Day: 29 June 2001

Company agrees settlement with US on illegal CFC emissions from cryogenic facilities

Air Liquide America Corporation, the world’s largest manufacturer of industrial and medical gases, such as super-cooled liquid oxygen and nitrogen, has agreed a settlement with the US regarding illegal emissions of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) from 22 facilities in 18 states, including a $4.5 million civil penalty.

Programme to end environmental degradation in Nile Basin receives first funds

The first meeting of The International Consortium for Cooperation on the Nile (ICCON) has ended with initial donations of $140 million to kickstart the fight against environmental degradation in the river basin and boost both farm output and power generation.

Control of ozone in cities is beyond the power of local regulators

The most critical factor affecting ozone concentrations in cities is the amount drifting in from outside their boundaries, which means that it is beyond the control of local regulators, according to new research.

The ‘population question’ needs to be handled with care by the UK at the Earth Summit

The thorny issue of keeping the human population in check in order to protect the environment and to raise the standard of living in developing countries needs to be handled with care at the Earth Summit in Johannesburg next year and should occur in conjunction with the wealthy West cleaning up its own environmental act, according to a United Nations Environment and Development (UNED) UK working group.

High crude oil prices have encouraged energy conservation and substitution to alternative fuels

High oil prices in 2000 and 2001 were reflected in the markets, with weak oil demand growth and the first increase in coal consumption since 1996, and also encouraged fuel conservation, according to a British Petroleum (BP) review of world energy consumption and generation.

Luton Airport asks passengers to buy trees

London’s Luton Airport is encouraging airline passengers to pay a small voluntary donation, the value of which is based on the distance they are travelling by air, to fund the planting of saplings which will offset the carbon dioxide emissions arising from their journeys.

World Bank pledges US$ 27 million to improve water supply in Georgia

The bank credit will revitalise irrigation and drainage infrastructures, improving the quality of life for some 400,000 people in the impoverished Caucasus republic of 5.5 million.

New scheme will assess environmental performance of retail outlets

The assessment, which is currently used for assessing offices and industrial and residential buildings will rate the environmental performance of the construction and refurbishment of all retail premises.

Government embarks on review of energy policy, with a return to nuclear power not ruled out

The Government has announced a review of energy policy with the aim of setting out its energy objectives to 2050, meeting commitments on global warming and ensuring “secure, diverse and reliable energy supplies at a competitive price”.

Ireland legislates to protect rivers, estuaries and lakes from eutrophication

Irish capital facing waste crisis

In a situation akin to other rapidly developing, but usually poorer nations, the Irish business community has warned that Dublin will soon run out of disposal options for its waste, a situation which has already occurred in the city of Galway.

Austria to use Danube for sustainable transport

Between 2001 and 2005, Austria intends to shift 3% of international road transport to, from and via the country in the Danube corridor to new inland waterway services.