Day: 5 May 2000

Win a copy of Environmental Economics

UK business leaders believe regulation brings environmental benefits

A survey conducted by the Institute of Directors (IoD) shows that many business leaders believe that environmental regulations bring 'actual' environmental benefits, but there is concern regarding the financial cost of complying.

Shell meets CO2 reduction target two years early

The global energy company, Shell, has published an integrated social and environmental report looking at its progress toward sustainable development in 1999. The company met all of its environmental performance targets - including its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions reduction target for 2002 - with the exception of its goal for spills.

Government says growth of solar power depends on market liberalisation

The UK's Minister for Energy, Helen Liddell, has told a solar power conference that the industry must operate in a liberalised market place and cannot expect large scale subsidies to help it compete with conventional sources of electricity.

CHINA: Falling water tables may soon raise food prices everywhere

Falling water tables caused by a growing population and increasing industrialisation are forcing China to increase grain imports, leading to potential global rises in the price of food, the Worldwatch Institute claims.

More investment needed as enthusiasm grows for agri-environment schemes

The World Wildlife Fund UK (WWF) says a lack of funding is preventing farmers from implementing environmental plans on their farms.

Car manufacturers call for sulphur-free petrol

Oil companies have been told by the world's vehicle manufacturers that they must not delay in re-engineering refining operations to supply sulphur-free petrol and diesel.

SCOTLAND: Minister announces limits on landfill and permit trading

Scotland's Transport & Environment Minister Sarah Boyack has confirmed that local authorities, and not waste companies, will be issued with permits allowing them to landfill biodegradable waste under Scotland's new waste system.

US sues companies for massive fish kill in Indiana

The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against two companies for a discharge of pollutants into the White River which caused one of the largest fish kills in Indiana history.

DoE allocates grants to promote US wind energy use

The US Department of Energy (DoE) has announced the names of the 11 organisations and projects which are to receive a share of federal government money to promote wind energy in the US.

Texaco invests in alternative energy company

Texaco has announced it is to purchase a stake in an alternative energy company, while continuing to refuse to endorse the Kyoto Protocol as a means of preventing global climate change.

Hazardous chemical found in foods years after being banned

A study has found that a hazardous chemical that was banned in the US more than a decade ago may still be found in food grown where it was used.