"Qatar and Russia shoul be stripped of the World Cup"

Fortunately there are still journalists who are not afraid of telling the truth:

To hell with diplomatic repercussions; every tournament awarded by Fifa must now be re-allocated or boycotted. To do otherwise would be to endorse or condone near-total corruption.

It is unlikely that Vladimir Putin will unashamedly make the opening ceremony to Russia’s 2018 World Cup a celebration of the annexation of Crimea, or an interpretative dance sequence commemorating the supply of surface-to-air military equipment that resulted in the deaths of 298 people when MH17 was shot down. But the event has clearly been purchased for the further glorification of a president more deserving of the attention of the International Court of Justice than the world’s sporting community.

Doha COP18: Qatar offers crumbles to the global warming establishment

While nothing of any importance (fortunately) will come out of the UN COP18 global warming festival, a warmist Guardian reporter, entrenched in his luxury hotel, takes some solace from the view:

From my hotel window, I can see 14 monster buildings being built, each to a much higher energy standard than the law demands in the US or most of Europe. Down the road is a new $70m (£43m) test-bed for carbon capture, the beginnings of a 200 megawatt solar power station, a $1bn photovoltaic manufacturing plant, new waste treatment plants, a pilot project to grow food in the desert with saltwater, and a fledgling construction industry with waste plastic.

Yes, the sheiks, bathing in oil riches, are offering crumbles to the global warming establishment, which gratefully accepts the new extremely well paid - of course taxfree - jobs for its carefully chosen high priests: 

The thirst for what Qatar, Abu Dhabi and other oil-rich states call a new "knowledge economy" would partly explain why Qatar on Wednesday committed to set up a global climate change centre in Doha with the German Potsdam Institute. It will employ around 200 researchers and sit beside a dozen other prestigious US, British and other academic centres, including Imperial College, which is now at Doha.

The founder of the institute, Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, spelled out what was at stake: "Qatar is the only true desert state in the world with no surface water and 500km of flat coastline, where temperatures are already 45C in summer. With sea level rise expected to be up to 90cm by 2100 in the Gulf region and temperatures expected to rise [by] 5-8C, this place will be unlivable [if climate change is not brought under control]."

The Gulf states' change of direction, he suggested, is being undertaken not out of any desire to be green but sheer pragmatism. What happens here could shape all our futures, says the adviser. "The next stage of modern civilisation can be blueprinted here. Qatar can be a role model for the region and the whole planet."

Read the entire article here

Deutsche Welle on the Doha climate "summit"

The Deutsche Welle has done some research about the only real result of the Doha climate "summit":

Recession-proof climate tourism: Hundreds of NGOs take high carbon flights to Doha

Doha COP18 guide: "Immerse yourself in Arab culture at Souq Waqif, a traditional market. Wander through the labyrinth of traditional Qatari architecture, where stalls sell everything from exotic spices and perfume, to fabrics and household goods. Visitors can barter over the local handicrafts, see the falcons for sale or relax with a shisha pipe and some Middle Eastern delicacies." (image by wikipedia)

The annual highlight of the climate tourism season - The UN COP climate jamboree - is due to begin today in Doha. While tourism in general is suffering from the global economic slowdown, climate tourism is recession-proof: Over 1400 NGOs are entitled to attend the Doha conference as "observers".

Below is a selection of the lucky ones, who will have a chance to "search for bargains along the alleys and stalls of Souq Waqif, wander among one of the world’s most extensive collections of Islamic art in the I. M. Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Art or take the family for a stroll along the scenic Corniche or beaches and shops of Katara."  

Association of Former Diplomats of China, Peking
Mr. Changjiu Wang

Association of German Teachers in Geography (VDSG)
Mr. Frank-Michael Czapek

Australian Koala Foundation (AKF)
Ms. Deborah Tabart

British Council
Mr. Christopher Howard Palmer

California College of the Arts (CCA)
Mr. David Meckel 

Earth Child Institute, New York
Ms. Donna Goodman

Edison Electric Institute, Washington
Mr. Eric Holdsworth

Employers' Association of Greenland
Ms. Ellen Lerch Hoj Arnskjold

Evangelist Professional Training School,   Berlin

Faith Association of the Rehabilitation of Street Children and Orphans (FARSO), Ghana
Mr. David Edusah

Gaia Association (GAIA), Ghana
Mr. Milkyas Debebe Mogessie

Global Footprint Network, Oakland
Ms. Rachel Hodara

Global Peace Initiative of Women, New York
Ms. Marianne Marstrand

Huairou Commission Women Homes and Community, Brooklyn
Ms. Suranjana Gupta

League of American Wheelmen, Washington
Mr. Andrew Clarke 

League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS), Washington
Ms. Patty Day

Labor/Community Strategy Center (LCSC), Los Angeles
Mr. Eric Mann 

Lincoln Theological Institute, Manchester, UK
Mr. Stefan Skrimshire

Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic, Inc.. Maryknoll
Ms. Ann Braudis

Native American Rights Fund (NARF), Boulder
Mr. Kim Jerome Gottschalk

Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks, Tupper Lake, United States
Ms. Maria Leonardi

Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Oslo
Ms. Michelle Yonetani

Peace Child International (PCI), Bunting, United Kingdom
Mr. David Rupert Woollcombe

Peace Parks Foundation, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Ms. Annelle Scott

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Luisville
Mr. William Somplatsky-Jarman

Quaker Earthcare Witness (QEW), Burlington, United States
Ms. Ruah Swennerfelt 

Railway Association of Canada, Ottawa
Mr. Nicholas George Vincent

Rotary International, Evanston, Illinois
Ms. Christine Sanders

San Francisco Carbon Collaborative
Ms. Tiffany Potter

Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council, Washington

World Alliance of Young Men's Christian Associations,  (YMCA)
Mr. Romulo Dantas

World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC)
Mr. Ricardo Costa

World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS)
Ms. Harriet Christine Thew

World Association of Zoos and Aquariums * (WAZA)
Mr. Gerald Dick

Youth Crime Watch of Nigeria * (YCW Nigeria)
Mr. Yinka Oladapo
Asokoro - Abuja

Bon voyage! 

The UN annual mega beach party about to begin in Doha: Locals urged to stay away from waterfront promenade

"The Corniche offers an unrivalled view of the city, particularly at sunset where Doha’s glittering skyline seemingly melts into water under the setting sun."  
(image by wikipedia)

The annual UN mega beach party is due to open on Monday in Doha. Having looked at what has happened in the previous COP gatherings, the Qatari organizers have made the necessary preparations: Locals are asked to stay away from the Corniche, Doha's waterfront promenade, which is reserved for the beach party:

"We would ask everyone to carefully plan their journeys and try to avoid the busiest areas if possible. These will be around the QNCC, the DEC [Doha Exhibition Centre] and the Corniche," 

Alanoud Al-Meghaisib, the head of the Accommodation, Transport and Volunteers department of the Organising Sub-Committee for COP18/CMP8.

PS

The organizers also expect that the non sinking Pearl island will be a huge success among the more discerning COP climate  tourists delegates:

"Built on top of an old pearl diving site, this luxury development on the edge of Doha is set on an artificial island shaped like a string of pearls.

With a selection of award-winning international restaurants and cafes, most with outside seating and marina views, it is a popular place to meet friends for a meal. 

The walkway around the Porto Arabia marina is always lively, with people taking an after-dinner stroll alongside the mega-yachts, or visiting the luxury clothing stores." 

For the more adventurous, there is this option:

For the more adventurous, a trip to the inland sea – Khor Al-Adaid – should not be missed.  To reach this large saltwater inlet, you must navigate 130ft dunes in a journey that is not for the faint-hearted. On reaching the natural wonder of the inland sea, you can swim in the warm waters and view the Saudi Arabia border. Trips, which can last for a half day, full day or can include a night at a traditional Bedouin camp, can be organised via tour operators.  

A visit to the the local "Ascot", the Al-Shahaniya camel racing stadium, is also expected to be a hit among the delegates:

During the winter racing season, locals gather regularly to watch the camels as they hurtle along the purpose-built stadium at speeds of up to 40kmph.  Drive out to Al Shahaniya, about 60km west of the city, to visit the stables and watch the camels train, or join the locals on race day as they drive alongside the track, cheering on the camels, which are ridden by radio-controlled robot jockeys. 

