be recognized as an opportunity for Member States to dialogue on ways of increasing support for the Framework and on meeting the urgent need for immediate action to fully implement commitments under the Convention and its Kyoto Protocol; supporting the Bali Action Plan and other mechanisms of the Convention.

3.  Mr. President, the Group of 77 & China is of the view that there should not be a parallel process of debates that would detract from the negotiation process under the Convention.  The Group of 77 & China believes that multilateral action to address climate change should remain firmly rooted in the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol.

4.  Furthermore, this thematic debate, as well as the Secretary General’s report on the Overview of UN activities in relation to Climate Change should not attempt to influence any other processes such as the system wide coherence debate or the discussions on international environmental governance.

*** Climate Change as a Sustainable Development Challenge ***

5.  Mr. President, the Group of 77 & China is of the view that discussions on climate change should be placed within the proper context of sustainable development.  It is imperative that our discussion reinforces the promotion of sustainable development, highlighting the three pillars – economic development, social development and environmental protection – and the need to promote all three in an integrated, co-ordinated and balanced manner.

6.  We must not lose sight of the fact that climate change is a sustainable development challenge.  As such we should adhere steadfastly to the Rio Principles, in particular the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.  We must take fully into account that poverty eradication, economic and social development are the paramount priorities of developing countries.  Hence, we must ensure that the discussion on climate change is placed in its proper context so that it does not undermine the overall discourse on sustainable development.

7.  Mr. President, urgent action is needed now to fully implement the commitments under the Convention and the Kyoto Protocol, especially commitments on financing for adaptation, technology transfer and capacity building, if we are to make progress towards the achievement of the sustainable development goals of developing countries, in particular the Internationally Agreed Development Goals (IADG’s), including the Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s).

8.  Urgent action is particularly needed on commitments, as climate change threatens the livelihoods of the very poor and vulnerable developing countries, in particular Africa, the Least Developed Countries (LDC’s), Land-Locked Developing Countries (LLDC’s), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and disaster prone developing countries.  The G-77 & China is of the view that while addressing the challenge of climate, the most affected countries and most vulnerable countries should be given adequate attention and support.

9.  Developed countries Parties must take the lead in addressing the implementation gap, since the extent to which developing countries Parties can effectively respond to the challenge depends on the effective implementation by developed country Parties of their commitments relating to financing and technology transfer.

Scaling-Up Financing, Technology Transfer and Capacity Building Support

10.  While the UN can support the efforts of developing countries in formulating policies for attracting climate change related investment flows, adaptation and nationally appropriate mitigation actions will have to be enabled by technology, financing and capacity-building that are commensurate with the magnitude of the tasks ahead of us, that is, in a measurable, reportable and verifiable manner, as agreed in the Bali Action Plan.  The provision of financial resources is a binding commitment of developed country Parties.  Clear guidance should be given to facilitate access to financial resources and investments without conditionalities.  It is essential that such financial resources not be considered as Official Development Assistance (ODA), but additional, and in compliance with existing binding commitments under the Convention.  Further, financing for adaptation to climate change and the impact of response measures should not be a reallocation or realignment of existing development financing.

11.  Developing countries should be provided with greater access to cost-effective, efficient and affordable advanced clean technologies.  The Group of 77 & China has repeatedly led calls for developing countries to have greater access to climate-friendly technologies.  Efforts in this regard need to be scaled up.  Furthermore, the UN can play an important role through the promotion of an Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Regime that facilitates the transfer of such technologies.

12.  The Group of 77 & China reiterates its call for increased support for capacity building in developing countries to enhance national efforts to promote an integrated approach to climate change response measures and sustainable development planning.

Greater Support by the UN System for Developing Countries to Address the Climate Change Challenge

13.  The UN’s efforts in supporting national adaptation activities must be strengthened, so that developing countries can achieve their sustainable development goals while responding to the challenges of climate change.  The role of the UN in supporting the overall development efforts is vital.  However, the G-77 & China finds that technology transfer and financing, have not been addressed adequately in the background documents made available in preparation for today’s debate.

14.  On the issue of partnerships, Mr. President, the G-77 & China is of the view that multi-stakeholder partnerships have an important role to play in addressing climate change.  The UN system should assist in fostering and promoting partnerships in support of national efforts.  However, partnerships should not replace ODA or international co-operation.

15.  Additionally, South-South co-operation is useful in the area of adaptation efforts, and greater support for South-South co-operation can also help developing countries better respond to the challenges of climate change.  However, South-South co-operation should not be considered within the context of multi-stakeholder partnerships.  Further, South-South co-operation on climate change should complement North-South co-operation.

Report on the Overview of UN Activities in Relation to Climate Change

16.  Mr. President, in General Assembly Resolution 62/8 Member States requested a comprehensive report providing an overview of the activities of the UN system in relation to climate change.  Based on this mandate the G-77 & China anticipated a factual report that takes stock of current UN system activities in this regard.  As such, there is no mandate with regard to ‘an indication of the way forward’, and ‘co-ordination of the UN system action on climate change’.  This remains the purview of the Member States to decide on.  Work on co-ordination mechanisms, and structures or frameworks, including clusters of activity or lead agencies, must be subject of inter-governmental consideration and decision prior to implementation.

