News from 17 November 2000 on edie

Commission warns five countries over use of sewage sludge

The European Commission has decided to send warning letters to Sweden, Belgium, Ireland, Italy and Portugal with regard to their failures to provide adequate information on sewage sludge disposal or to ensure adequate records.

Government launches waste action programme

The Government officially launched its £30 million Waste Resources Action Programme (WRAP) on 15 November.

Africa’s largest wildlife park established

The governments of South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe have announced one of the world’s largest conservation areas, straddling the borders of the three nations.

New survey shows public link floods and storms to global warming

After the worst UK floods since 1947, a new survey reveals that the vast majority of the public believes that global warming is to blame.

Meacher to protect wetlands

Environment Minister, Michael Meacher, has announced his intention to give England’s most important wetland sites the highest possible protection.

Cost of implementing Kyoto Protocol could exceed $1 trillion over twenty years

A new report which traces the impact of the Kyoto Protocol on trade patterns and economic growth in 25 key global economies paints a stark picture for delegates at the current talks on climate change in The Hague.

Government lifts moratorium on new gas-fired power stations

The Government is lifting its moratorium on new gas-fired power stations, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Stephen Byers, announced on 15 November.

Farmers could benefit from climate change policy

US farmers could benefit from climate change policy aimed at reducing nitrous oxide emissions, says a new report launched in The Hague this week.

Canadian province boosts wilderness area by 5 million acres

The government of British Columbia has added 20,000 sq km (7,800 square miles) to an already enormous conservation area.

Nelson Mandela and World Commission on Dams launch ‘landmark’ report

Nelson Mandela joined the World Commission on Dams (WCD) in launching their final report on dams and sustainable development, which found that while dams have delivered significant benefits, in too many cases the price for local people has been unacceptable and often unnecessary.

Congressional reports accuse Clinton administration and the Department of Energy of squandering hundreds of millions of dollars

Two Congressional reports have slammed the cancellation of a 50-year timber contract, costing Americans $750 million, and Department of Energy attempts to clean up contaminated nuclear sites, resulting in the possible waste of “billions” of dollars.

Clinton creates new National Monument and increases size of another ten-fold

President Clinton has declared Arizona’s Vermilion Cliffs a National Monument and increased the size of Idaho’s previously small Craters of the Moon National Monument to more than ten times its original size.

Day: 17 November 2000