Tag: environment

China taking more action to address air pollution

Keith Bradsher reports in the New York Times that the Chinese cabinet recently approved new measures to tackle the increasing problem of air pollution.   China Sets New Rules Aimed at Curbing Air Pollution China’s cabinet has adopted 10 measures to improve air quality in the latest move aimed at responding to the dense smog … Continue reading China taking more action to address air pollution →

Reflecting on bitumen oil in Canada

Jeffrey Simpson, one of Canada’s foremost columnists, writes in the Globe and Mail about the politics and sad state of affairs the government has got itself in over promoting its tar sands.  While this is a Canadian perspective, it is important for those outside Canada to see the “sea of troubles” as Simpson aptly writes. … Continue reading Reflecting on bitumen oil in Canada →

Impact of air pollution in the UK

John Vidal writes in the Guardian about air quality in UK cities, although primarily London, and what it is doing to health. One monitoring station in London shows the fourth highest levels of NO2 of over 2,000 monitoring stations in Europe. Cities are missing targets set under EU laws, but questions arise as to who … Continue reading Impact of air pollution in the UK →

Fracking cultural wars go on and on . . .

On January 18th, EiD provided the last instalment of the fracking cultural wars.  Now Adam Gabbatt writes in the Guardian of celebrities coming together for a new effort.   Yoko Ono and Susan Sarandon star in new anti-fracking music video Celebrities join forces for new rendering of Sean Lennon's Don't Frack My Mother in effort … Continue reading Fracking cultural wars go on and on . . . →

European Environment Agency to give emphasis to climate change and energy in its new work programme

The European Environment Agency (EEA) has released its “Annual Management Plan 2013,” which outlines the EEA work programme that will address a broad range of issues including: air quality and noise; air pollutant emissions; climate change mitigation; climate change adaptation; energy; and transport. The Annual Management Plan includes sections on: EEA mission statement, vision and strategic objectives; … Continue reading European Environment Agency to give emphasis to climate change and energy in its new work programme →

Impact of diesel fumes on health

John Vidal, environment editor of the Guardian, wrote recently in the Observer about a recent government report in the UK that details the harm that diesel fumes are causing.  This is a major concern since governments have been promoting the benefits of switching to diesel. Diesel fumes more damaging to health than petrol engines Ministry … Continue reading Impact of diesel fumes on health →

Impact of biofuel production assessed

The Reuters news agency writes in The Guardian about a new study that biofuel production could actually be doing a lot of harm to the environment. Biofuel production threatens air quality and crop yields, study finds Report warns large-scale cultivation of trees for renewable wood fuel would emit high levels of the chemical isoprene. Fighting … Continue reading Impact of biofuel production assessed →

Cars in Europe cause serious negative impact on environment

Peter Walker writes in the Guardian of recent research that shows the cost of cars to our environment. Car pollution, noise and accidents 'cost every EU citizen £600 (€750) a year' Researchers challenge view that drivers are overtaxed, saying they are subsidised by other taxpayers The perennial complaint from drivers that they are excessively taxed … Continue reading Cars in Europe cause serious negative impact on environment →

Reviewing environmental taxes

Martin Baxter, Executive Director for policy at the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment wrote this blog for Sustainable Business in the Guardian. While it is about issues in Britain, it has relevance to all countries. Environmental taxes need review to stay relevant When environmental taxes change business behaviour, revenues will fall – something the … Continue reading Reviewing environmental taxes →