Day: 11 August 2000

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Scientists find virus is responsible for killing amphibians

The US Geological Survey (USGS) has announced that a little-understood iridovirus disease has caused a recent die-off of amphibians in North Dakota, part of a spate of amphibian population crashes causing concern around the world.

Leaking nuclear submarine provokes anger in colony

Residents of Gibraltar are preparing to take legal action over a British nuclear submarine stranded in their port, which has leaked radioactive material.

Solar power could equal price of fossil fuels in 10 years

A team of Swedish researchers has revealed that solar power from certain cells could compete in price with electricity produced in conventional power stations in 10 years' time.

Microwaves could prevent tornadoes, researcher says

A US electromagnetics expert believes that microwave radiation could prevent the formation of tornadoes.

Australian government announces funding for Antarctic research

Research grants totalling AU $600 000 (US $350 000) for research projects into long-term climate change have been announced by the Australian Minister for the Environment, Senator Robert Hill.

Carbon dioxide boosts pine tree reproduction

Scientists have found that a species of pine tree thrives in the carbon dioxide-enriched air expected in the future, becoming reproductively mature earlier and producing more cones and seeds than identical trees living in today’s CO2 concentrations.

Australians wage war on national environmental pest

A fungus is the government’s new weapon in the battle against an out of control weed overrunning vast areas of natural bushland.

Hydropower in US prevents pollution in Canada

The development of hydropower in the United States reduces the environmental impact of emissions from US electricity generation on many parts of Canada, according to the Canadian Hydropower Association.

International body announces highest ever increase in environment management standards

The international standards organisation ‘s (ISO) annual report has shown a 79% increase in environmental standard certifications (ISO 14000) between 1998 and 1999.

Annual air quality report shows US air quality improving

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that concentrations of six major pollutants have decreased, although almost one in four Americans continue to live in areas where at least one of them cause the air to be unhealthy.

New protection for thousands of acres of wetland

The US Government is proposing significant new protection for tens of thousands of acres of environmentally valuable wetlands across the United States.