Day: 11 February 2005

Deregulation in the air for EU waste rules

The European Commission is considering changes to the EU's waste framework directive that could lead to significant deregulation of the waste sector. Its plans have emerged in a questionnaire to governments intended to inform a proposal for an EU thematic strategy on waste prevention and recycling, due out in June.

EU must set global emissions example beyond Kyoto treaty

A further nine steps must be taken on top of the Kyoto Protocol in order to avoid reaching dangerous global levels of climate change, conservation organisation WWF has said.

MPs speak out on environmental crime

"Environmental compliance barely registers with far too many businesses and why should it when they know their illegal actions are likely to remain undetected and largely unpunished?" Peter Ainsworth MP, chairman of the Environmental Audit Committee, said at the launch of its second report on corporate environmental crime.

Government warns over changes to agriculture from global warming

The Government has issued a stark warning to farmers over the threats posed by global warming, particularly in terms of availability of water resources.

Renewable energy foundation manifesto: reform the renewables obligation

The renewable energy foundation (REF) launched its manifesto this week calling for an overhaul of the renewable obligation (RO) and greater emphasis on forms of production other than onshore wind.

Blair’s ‘longest serving Labour Prime Minister’ environment record attacked

Tony Blair's record on the environment has been attacked in the week he became the longest serving Labour Prime Minister.

Car manufacturers must mash old bangers

Scrap cars will soon have to be taken back and disposed of by their manufacturers, following changes to government regulations for end of life vehicles (ELVs).

Bush budget sacrifices wildlife reserve for oil industry profits

Environmentalists have slated President Bush's 2006 Budget, which will provide US $7.6 billion for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its partners.

Transport is now main source of air pollution as industrial emissions drop

Emissions from traffic are now the main source of air pollution and the main reason for 95% of the designated Air Quality Management Areas in the UK, the Environment Agency has warned.

Plastic recycling in China supported by IFC investment

China's environmental credentials were given a small boost this week as the International Finance Corporation invested US$1.2 million in a plastics recycling facility in Guangzhou.

Brits want a sustainable economy

Britons are disenchanted with consumerism, preferring to donate their money to charity and recycle unwanted items than gorge themselves on unnecessary retail therapy, according to Women's Environmental Network (WEN).

New eco-friendly labelling for cars

A new colour-coded label will appear on all new cars as of July this year, to help buyers assess the climate change impacts of different cars. It will also show that, increasingly, better environmental performance means lower road tax and lower running costs.

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