The megalomaniac Green Climate Fund

The annual UN mega climate jamboree, due to begin on November 26 in Doha is - fortunately - not expected to produce any tangible "results". However, it is going to formally endorse the Korean city of Incheon as the host city for the headquarters of the so called Green Climate Fund. 

The bureaucrats in charge of the fund and the Korean hosts seem to have megalomaniac plans for this totally useless (taxpayer funded) organisation, which will distribute cash to developing countries (dictators of the third world can't wait to lay their hands on the money!), supposedly suffering from human caused global warming:  

Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Mexico and Namibia had all vied to host GCF, an entity often referred to as the World Bank of the environmental sector. GCF’s first full year of operation will be 2020. By that time it is expected to be funded at $100 billion. If GCF expands according to current plans — which calls for core member nations to raise more capital — the fund will grow to $800 billion by 2027.

“The GCF organization will steadily expand in the future and it will have more and more affiliated groups as well,” President Lee Myung-bak told the press Saturday.

“I think it’s a blessing for the Korean people,” Lee added. “For the first time in our history, we will host one of the biggest international organizations.”

-
The Songdo district is on reclaimed land in western Incheon linked to Incheon International Airport by the 7-mile long Incheon Bridge. The Incheon City government, which has run up a large deficit in developing Songdo International Business District (IBD), has been struggling to bring it to life by attracting foreign investments. The city has pledged to provide 15 floors of the district’s 33-story I-Tower building to the GCF secretariat. Once fully staffed the GCF headquarters will expand out into considerably more space.
-
The GCF could ultimately become bigger than the IMF or the World Bank if member nations meet their fundraising commitments, said Kim Sang-hyup, senior presidential secretary for green growth.

I am afraid that President Lee Myung-bak - or at least his successors - will be in for a great disappointment. If there is any sanity left in the western paymaster countries the Green Climate (scam) Fund will never get the $800 billion - ore even a fraction of it. And neither will there be any need to "expand out into considerably more space" in the struggling Songdo International Business District. But even the first hundreds of overpaid international climate bureaucrats expected to fill the 15 floors in Songdo, are far too many. 

The U.S. Congress should and could play a major role in making the life span of the Green Climate Fund as short as possible. 

Great news: Greenpeace will be invisible at the COP18 in Doha

The annual UN global warming hoax mega jamboree COP 18 is due to begin in Doha on November 26. One piece of good news can be reported already now: Greenpeace will be invisible during the conference. 

Greenpeace says it will not organise protests during the United Nations conference about climate change (COP-18) that will take place in Doha from November 26 to December 27. During COP-17, held in Durban (South Africa) in 2011, the organisation occupied the conference centre where UN climate talks were being held.

Hoda Baraka, Communications representative of the Arab World Project of Greenpeace Mediterranean, told The Peninsula that “due to practical challenges in a country where we have no local office, we have finally decided not to organise visual events in Doha in the way that we have had at many previous Conference of the Parties”.

The representative of Greenpeace added that “we did explore in detail the possibilities of doing so, but found that we could not carry out activities with sufficient impact at reasonable cost”. For that reason, the presence of Greenpeace will focus on lobbying with the delegations and interacting with the media. 

Nevertheless, the Greenpeace official stated that “of course we still take the opportunity of COP-18 very seriously, and we are sending a large delegation of climate policy experts and communications specialists”.

The lack of an office in Doha did not prevent Greenpeace from sending its flagship to the Doha WTO meeting in 2001:

Greenpeace will dock its flagship Rainbow Warrior outside the World Trade Organisation (WTO) ministerial meeting in Doha from November 9-13 to push environmental causes, the group said Monday. Representatives of local communities from the five continents whose livelihoods may be affected by WTO decisions will be among about 35 people on board, Greenpeace political director Remi Parmentier told AFP. He said permission was granted to berth the vessel in full view of the conference hotel during a meeting with Qatar's Foreign Minister Foreign Minister Hamad bin Jassem al-Thani in Doha on Sunday.

