Day: 13 August 1999

Broad public support for climate change measures, says UK government report

Strong support for renewable energy and a desire for more information on the expected economic impacts of climate change are among the findings of the UK government's public consultation on climate change. The Government will publish its draft climate change programme by the end of the year.

Greenpeace USA claims victory as Gerber baby foods go (almost) GM free

The American chapter of Greenpeace welcomed an announcement by baby-food manufacturer, Gerber, that it will refrain from using GE corn, soy and other ingredients in the baby foods produced in Switzerland for its European customers. The company asserts that it cannot guarantee that its baby foods produced for the American market will be GE free.

US releases intelligence satellite images for global warming research

Images taken by US intelligence satellites have been declassified for use by scientists investigating the effects of global warming on polar ice caps. US vice president Al Gore announced the declassification of 59 satellite images.

Method developed to predict areas vulnerable to selenium contamination

Using geological and climatological information, a screening method has been developed to predict where land under irrigation is likely to result in selenium contamination. Selenium contamination has led to bird embryo deformities in six areas of western America.

US study suggests that employee training can reduce styrene emissions by more than 40%

Engineers investigating the impact of an employee training programme on styrene emissions, a precursor to ozone, have found that emission levels of the chemical can be reduced by up to 42.5%. The Purdue University engineers have been working with companies based in northeastern Indiana, examining a training programme run by the Composites Fabricators Association.

WWF says US economy would not suffer even if carbon cuts were twice as deep as demanded by Kyoto

Employment levels and overall US economic growth would grow if a range of early and aggressive measures to curb carbon emissions were put into place, according to a World Wildlife Fund-commissioned study.

MTBE reductions imminent as EPA panel confirms the chemical improves air but pollutes water

An EPA panel has found that the use of MTBE, an oxygenate used in lower-emission gasoline blends, causes significant pollution to ground and surface water. Despite its proven success in the area of air quality, the Blue Ribbon Panel on Oxygenates in Gasoline has recommended that MTBE use be reduced substantially - with action by the EPA "to ensure that there is no loss of current air quality benefits".

SOUTH AFRICA: Durban prepares for international conservation conference in 2002

The next World Congress on Protected Areas - an event held every ten years - will take place in Durban, South Africa. It is expected to be the largest conservation conference ever held in Africa.

Deadline looms for international environmental media awards

The first Reuters-World Conservation Union media awards for print journalists will take place in November. The deadline for entries is 31 August 1999.

NEPAL: Supreme Court rules that government must set pollution standards

A court case brought by a Nepali NGO, Pro Public, has resulted in a ruling demanding that Nepal's Ministry of Environment set national standards for air emissions, sewage and effluent levels in water, radiation emissions and noise levels.

AFRICA: £100,000 from US awarded for bio-tech research

Research ties between several American universities and the African National Agricultural Research Service will be strengthened by funds from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The funding for bio-tech research in Sub-Saharan Africa is part of the Clinton Administration's Partnership for Growth and Opportunity for Africa programme.

World’s top fossil fuel producers hold increasing power to influence emissions policy, says study

Nearly 50% of carbon pollution will come from fossil fuels produced by just 20 private and state-owned companies, if all pending mergers of top energy producers are approved, says a new study. The study's authors urge governments and environmentalists to pay more attention to how fossil fuel producers protect profits by influencing carbon emissions treaties and national legislation.

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