News from 8 December 2000 on edie

European Awards for the Environment 2000

British, Austrian, Danish and Belgian companies took the four awards at this year’s ceremony in Brussels.

Pesticides likely to cause Californian amphibian decline

Scientists from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) have confirmed that agricultural contaminants may be an important factor in amphibian declines in the state of California.

Even more Canadian species at risk

Eleven more Canadian species have been added to the list of those at risk, bringing the total to 364.

University uses lake to run its cooling system

An innovative new system which uses a lake to cool campus buildings at Cornell University uses less energy and gives off fewer pollutants than conventional systems, say university engineers.

Missouri River dams further jeopardise species already at risk

A federal report has concluded that current river operations on the US’s longest river are likely to further endanger the survival of several species.

Volcanic mineral and sunlight break down pesticides

A team of chemists from the University of Maine have found that by exposing pesticide-contaminated water to natural light and a volcanic mineral they can rapidly speed up the breakdown of the pesticides.

Clinton creates largest ever protected area, comprising nearly 70% of US coral reefs

President Clinton has announced the creation of a vast, 130,000 square mile (340,000 sq km) reserve in Northwestern Hawaii, safeguarding coral reefs home to endangered monk seals and sea turtles.

One third of farm animal breeds face extinction

Every week, the world loses two domestic animal breeds, says the United Nations in a new report.

Beijing to invest heavily in renewables

China’s capital of 13 million inhabitants is to invest increasingly in geothermal power, solar energy, bio-energy and wind power to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

India to relocate polluting chemical industries

The Indian Government has announced new industrial estates, keeping polluting industries away from city inhabitants.

Corrupt local authorities blamed for environmental damage and deaths in China

A spate of deadly accidents and risks to the environment has been blamed on corrupt local authorities flouting federal laws.

Clams used to chart loss of bio-productivity in watersystems

For the first time shellfish have been used as an indicator of past bioproductivity with researchers discovering a 95% drop in Colorado River Delta life due to human interference.

Day: 8 December 2000