Day: 12 May 2000

Report shows fall in cost of water and sewerage services

The average household bill for water and sewerage services has fallen by £31 in real terms since last year, according to a report.

Australian Government to set up renewable energy agency

The Australian Government is to spend Aus$6.5 million over the next four years setting up a renewable energy agency.

Cuts in carbon emissions of up to 60% are necessary, says UK academic

The world's governments must be willing to go far beyond the Kyoto Protocol commitments for reducing greenhouse gas emissions if climate change trends are to stabilise, says the chair of the UK Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution (RCEP).

Energy companies launch joint research into carbon sequestration

Seven global energy companies have joined forces to research the prospects for separating and storing CO2 beneath the earth's surface.

World Bank overhauls environment strategy

The World Bank is preparing a new environment strategy aimed at integrating environmental concerns into its mainstream poverty alleviation and economic development efforts.

Engineers petition Chinese government to delay Three Gorges Dam

A group of 53 Chinese senior engineers and academics has made an urgent appeal to China's leaders to rethink plans for the Three Gorges Dam.

Chernobyl fall-out will affect Europe for far longer than expected

Research into the stability of radiocaesium from Chernobyl has shown that "persisting mobility" is occurring, and that restrictions on foodstuffs in the UK and areas of the former Soviet Union will have to remain for more than 100 times longer than previously thought.

WWF say study of semen levels proves impact of endocrine disrupters

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is drawing attention to Danish research into male sperms counts in an effort to create greater urgency for EU policy efforts to control endocrine disrupters.

FRANCE: Data shows lead in air has dropped by 42% since leaded petrol ban

Figures released by the French Environment Ministry have shown that the ban on leaded petrol, which took effect in most EU countries on 1 January, has had an immediate effect in reducing lead levels in ambient air.

Draft renewables directive finally published

The European renewable energy industry has broadly welcomed the draft renewables directive, published by the European Commission this week. The EC proposes renewable energy consumption that goes beyond many national targets. Wrangling over individual member states' commitments is expected.

Europe’s vehicle emissions will increase by 30% in 10 years

The transport sector in Europe will increasingly threaten human and wildlife health, states The European Environment Agency's (EEA) first indicator-based report on transport and sustainable development.

THAILAND: NGOs protest against environmental impacts of Asian Development Bank projects

More than 1,000 people met in the Thai city of Chiang Mai prior to the annual general meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to protest against ADB projects and to highlight the bank's undemocratic methods of operating.

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