News from 24 November 2000 on edie

Western Australia nominates wetlands for international recognition

The State Government of Western Australia has increased its commitment to wetland conservation by nominating three sites for listing under the International Convention on Wetlands, known as the Ramsar Convention.

US firms concerned that climate talks may abolish flexible mechanisms on climate change

Several US firms have voiced considerable concern that flexible mechanisms they already have in place to cut greenhouse gas emissions may be placed in danger by the EU’s tough stance on climate change control.

US considered conference wreckers by EU and environmentalists

The United States has been cast as public enemy number one at The Hague’s 185 nation talks on climate change, attracting condemnation over its failure to curb greenhouse gas emissions and certain proposals aimed at breaking the international deadlock.

Environment Commissioner accepts bet from youth campaign

A European-wide youth campaign has bet the Environment Commissioner, Margot Wallstrom, that they can decrease carbon dioxide emissions in schools across Europe.

Commission changes subsidy rules to save hedgerows

The European Commission has put forward a revision to the rules on farm aid designed to protect traditional farmland features, such as ditches, walls and hedgerows.

Italian waste consortium changes rules to allow competition

The European Commission has decided to take no further action against an Italian waste consortium that had been abusing its dominant market position.

EU announces aid and tax incentives for renewables

The European Union Competition Commissioner has proposed generous aid and tax incentives for renewable energy.

Finland set for row over new nuclear plant

The proposal of a new nuclear power plant in Finland – which would be Western Europe’s first since the 1980’s – has met with both strong praise and criticism.

EU and small island nations angered by US climate change talks position

The EU and small island states’ attempts to broker a successful outcome to the UN conference on global warming has, in their eyes, been hampered by US intransigence.

Government launches consultation on air pollution control

The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) is launching a consultation on a number of methods of risk assessment to determine Local Air Pollution Control (LAPC).

British farmland birds dramatically declining because of intensive farming

A new report showing a dramatic decline in farmland bird populations blames changes in crop routines, herbicides and pesticides.

Government gives £69 million towards cleaner vehicles

Over the next three years, the Government is to give an extra £69 million to tackle pollution and cut the cost of motoring by promote cleaner, more fuel-efficient cars, Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, announced on 20 November at the climate change conference in The Hague.

Day: 24 November 2000