Month: February 2002

Global warming threatens future winter Olympics

Climate change is shortening winter and melting glaciers, which could have severe consequences for the future of the Winter Olympics this century, the World Resources Institute (WRI) warns.

New satellite developed by UK research to monitor environment

Science Minster Lord Sainsbury has announced a new £1.4 billion satellite which will track and record changes in the environment, and which is described as the world’s most advanced Earth observation satellite.

Adapters put valves on plastic pipes

Drayton TRV4 thermostatic radiator valves from Invensys can now be fitted quickly and conveniently in systems which use plastic pipework, following the introduction of new push-fit adapters.

Scotland’s waste plan to be ready by autumn

Scottish Environment and Rural Development minister Ross Finnie has told a Glasgow conference that the country’s national waste plan will be ready by the autumn.

2001 was another record year for European wind power

The year 2001 broke the record for wind power, with another 4,500MW, an increase of more than 35% over the 12 months, says the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA).

Scottish First Minister calls for an increase in sustainable development

Scotland’s First Minister, Jack McConnell, has called for environmental justice for the poor in a speech to a conference this week in Edinburgh.

BP launches first ever sulphur-free petrol and diesel in UK

BP has announced the launch of sulphur-free unleaded and sulphur-free diesel fuel, which had their global launch at 18 service stations in Edinburgh on 18 February.

New magnetic fridge technology raises efficiency

A US company has been working on a prototype of a new energy-efficient fridge that works by using magnets to provide a cooling effect.

US Senate starts to debate controversial energy bill, and could promote efficiency

Government’s chief scientist calls for ban on the sale of fossil fuel cars in UK

Tony Blair’s Chief Scientific Advisor has called for a total ban on the sale of all petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles in the UK in an effort to tackle climate change.

New technique compares pollution at different estuaries

Researchers at Cornell University in the US have developed the first methodology for directly comparing levels of polluted run-off from agriculture and industry between estuaries.

‘Green electricity’ for Cape Town

Plans to convert city waste into electricity and fuel are underway in Cape Town, South Africa.