Day: 16 June 2000

CENTRAL AFRICA: Logging threatens Gabon’s forests

Gabon's forests are being threatened by a handful of logging companies which export primarily one species of trees to only a few countries around the world, according to the first report to present up-to-date and peer-reviewed information on the logging industry in the country.

Kelda shares rise as it hives off debt-ridden Yorkshire Water

The Kelda Group is to hand over control of its subsidiary Yorkshire Water to the local community and then apply to run the new, mutually-owned company's operations. While some in the industry have hailed the decision as a workable compromise between privatisation and public ownership, consumer groups say Kelda is trying to divest itself of Yorkshire Water's debts while boosting its share price.

Next-generation wind power technology unveiled

Wind power technology that makes wind farms competitive with conventional large power plants has been unveiled by Asea Brown Boveri (ABB). The Windformer is claimed to increase power output by up to 20% and to cut lifetime maintenance costs in half.

European builders embrace benefits of sustainable development

The association which represents the European construction businesses has published a set of environmental principles, which include a commitment to encourage the building of more energy efficient buildings, the promotion of the use of environmental management systems and a greater emphasis on sustainable construction.

THE NETHERLANDS: Dutch investors launch corporate environmental performance database

An association of Dutch ethical investors has launched an online database to help investors assess and compare the environmental performance of key Dutch and international companies. A secondary aim of the database is to encourage wider publication of group level environmental reports by confronting companies with their record, or lack of it, in this area.

EC proposals on electric waste favour industry over environment

Despite provisions to make manufacturers responsible for the disposal of worn out electrical equipment, environmentalists have said the new regulations are a "painful compromise" between the environment and the self-interest of industry.

GERMANY: Nuclear phase-out deal is a “sell out” say environmentalists

Germany's nuclear power utilities have agreed to the phase-out of nuclear power in the country on the basis of a limit on the amount of electricity that existing nuclear power stations may generate before they must be shut down. Environmentalists have described the deal as a sell out to the nuclear industry.

Government cuts could lead to more eco-disasters in Ontario

Following a large scale cryptosporidium outbreak in the town of Walkerton, Ontario, Canadian environmentalists are warning that government cuts could lead to further environmental disasters in the province. The experts say prime candidates include pollution from landfill sites, hazardous waste problems and deaths from air pollution.

CANADA: Ontario power station must clean up emissions to NY standards

As Canadian and US officials meet in Washington to negotiate air pollution reductions, environmental campaigners have called for the Canadian government to clean up North America's largest coal-fired power plant in Nanticoke, Ontario.

Water quality in US estuaries set to decline further as population rises

Water quality in most US estuaries are expected to worsen by 2020 if population growth and development in the coastal zone is not managed properly, according to a report.

US doctors call for action as EPA revises dioxin toxicity estimate

Risks to people from dioxins may be much higher than previously believed, according to a draft USEPA report. A group of physicians, health professionals and scientists have appealed to the US Government to develop an action plan, which should include national and international commitments to the long-term goal of the virtual elimination of the chemical.

Framework announced for plan that could end Californian water disputes

The Governor of California, Gray Davis, and US Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt have published a layed out a 'framework' for a multibillion dollar plan to improve environmental protection, water quality and water reliability in California. Supporters claim the programme could relegate the state's long tradition of fighting over water to the history books. Environmentalists, on the other hand, claim the document could lead to further degradation of an already damaged ecosystem.

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie