Day: 3 September 2004

MEPs prepare to quiz new EU environment chief

MEPs from the European parliament's environment committee meet in Brussels this week for their first session since elections in June. Topping the agenda will be preparations for a hearing with environment commissioner-designate Stavros Dimas.

Liveable City awards launched

Over 100 UK businesses attended the launch of the Liveable City awards this week, at the Corporation of London's Guildhall. This is the fourth year of the awards which are designed to promote sustainable business practice among both the City of London's financial community and businesses throughout the UK.

Defra announces extra funds for local authority waste and recycling

Defra has announced extra support for local authorities to help them with planning and delivery of waste and recycling services.

English and Welsh rivers will fail quality standards of framework directive

The ecological quality of Britain's rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters is so bad that many could fail the standards imposed by the EU Water Framework Directive, new figures from the Environment Agency suggest.

HPA investigates health risks of sports on the Thames

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is due to start an investigation into the health effects of taking part in watersports on the Thames Tideway in order to determine whether recreational exposure to river water containing sewage presents a risk to human health.

Food chain advisory group created

A new group bringing together consumers, retailers, farmers and the food industry is being created to facilitate the consultation and dialogue between the European Commission and various organisations on food safety policy.

Korea must restore environmental balance, says UN

North Korea needs to take urgent measures to protect and restore its countryside, according to the region's first ever official environmental assessment.

Half the world still without sanitation and safe water

Over a billion people must drink unsafe water, while nearly half of the world's population have no access to proper sanitation, UN agencies have reported.

Westminster’s message to street foulers: urine-off

An intensive programme to alleviate the stains and smells caused by urine for good is now underway in the streets of Westminster.

Scotland faces fuel and traffic crisis

Transport rates in Scotland have risen heavily over the last year, causing concern in view of impending fuel poverty according to an environmental campaign group.

Global hotspots could tip the balance of European climate

The world's environment is regulated by a series of "hotspots" located around the globe, which would pose a serious threat to the European climate if they became unstable, a leading scientist has said.

Public opposition to GM foods mounting

Concerns about genetically modified (GM) food products are growing amongst the British public, a survey has revealed this week.

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