Day: 23 April 1999

News in brief

World news in brief

UK environment improving, study claims

The UK's environment is improving, not deteriorating, according to a study by the Pacific Research Institute for Public Policy, The Fraser Institute, and the Institute of Economic Affairs.

Isotopic ratios could solve Mississippi mystery

USGS scientists have applied an innovative technique to one of the world's largest rivers, the Mississippi, in an attempt to find out who really is to blame for a major pollution problem in the Gulf of Mexico.

Climate model predicts 40 percent rise in US Southwest and Great Plains rainfall

Wintertime precipitation in the US Southwest and Great Plains could increase by 40 percent over the next century as global average temperature rises 2 degrees Celsius, according to latest results from a new climate system model developed at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR).

US environment improving continuously, report claims

Technological innovation and economic growth have led to the continuous improvement of environmental trends in the US, according to a study by the Pacific Research Institute for Public Policy, The Fraser Institute, and the Institute of Economic Affairs.

European energy efficiency award announced

The International Union of Producers and Distributors of Electrical Energy (UNIPEDE) has announced the launch of its 4th eta Award, intended to encourage industry and business to adopt highly energy-efficient modern technologies and promote the efforts of electric power utilities to provide a quality advisory service to their customers.

DENMARK: European Commission approves rail subsidies

The European Commission has approved a Danish scheme to subsidise the transport of goods by rail.

Commission takes Denmark to court over ‘Can Ban’

The European Commission decided to make an application to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) against Denmark because its general ban on the use of metal cans for beverages does not comply with the Packaging Waste Directive.

European coalition calls for tax on beverage containers

The European Reuse Platform is calling for the revision of the EU Packaging Directive, and the introduction of a tax on beverage containers to promote reuse.

Sweden and Latvia co-operate on EU environmental alignment

The European Commission is investing Euro 350,000 on a Swedish-Latvian joint project to adapt Latvian environmental administration and legislation in preparation for a future EU membership. The Swedish EPA and Latvian Ministry of the Environment will carry out the project in a partnership.

Bombed petrochemicals plant pollutes Danube

Bombing of the Pancevo petrochemicals and fertiliser plant in Belgrade has caused the release of large quantities of toxic gas to the atmosphere, and led to the release of tons of ethylene dichloride into the Danube river.

Slovenia seeks to extend UWWTD transition period to 2015

Slovenia will not be able to implement the Urban Waste Water Directive before 2015, according to the country's secretary of state for the environment.

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