UNICEF Innocenti's Report Card 17 explores how 43 OECD/EU countries are faring in providing healthy environments for children. Beyond children’s immediate environments, over-consumption in some of the world’s richest countries is destroying children’s environments globally. This threatens both children worldwide and future generations. To provide all children with safe and …
The European Investment Bank approved 866 million euros ($1.2 billion) for loans to carmakers to make cleaner cars as part of a package to help the sector. The money is part of a 7 billion euro lending package to the ailing European auto industry that the bank, the European Union
Date: 14-Jan-09 Country: BELGIUM Author: Jeremy Smith BRUSSELS - European Parliament members voted on Tuesday to ban some of the most toxic and dangerous pesticides to human health. The move, likely to be endorsed by EU ministers in the next weeks, would let groups of countries with similar geography and …
The main problems and issues in relation to urban transport include quality of life and health as affected by pollution, noise and congestion. Urban transport makes a major contribution to climate change and consumption of energy, including fossil fuels.
Improved urban planning, new technologies and infrastructure measures have a central role to play in more efficient and sustainable transport systems. The EU should be mindful of subsidiarity, and add value to the activities of cities and regions. Measures to encourage the provision of good quality, environmentally-friendly (fuel-efficient, low-emissions, quiet) …
An international team of scientists wants to ban the catching of eight species of Atlantic Ocean sharks and put a strict limit on the catch of two others to try to prevent population crashes. Sharks are particularly vulnerable to overfishing because they reproduce and grow slowly, but there are currently …
Brussels would look favourably at member states giving financial support for plants to test almost carbon-free power production, which could help fight climate change, a European Commission official said on Monday. German utilities are among those worldwide that are seeking to pilot carbon capture and storage (CCS), which supporters hope …
The spiralling fuel prices in the international market have hit European fishing fleets. Angered fishers are blockading ports in several countries. France and Scotland have initiated a negotiation with the eu for permission to give subsidies or release cash-aid for their ailing fishing sectors. To maintain a level commercial playing …
Environmental exposure to cadmium decreases bone density indirectly through hypercalciuria resulting from renal tubular dysfunction. The researchers sought evidence for a direct osteotoxic effect of cadmium in women.
Finding ways of safely burying carbon dioxide could be the only way of keeping greenhouse gas emissions below dangerous levels, the International Energy Agency's chief economist said on Thursday. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is seen by industry and some lawmakers as a possible silver bullet in the fight against …
While green campaigners push for ever more wind turbines, a new wave of environmentally motivated engineers is already considering turbines to be a little old-school. One of the pioneers of the concept of a kite as a renewable energy source is Peter Lynn, a New Zealand kite designer.
The European Union must craft new financial incentives to "jump start" clean coal technology if it is to achieve ambitious targets to combat climate change, a leading lawmaker said on Monday. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is designed to trap carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power plants and heavy industry …
The European Commission might again put pff a decision on whether farmers can grow more genetically modified crops when it holds a long-awaited biotech policy debate in May, officials said yesterday, Reuters reports from Brussels. After months of expectation, the Commission has finally decided on May 7 for a debate …
The European Commission urged US President George W Bush on Thursday to be more ambitious in tackling climate change while welcoming his acceptance that the United States would need to curb greenhouse gas emissions. A spokesman for the European Union executive said Bush's plan to halt the growth of US …
Nature Oasis Flourishes In Belgium's Coal Belt BELGIUM: April 14, 2008 GENK - Fringed by dark hills of coal waste and long-shuttered collieries, Belgium's first national park might seem a humble contender for the role of global model for conservation and economic regeneration. The pine woods and heather meadows of …
As doctors struggle to eradicate polio worldwide, one of their biggest problems is persuading parents to vaccinate their children. In Belgium, authorities are resorting to an extreme measure: prison sentences. Two sets of parents in Belgium were recently handed five month prison terms for failing to vaccinate their children against …
Agriculture ministers of 10 eu countries voted against the approval of three genetically modified (gm) varieties of maize for use in the European market on September 26, but failed to block it. The move reflects divisions among eu nations over whether gm crops pose a risk to health. Austria, Malta, …
best space songs: The European Space Agency is holding a contest to see who can come up with the best playlist for astronauts on the International Space Station. The winner will have their 10 songs sent up to the Internatonal Space Station on an iPod when the Jules Verne Automated …
