Month: January 2002

Commission publishes proposal for environmental liability directive

The European Commission has adopted a proposal for a directive on environmental liability, intended to prevent and restore environmental damage, such as water pollution, damage to biodiversity, and land contamination.

Who will fund future UK nuclear power?

Nuclear power looks likely to continue to have a role to play in the long-term provision of Britain’s energy, but the scale of future government support remains open to speculation, until the findings of an energy review by the Cabinet Office are published.

Flow monitor now links directly to control system

A new version of a popular, low cost flow monitor features integral electronics providing 4-20mA analogue and 200-1000Hz frequency output signals, for direct connection to an indicator unit.

Energy

Wales to give £130 million boost to transport

Welsh Minister for Environment Sue Essex has announced five new major infrastructure projects, with an additional investment of £130 million on top of £300 million announced at the beginning of last year.

US to unveil its Kyoto alternative soon

Details of the much-rumoured US alternative strategy to the Kyoto Protocol is expected to be released next week, based on containing greenhouse gas emissions rather than cutting them.

UK fridge fiasco to be probed as new equipment trials begin

Britain’s prime minister, Tony Blair, this week ordered an investigation into what is being described as a multi-million pound fiasco caused by ministers failing to prepare the country to comply with new EC regulations on the disposal of domestic fridges.

Sustainability and development must be inextricably linked at Rio+10 conference

The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) must not be seen purely as an environmental conference, but should offer the prospect of development – combined with sustainability - to the Third World, according to delegates at a conference on 22 January, which included speakers such as Jonathon Porritt and Environment Minister Michael Meacher.

Bench-marking of environmental performance across Europe reveals Denmark at the top, UK at the bottom

National environmental quality appears to be partly linked to the amount spent on environmental protection, according to the first benchmarking analysis of five environmental agencies across Europe, commissioned by the Swiss environment agency, Buwal.

Research reveals 40% increase in chromosomal birth defects near European landfill sites

Research published in The Lancet on 26 January has revealed that there is a 40% increase in chromosomal birth defects, such as Down’s syndrome, within a three kilometre radius of landfill sites.

Environment Minister offers £5 million for CHP

Environment Minister Michael Meacher has announced an initial ‘pathfinder’ round of funding for capital grant for the refurbishment or installation of combined heat and power (CHP) facilities.

Irish water quality improves for the first time in 30 years

Seventy percent of Ireland’s rivers are now classified as unpolluted, an improvement of 3% since 1997 according to a new report by the Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) into water quality between 1998 and 2000.

Parliament and OECD decide to ‘green’ public procurement

The European Parliament has voted in two new public procurement directives intended to simplify current legislation, including an amendment requiring better inclusion of social and environmental criteria in the awarding procedures. OECD countries have also decided to lead the way in environmentally-friendly purchasing.

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