Day: 6 November 1998

News in brief

Meacher moves against water bug ---- UK presents gloomy climate predictions

Three-quarters of Americans support for Federal purchases of renewable energy

Three-quarters of Americans favour increasing US government purchases of renewable energy according to an opinion poll carried out for the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) and the Sustainable Energy Coalition.

France Voynet proposes eco tax on pesticides and fertilizers

French Environment Minister, Dominique Voynet plans to institute a new 'eco tax' on fertilisers and pesticides, as part of a programme to apply the 'polluter pays' principle to the agricultural sector.

River Budget 2000 spotlights under-funded river programmes

A US river environment protection group has highlighted programs it says could serve as models of both national and local river restoration and preservation if they were to receive increased federal funding.

Commission to extend EMAS to SMEs and other sectors

The European Commission plans to update the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) set up for industrial activities in June 1993, to allow all types of organisation to participate in the voluntary scheme.

EPA recognises US companies efficiency measures

The US EPA has presented its Climate Wise Partner Achievement Awards presented to 17 US companies in recognition of their success in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing energy efficiency.

Pressure group’s awareness campaign ‘played crucial role’ in Congressional elections

A US environmental pressure group has claimed its environmental awareness campaign helped defeat nine anti-green candidates in this week's Congressional elections.

International emissions trading association established

The International Emissions Trading Association (IETA) was established in Geneva on 30 October 1998, as an independent, non-profit, industry-led organization dedicated to advancing international co-operation in emissions trading, sponsored by UNCTAD and the Earth Council.

Pollution causes miscarriages and deformities in Thailand

Official statistics show that 159 people suffered from pollution-related health problems in Thailand in 1995, but activists claim the rate is much higher.

Caspian Sea is critical, but not beyond hope

The world s largest inland sea, the Caspian Sea, is in terrible ecological shape but not beyond hope, according to the findings of a three-month expedition by the Cousteau Foundation.

China plans to export green electric bikes

Motorbikes are a popular form of low-cost urban transport in many Chinese cities. They can also be highly polluting and many Chinese cities (Beijing, Nanjing, Guangzhou) are now taking steps to limit the use of gasoline powered motorcycles in urban centres.

Alum water treatment not harmful, Australian study finds

SYDNEY, Australia, November 3, 1998 (ENS)

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