Day: 3 August 2001

Lab raised sea urchins to pioneer efforts to reverse coral reef decline

The first sea urchins to be raised in a laboratory have been released in the US’ Florida Keys in an attempt to boost the renewal of the world’s third largest coral barrier reef.

European Commission proposes to extend coal subsidies for a further eight years

Despite heavily criticising the US over its anti-Kyoto stance, the European Commission proposed on 25 July an extension to its coal industry subsidy programme for a further eight years, designed to cut Europe’s dependence on outside sources of energy.

Environment Agency to cut emissions from Sellafield

The Environment Agency has announced that it is to improve the way in which it regulates radioactive waste disposal from Sellafield, which is expected to reduce emissions from the facility by around a quarter.

Russian drinking water endangers lives

Drinking water in Russia is endangering human lives because of its contamination with industrial waste, the Security Council commission on ecological security was told yesterday, reports Russian media service Glasnost.

UK’s biggest ever windfarm to be situated outside Glasgow

ScottishPower has unveiled plans to build the UK’s biggest windfarm - generating enough electricity to power 150,000 homes - on moors about 10 miles south of Glasgow.

UK companies are spending more on integrated environmental protection

Companies in the UK spent considerably more on integrated environmental protection in 1999 than they did in 1997, as opposed to ‘end-of-pipe’ pollution control, says a new report on environmental expenditure.

New Zealand government tackles impending energy crisis head on

The New Zealand government announced on 30 July that it is to take the lead in averting an energy crisis predicted to occur later on in the year with proposals for a 15% electricity savings target for the public sector, and an allocation of NZ$2.25 million (US$942,000) for the scheme.

Utility and NGO make cheap renewable energy available nationwide

Energy utility Innogy Plc and Greenpeace have launched a scheme providing renewable energy to all UK users at no additional cost.

The international race for leadership of the hydrogen fuel economy has already started

Countries such as Germany, Japan and Iceland are already ahead in the international race for supremacy in the future hydrogen economy, and will gain substantial political, commercial and environmental benefits, says a new report.

New metal alloy could improve performance of rechargeable batteries

US scientists have developed a new metal alloy that could greatly improve the lifespan and lower the expense of rechargeable batteries for use in electric and hybrid electric cars, and other portable electronic devices.

Colombian judge orders suspension of US-backed drug fumigation programme

Following mounting evidence of risks to health and the environment, a judge in Bogotá has ordered the immediate suspension of the fumigation of coca and poppy by herbicides in the indigenous territories throughout the country, however the Colombian Government intends to continue its eradication programme.

Salt resistant tomato to rescue saline areas

Researchers have developed the first truly salt-tolerant crop - a tomato plant that can thrive in degraded environments.

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