[SGRupdate] Scientists for Global Responsibility Newsletter 34 Out Now

[Scientists for Global Responsibility]

** Scientists for Global Responsibility Newsletter **

No 34 - Summer 2007 - now available

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Feature articles include...

* Iran's nuclear strategy - civil or military?
Iran is under scrutiny: Western governments claim
its nascent nuclear power programme masks plans
for nuclear weapons development. Dr Frank Barnaby
assesses the validity of the West's claims and
argues that use of military force against Iran's
nuclear programme will only make matters worse.

* The potential of power from deserts
The ingenious use of mirrors and DC electrical
grid technology could provide a significant new
source of power from desert sunlight. Dr Gerry Wolff explains.

* Vision Zero: time to put an end to death and serious injuries on our roads
Sweden is implementing a zero tolerance approach
to deaths and serious injuries caused by road
traffic. Prof John Whitelegg argues that it's time for the UK to do the same.

* GM trials return to the UK
GM potatoes are being trialled at a site in
Cambridgeshire, with more planned. Dr Eva Novotny
explains why we should be on our guard.

* Patents and conflicts of interest: are scientists acting ethically?
Does the patent system encourage inappropriate
commercial influence over biotechnology research?
Dr Helen Wallace argues that it does, and invites
us to take part in an investigation to uncover and address the reality.

* Climate change - the latest findings of the IPCC
Dr Stuart Parkinson outlines the stark
conclusions that emerge from the latest report of
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

* Common climate myths
Given the recent media attention devoted to
climate sceptic views, Dr Stuart Parkinson
debunks some of their most common claims.

* Building hope: global network tackles humanitarian problems
An increasing number of organisations are using
skilled volunteers to provide practical help for
humanitarian problems. Chris Medland RIBA
introduces one such organisation, in the field of
design: Architecture for Humanity.

* Walking in minefields
The SGR report "Soldiers in the Laboratory"
prompted Dr Steve Wright to consider the
real-life legacy of military involvement in
science and engineering. Here he describes an
eye-opening trip that showed him just what that means.

* Biofuels for transport - how far can we go?
Biofuels are the subject of heated debate. For
transport in particular some say biofuels are
unlikely to provide the environmentally friendly
solution suggested by their promoters. Martin
Quick CEng looks at both sides of the coin.

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SGR News includes...

* a new research project on miltary involvement at universities

* recent campaign activities on nuclear weapons

* updates on activities on climate change,
sustainable energy, ethical careers, and GM crops

* 'A few words...' column on climate science
Dr Stuart Parkinson bemoans the way in which some
sections of the media still take the climate
sceptics seriously in the face of the latest
report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

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Also featured...

- Publication reviews

- Event reviews

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Copies are FREE to members and associate members of SGR - to join see
http://www.sgr.org.uk/joinsgr.html

Non-members can order copies from the address below at GBP 3.50 (plus
postage and packing @ 20 per cent) per copy.


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Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR) is an independent UK-based
organisation of scientists, architects, engineers, and technologists
promoting ethical science, design and technology.

Scientists for Global Responsibility    Tel: 01303 851965
Ingles Manor                            Mobile: 07771 883696
Castle Hill Avenue                      E-mail: info at sgr.org.uk
Folkestone                              Web: http://www.sgr.org.uk
CT20 2RD

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