Day: 16 February 2001

Government creates largest Special Protection Area

The Government has announced the largest Special Protection Area (SPA) in the UK, covering over 40% of the North Pennine Moors.

Fifteen industries sign climate change agreements

Fifteen energy-intensive industries have signed climate change agreements with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR), allowing companies an 80% discount on the Climate Change Levy due to come into effect on 1 April this year.

Scientists develop cleaner method for making computer chips

Scientists at the Los Alamos National Laboratory have invented a new technology for the manufacture of computer chips that, they predict, will all but eliminate the use of hazardous corrosives and the production of wastewater.

NGO reveals US’s most and least environmentally-friendly vehicles

Honda cars get top marks with high-powered General Motors, Ferrari and Dodge vehicles faring worst in the new clean vehicle survey.

Environmentalists and industry criticise new European chemicals White Paper

The new European White Paper on chemicals, which is intended to protect human health and the environment, whilst ensuring the efficient functioning of the chemical industry, has been criticised by both environmental campaigners, and the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC).

Californians avoid collapse of energy grid with voluntary consumption cuts

With reserve supplies of electricity at “dangerously low levels” and power cuts a risk, Californians headed calls for energy conservation, whilst the state governor battled to save two utilities from bankruptcy.

Farmers’ groups and congressmen unveil bill to ban MTBE

Two congressmen, together with a number of farmers’ groups, have unveiled legislation designed to ban the fuel additive methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and promote renewable ethanol in its place.

Asia joins West as major air polluter

A 400,000 square mile, or one million sq km, plume of pollution now covers much of the Northern Indian Ocean every winter, taking Asia into the major league of air polluters.

US school buses could pose unacceptable cancer risks

A new report has found evidence that diesel school buses expose passengers with exhaust levels up to 46 times higher than those considered a significant cancer risk by the EPA.

Australian scientists develop technology to make mine waste safer

Australian scientists have developed a small probe designed to locate sulphuric acid in mine waste in order to asses pollution mitigation measures, and which they say is poised to revolutionise the way mining companies monitor the rehabilitation of Australia’s mine sites.

Farming methods threaten world food production

Farming methods around the world that have degraded soils, parched aquifers, polluted waters, and caused the loss of animal and plant species are putting food production at risk, according to the first ever audit of world agriculture’s ability to sustain human life.

New portable water purifier could save lives

It is hoped that a new suitcase-sized water purifying system that would save lives and dramatically cut the cost of relief efforts in disaster areas will form the basis of a rapid reaction force – but only with sufficient funding.

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