Could it be that the Qataris this time did not allow free parking for the Greenpeace new luxury yacht in front of the brand new Qatar National Convention Centre, the venue of the COP18? Or maybe the new yacht is too modest accomodation for the present generation of Greenpeace top brass? Instead Kumi Naidoo and his "large delegation" of "climate policy experts" and "communications specialists" seems to have opted to stay invisible, most probably in the cosy comfort of one of the many Doha five star hotels.

Could the Torch be the preferred choice for Kumi and his band of greenies?:

"At 300m high and with 360° panoramic views across the whole of Doha, The Torch is haven for the discerning traveller be they sports enthusiasts, business leaders or health and wellness seekers. The hotel is ideally situated midway between the major diplomatic area of West Bay, Qatar Foundation and 14 minutes away from Qatar National Convention Centre. Guests at the hotel have private walkway access to Villaggio mall."

President of UN climate talks: Shale gas will ensure global energy security for the next 300 years

Al-Attiyah: Shale gas will ensure global energy security for the  next 300 years.

Finally, the UN Climate Change talks have a President - Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, deputy Prime Minister of Qatar - who seems to know what he is talking about:

The President of the forthcoming UN Climate Change Summit in Qatar says shale gas is “good news” and will ensure global energy security for the next 300 years.

“It’s good news because it gives the world trust and confidence in gas,” he told a TV reporter at the 2012 Oil and Money Conference.

“A few years ago there was uncertainty about enough supply to the world – today the gas will give the world 300 years of security. I believe this is good news and it will give the consumer more trust in gas.”

The greenies are of course furious:

Reacting to these comments, WWF-UK’s International Climate Change Policy Advisor Kat Watts said it was vital all Parties heading to Doha realised the world needed to move away from oil and gas as a source of energy.

“All governments need to realize that the future cannot be not fossil fuelled. There are massive greenhouse gas emissions in both production and consumption of coal, oil, gas, and the only way to minimize the climate crisis is to keep them in the ground,” she said.

If Al-Attiyah stays the course and ignores the alarmists, something good might for the first time come out of a UN mega climate change jamboree ....

Quebec taxpayers sponsoring free two week holidays in the Magic Desert Kingdom of Doha (for young climate bloggers only)

"As your aircraft descends into Qatar, you are welcomed by a spectacular view of the capital city, Doha. The completely landscaped, crescent-shaped Corniche, the sparkling blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, and the sandy desert backdrop provide the first glimpse of what experiences await you. This sun-kissed country is filled with possibilities – desert escapades and shopping extravaganzas; natural attractions and water sports; state-of-the-art sporting facilities and historical museums; all combined with fine dining and luxurious accommodations. Welcome to the heart of the Arabian Gulf. Come … experience Qatar."

If you are a "budding blogger" between 18 - 30 years of age, the "Adopt a Negotiator project" offers you a FREE two week stay in the Magic Desert Kingdom of Qatar - including "a generous per diem" - courtesy of the Quebec taxpayers. 

All you have to do is to fake a little interest in "climate action", and you will be eligible for a high carbon footprint flight to the UN climate jamboree COP18 in Doha, starting on November 26:

Bloggers to Win Free Doha Climate Change Conference Trips this November: Adopt A Negotiator

Are you a budding blogger with an interest in the environment? Or maybe a video journalist with a passion for social issues? Well, if you are and also happen to be between 18-30 years old, then the ‘Adopt a Negotiator’ project is for you. They are on the look out for talented people to join their delegation to the UN COP18 conference in the hope of securing a better deal for the climate and the world’s citizens at the next climate summit.

Sébastien Duyck from AaN explains more about the project: “We bring young (18-30) people and bloggers to the main meetings of the UN climate talks to push for stronger climate action, mainly through the use of social media. So as we are now seeking new candidates to join our delegation to the UN COP18 conference, we would like to invite several regional representatives to join us.

Fellows will be provided with:

• The opportunity to play a specific role to promote progressive climate policies in your country;
• The chance to be part of a team with many other amazing young activists/bloggers;
All support needed from our team and partner during the coming months (networking, capacity building);
• Transportation to Doha, accommodation and a generous per diem during the Doha Climate Change Conference

The "Adopt A Negotiator" project is run by the Global Campaign for Climate Action, which lists the Quebec Government as one of its main sponsors. I´ll bet taxpayers in Quebec are not aware of their generous "sponsoring". 

