Month: November 2004

Renewables groups dispel myth of effective competition in power markets

The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) and the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC) have dismissed calls for more competition in the renewables sector, saying it would be inappropriate when competition is far from being effective in the conventional energy sector.

First Clean Development Mechanism project registered

In the same week that the UN announced 16 February as the official ratification date for the Kyoto Protocol, the first project of the Clean Development Mechanism has also been formally registered.

EEA warns EU will exploit rest of planet unless it curbs resource consumption

The European Union has been warned it faces a choice between exploiting the rest of the planet, or becoming drastically more efficient in its use of natural resources if it is to meet its 'Lisbon Strategy' goals of becoming the world's most dynamic and competitive economy.

EU studies ways to add aviation to emissions scheme

The chances of adding aviation to the European emissions scheme looked a little closer this week after Peter Vis, acting head of the industrial emissions unit at the European Commission, admitted a study into the inclusion had already begun.

Danube delta under threat from Ukrainian canal project

European environment officials have expressed concern this week that Ukrainian plans to build a maritime canal in the Danube delta will irrevocably damage the surrounding wetland areas.

4x4s should come with tobacco style health warnings, says think tank

The campaign against four wheel drive vehicles stepped up a gear this week, with think-tank the New Economics Foundation calling for tobacco style health warnings to be fitted, and London Mayor Ken Livingstone writing an open letter to Transport Minister Tony McNulty, urging greater duties to be imposed and pedestrian safety measures to be improved.

Mayor issues first ever direction to waste authority

London Mayor Ken Livingstone has issued a direction for the first time since his election in 2000 to ensure that London's waste management is improving.

UK could be stretched to meet 2004 recycling targets

The UK faces a tough challenge if it is to meet recycling and recovery targets by the end of this year, Producer Responsibility scheme Valpak warned this week.

Environmental crime pays in biodiversity rich countries

Less than one percent of environmental crimes in ecologically important areas result in punishments or sanctions, a shock study released by Conservation International (CI) has revealed.

Mandelson must not bow to big business and undermine fair trade

Peter Mandelson was branded a "corporate puppet" by European NGOs protesting outside his office on his first day as EU Commissioner for Trade this week.

Madagascar grants to conserve island and boost infrastructure

Ten grants totalling over US $2.8 million have been pledged to support conservation and sustainable development in Madagascar by the MacArthur Foundation.

Toxic factory farms could slip through reporting loophole

Factory farms in the US could become exempt from reporting toxic chemical releases, despite pressing scientific evidence that they pose a threat to public health.

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