Day: 25 May 2001

Permeable parking lots could cut down on water contamination

Permeable parking lots being tested by researchers at North Carolina State University could cut down on water and soil contamination by allowing storm water to drain naturally through the soil rather than becoming runoff which could collect oil and other pollutants.

New research casts doubt on US’s best hopes for combating climate change

Two pieces of new research have found that the US government’s probable centrepiece for its climate change proposals, the use of ‘carbon sinks’, are far less effective than originally thought.

Scottish Executive seeks opinions on sustainable development indicators

The Scottish Executive has launched a consultation on its suggested set of indicators aimed at measuring sustainable development in the country.

New £3.4 million funding will help develop environment tool for small businesses

The Treasury has awarded £3.4 million to fund a three-year partnership project to develop an internet tool designed to help small businesses comply with environmental legislation.

22 million people in the EU now use district heat and cooling systems

District heat and power technology is becoming ‘greener’ and now supplies 22 million people in the European Union, with an annual turnover of €19 billion (£11.5 billion), says a new report.

Hampshire villagers furious about sewage overflows and unsure who is responsible

The Environment Agency (EA) predicts that high groundwater levels in Hampshire villages, which have necessitated sewage disposal via water systems and pumping, are likely to return this year.

Chechnya faces problem of burning oil-rigs

Chechen authorities have ordered the extinguishing of all fires on 29 burning oil-rigs around Grozny, which are discharging hundreds of tons of noxious chemicals into the atmosphere and damaging the republic’s economy, but a Russian news service reports that this may difficult to implement.

EC report shows continued improvement in fresh water bathing areas, marginal improvement in coastal waters

In its annual report on the quality of European bathing areas, the European Commission has revealed that almost 97% EU coastal areas provide ‘good quality’ bathing water, and 94% of lakes and rivers used for swimming.

Labour party pledges greater recycling and greenhouse gas cuts, but is accused of having a fetish for incinerators

In an election manifesto which is short on environmental policies, the Labour party is promising to further cut domestic carbon dioxide emissions and increase recycling targets but has been accused of having a fetish for incineration, and is being criticised for failing to include environmental issues in its five priority pledges for a second term in government.

Companies are missing out on financial opportunities related to greenhouse gas emission reporting

According to research by greenhouse gas management company, Greenergy, out of 50 UK companies surveyed, only 26 reported comprehensively on greenhouse gas emissions, with many companies missing out on the financial benefits associated with greenhouse gas reduction projects.

Government report shows further increases in municipal waste in England and Wales

According to the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions’ (DETR’s) latest statistics, even a significant increase in recycling has been unable to prevent greater use of landfill.

Chronic noise pollution harms the health and well-being of children

Researchers have found that low-level chronic noise pollution resulting from everyday local traffic can have serious health implications for children, increasing levels of stress hormones, and raising blood pressure and heart rate.

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