News from 2 June 2005 on edie

Water quality worsens in Europe’s lakes and rivers

Ten per cent of Europe's lakes and rivers used for swimming and water sports do not meet the required standards for EU bathing water, the latest figures have found.

No targets or timetable for climate change action at G8 summit

A leaked draft document on global warming prepared for the G8 summit in Gleneagles has been condemned by environmentalists after it was found to contain no targets and no timetable for action.

Latin America toxic chemical waste three times higher than thought

Mountains of toxic chemical waste from unused and obsolete pesticides in Latin America are at least three times larger than previously thought, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation has warned.

HSBC releases guidelines on investment in freshwater infrastructure

HSBC has launched guidelines governing its project finance activities in the freshwater infrastructure sector.

Green belts under threat from government ‘sustainable’ plans

England's green belt land, designed to protect the countryside from urban sprawl, is under threat from a variety of government planning proposals, a rural campaign group has warned.

ERA mining fined for uranium contamination of water for workers

Australian uranium mining company Energy Resources Australia has been fined AUS$150,000 after being found guilty of a series of contamination breaches at its Ranger mine.

English Partnerships eyes over 700 brownfield sites for new homes

English Partnerships, the government's regeneration agency, is reviewing over 700 vacant and surplus sites for the purpose of supplying more affordable homes.

Brownfield building at all time high

The proportion of new homes built on brownfield land is at an all time high, statistics released this week reveal.

Biodiesel firm raises £26 million to boost production

The growing market for biodiesel was highlighted this week when UK based firm D1 Oils raised almost £26 million to fund expansion in new and existing territories.

Toxic fears for disused maritime site

Environmental campaigners are calling for complete transparency on bids on the Scotland's disused Nigg fabrication yard, citing their fears it may be used to dismantle toxic ships from the USA.

Mayors sidestep Kyoto row to set sights on Green Cities

Civic leaders from around the world are meeting in San Francisco this week to thrash out international guidelines for sustainable urban living.

Lobbyists call for cleaner air today, not tomorrow

Europe needs to set its sights higher when it comes to tackling air pollution - that was the message of lobby group the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) this week.

Day: 2 June 2005