17.  In general, the UN system entities should assist in the effective implementation of the provisions, commitments and action plans of the UNFCCC.  Co-ordination of UN system activities to enhance its role in meeting the challenge of climate change requires inter-governmental consideration, agreement and oversight by Member States.

18.  The G-77 & China recognizes the primacy of the UN in directing and supporting global efforts to meet the global challenge of climate change, and in supporting its Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).  The General Assembly, given its universality, should unequivocally urge Parties to undertake urgent action now to meet their commitments under the Convention, provide clear policy direction in this regard and to support to the Bali Plan of Action.

19.  Mr. President, the G-77 & China believes that the road to Copenhagen, where the concluding talks on the current process on the Bali Roadmap will be held in 2009, will be a difficult one, particularly for developing countries and the poorest and most vulnerable.  Leadership will therefore be critical if our response is to reflect the scale of the challenge.  We need an effective and comprehensive global response, within the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, to cover adaptation, technology transfer and financing, as well as mitigation.  Without rapid and tangible efforts by developed countries in this regard, climate change will lead to increased poverty and will negate our efforts at achieving sustainable development.

Thank you, Mr. President.

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NOTE:  The Group of 77 (G-77) was established on 15th June 1964 by seventy-seven developing countries – signatories of the ‘Joint Declaration of the Seventy-Seven Countries’, issued at the end of the first session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Geneva.  Beginning with the first Ministerial Meeting of the Group of 77 in Algiers (Algeria), from 10-25 October 1967, which adopted the ‘Charter of Algiers‘, a permanent institutional structure gradually developed which led to the creation of Chapters of the Group of 77, with Liaison Offices in Geneva (UNCTAD), Nairobi (UNEP), Paris (UNESCO), Rome (FAO/IFAD), Vienna (UNIDO), and the Group of 24 (G-24) in Washington, D.C. (IMF and World Bank).  Although the Members of the G-77 have increased to 130 Countries, the original name was retained because of its historic significance.

Brazil, South Africa, India and China (BASIC) are all Members of G-77.

Bolivia, Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and the Caribbean island states of Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Dominica (ALBA – Alianza Bolivariana para los Pueblos de Nuestra América / Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America) are also all Members of G-77.

The Group of 77 (G-77) WebSite is located at … www.g77.org

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Tags: 1964 Joint Declaration of the Seventy-Seven Countries, access to financial resources and investments without conditionalities, Africa, ALBA - Alianza Bolivariana para los Pueblos de Nuestra América, Ambassador John Ashe - Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations, Bali Action Plan, Brazil - South Africa - India - China (BASIC), Built Environment, Climate Change Adaptation, climate change adaptation and nationally appropriate mitigation actions, Climate Change as a Sustainable Development Challenge, climate change threatens the livelihoods of the very poor and vulnerable developing countries, climate change will lead to increased poverty and will negate our efforts at achieving sustainable development, co-ordinated and balanced manner, commitments on financing for adaptation - technology transfer - capacity building, common but differentiated responsibilities, cost-effective efficient and affordable advanced clean technologies, Developed countries Parties must take the lead in addressing the implementation gap, directing and supporting global efforts to meet the global challenge of climate change, disaster prone developing countries, discussions on climate change should be placed within the proper context of sustainable development, effective implementation of the provisions commitments and action plans of the UNFCCC, european union, financing for adaptation to climate change and the impact of response measures, First Ministerial Meeting of the Group of 77 in Algiers (Algeria) from 10-25 October 1967 which adopted the 'Charter of Algiers', formulating policies for attracting climate change related investment flows, Greater Support by the UN System for Developing Countries to Address the Climate Change Challenge, Group of 77 (G-77) WebSite, Group of 77 and China, human and social rights, human environment, important issues on the development agenda of the UN, integrated, integrated approach to climate change response measures and sustainable development planning, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Regime, inter-governmental consideration agreement and oversight by UN Member States, inter-governmental consideration and decision prior to implementation, international environmental governance, International Legal Instrument, Internationally Agreed Development Goals (IADG's), Land-Locked Developing Countries (LLDC's), Least Developed Countries (LDC's), measurable - reportable - verifiable (mrv) manner, Millennium Development Goals (MDG's), multilateral action to address climate change should remain firmly rooted in the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol, North-South co-operation, Official Development Assistance (ODA), poverty eradication economic and social development are the paramount priorities of developing countries, Rio Principles, Scaling-Up Financing - Technology Transfer - Capacity Building Support, Small Island Developing States (SIDS), South-South co-operation, supporting national adaptation activities, Sustainability Implementation, Sustainable Climate Adaptation - 2008 G-77 Statement to the UN, Sustainable Human & Social Development, sustainable partnerships, The UN General Assembly should unequivocally urge Parties to undertake urgent action now to meet their commitments under the UNFCCC, Thematic Debate of the UN General Assembly on 'Addressing Climate Change: The United Nations and The World at Work' (New York on 12th February 2008), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), urgent need for immediate action to fully implement commitments under the UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol, we need an effective and comprehensive global response to cover adaptation - technology transfer - financing - as well as mitigation