A summary of Rio+20 + a reminder about COP 18/MOP 8

The bright lights of Doha are waiting for the COP 18/MOP 8 delegates

AP summarizes the UN Rio+20 sustainability conference, attended by 100 heads of state and over 50,000 participants from 193 countries:

"In the end, this conference was a conference to decide to have more conferences."

The never-ending Environmental Circus must go on ...

PS

A reminder to Rio+20 delegates who want to build on the "success" in Rio:

Have you remembered to make your hotel reservations for the COP 18/MOP 8 in Qatar, November 26 - December 7? We hear that suites at Doha´s five star hotels are 
already almost fully booked ... 


There is a whole new world to experience in Qatar according to the COP 18/MOP 8 organizers: 


Visitors can search for bargains along the alleys and stalls of Souq Waquif, wander spellbound among one of the world’s most extensive collections of Islamic art in the I.M. Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Art or take the family for a stroll along the scenic Corniche or beaches and shops of Katara. For the more adventurous, a short drive yields everything from abandoned forts, archeological sites and old cities along the northwestern coast to singing sand dunes and desert adventures in the south. And that’s just the start. Qatar's natural heritage goes far beyond the desert and camels many expect to find. 


Qatar’s trademark hospitality makes it easy to relax, but we invite you to explore this amazing gem of the Arabian Gulf during your time in the region.


And car rental is a bargain in Qatar: For a liter of unleaded gasoline you pay only 0.23 USD!

EU überwarmist Hedegaard cannot stand the bright lights of Doha

                           Connie Hedegaard does not like the bright lights of Doha


Qatar is the world´s biggest producer of liquefied natural gas. Oil and gas account for about 60% of the country´s economic output. That´s why the country´s capital Doha can afford to keep the city well lit during night hours.

EU´s überwarmist, Climate Commissioner Connie Hedegaard, currently visiting Doha, apparently thinks that the inhabitants of Doha should switch off their bright lights and start living in the same kind of semi-darkness that people in her home country Denmark are used to:

“When you drive through the city of Doha at night, you just think, ‘Wow, look how big our challenges are when we’re talking about more energy efficiency, less energy consumption and a low-carbon world,’” Hedegaard said. “The bright lights are all over. It would send a strong signal if Qatar came forward with concrete proposals on how they will pursue a more climate-friendly growth strategy.” 
--

“You have these tall, tall skyscrapers, and there are lights literally in every window because why turn off the lights when energy is for free,” Hedegaard said. 

Yes, indeed, why should the people of Doha turn off their lights! If Mrs. Hedegaard does not like the bright lights of the city, she should put on her sunglasses the next time she is out driving in Doha!

South Korea and Qatar compete for hosting the UN climate change carnival 2012

A nostalgic video flashback from the Cancun climate meeting.
There will be less Tequila in Qatar -  under Qatar's Sharia,
 it is illegal to show alcohol or be drunk in public.
This should strengthen the Korean bid.

While South Africa is preparing to hold the holiest annual celebration of the climate change religion, the United Nations Conference on Climate Change, later this year, there is a ferocious behind-the-scenes battle going between South Korea and Qatar about hosting the conference in 2012, reports the New York Times.

If  South Korea is serious about getting this crazy carbon carnival, they should immediately consult the only person in the world who knows how to beat the qataris; Sepp Blatter, the president of  FIFA.

Without Blatter´s support, the 2022 World Cup would not have been awarded to Qatar. He knows in detail what South Korea must do in order to "facilitate" a succesful bid. However, South Korea should realize that it is not going to be easy - or cheap - to beat the qataris, who already have set out their plan:

"asked at a recent meeting in Hamburg, Germany, about the bid to host the UNFCCC meeting, the Qatar energy institute's executive director, Rabi Mohtar, said, "I believe the push is to get that going as a precursor to the football games."

The fact that Qatar sees the climate jamboree only as a "precursor" to the football games, says a lot about the significance of the event. What reasons Korea might have for wanting to host the conference is more difficult to understand. Maybe their own man at the top of the UN hieararchy, one of the high priests of the climate change religion, Bank-ki Moon, has brainwashed the Korean government on this issue?