Day: 9 March 2001

Nuclear operator urges extended life for reactors and debate on a future role for nuclear power

British Energy has said that it wants a debate on the inclusion of nuclear power as a major source of UK fuel, as it is the “only realistic alternative to fossil fuels”, and that there is “no reason” for the life of existing plants not to be extended further.

Blair pledges £100 million to solar, wave power and offshore wind.

The Prime Minister has given his second, and strongest speech on the environment, pledging £100 to renewables and speaking of his determination to act on climate change.

Power lines linked to leukaemia in children

A UK study has concluded that intense and prolonged exposures to magnetic fields can increase the risk of leukaemia in children.

Necessary global greenhouse gas cuts are economically feasible

Many cost effective solutions to cutting greenhouse gas emissions are already available and at very low cost to economies, but governments need to address institutional, behavioural and other barriers before they can realise their potential, according to leading climate change experts.

Scientists urge farmers to grow wood substitute

Researchers at the University of Illinois are urging local farmers to grow a wood replacement crop on small portions of land in order to experiment with the substance and broaden understanding of how it can be used.

Toxic chemicals found in Great Lakes salmon

Scientists have found some of the highest levels of flame retardant reported in the world for salmon in open waters in Lake Michigan.

EUR33.3 million contract for Chernobyl radioactive waste management facility

The Ukrainian Ministry of Energy and the German contractor NUKEM Nuclear GmbH have signed a EUR33.3 million (£21 million) contract for the construction of a radioactive waste management facility near the Chernobyl power plant.

One in 10 US women of childbearing age at risk of having children with neurological problems due to mercury exposure.

A government study has revealed that an estimated 375,000 new born babies are born annually at risk of neurological problems, primarily because of their mothers’ consumption of fish.

Iceland unveils its plans for experimental hydrogen bus fleet

Iceland has taken a step closer to its goal of becoming the world’s first hydrogen economy with the unveiling of its plans for an experimental hydrogen powered bus fleet.

Two-thirds of the surface area of US estuaries and bays at risk

A report by a new independent commission says that that runoff from farms and cities has mostly been unabated or has actually increased over the past 30 years, threatening to turn much of America’s coastlines into new ‘dead zones’.

Estonia makes good progress in cleaning up Baltic

Estonia is gaining control over its worst pollution hotspots that drain into the Baltic Sea, but needs a further EUR30 million (£19 million) in order to clear up its remaining problem areas, according to a major marine environmental body.

EU imposes far tougher emissions controls on motorcycles

Environment ministers agree motorcycle emissions limits from 2003, but reject MEP’s calls for tougher legislation three years later.

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