The Global Gender Gap Index annually benchmarks the current state and evolution of gender parity across four key dimensions (Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment). It is the longest-standing index tracking the progress of numerous countries’ efforts towards closing these gaps over time since …
France and Germany are close to resolving their dispute over EU auto emissions targets that could see a softening of the proposed regulations, a German newspaper report said yesterday. "The talks are making progress," business daily Handelsblatt cited a source close to the talks as saying. "A deal should be …
The battles lines in the power struggle over seeds are shifting in Europe. Authorities are dropping plans to push US-led "first generation' genetically modified organisms (GMOs), so that European companies can develop "covert' GMOs and new "double-locked' seeds instead. In 2008, the Sarkozy regime will use the French presidency of …
This report focuses specifically on the topic of renewable energy for heating and cooling for two reasons. First, the heating and cooling sector contributes largely to energy consumption, and therefore the emission of greenhouse gases. Globally, heating and cooling accounts for an estimated 40-50% of final energy demand. In the …
Ultraviolet light kills bacteria in wastewater without the use of chemicals. This reliable and environment friendly method was used in the project Clean Isar in Germany.
Solar Semiconductor, a solar photovoltaic (PV) modules and services, on Thursday entered into a strategic partnership with IBC Solar of Germany, a distributor of system integrators of solar PV products in Europe. The partnership is valued at Rs. 2,300 crore ($575 million) in the next three years. Solar Semiconductor CEO …
Demand agreement on a divorce settlement before you marry, and the world may believe many things of you: that you are prudent, or cynical, or just a bit mean. What it will not believe is that you are a swooning romantic, moved only by the high ideals of love. You …
Severn Trent Services, one of the world's leading supplier of water and wastewater solutions, will be taking advantage of this year's IFAT exhibition in Munich to highlight its latest technological innovations in water treatment. Severn Trent Services is a leading supplier of electrochlorination technology - since 1988, Severn Trent has …
Coal miners are still working in the German town of Bottrop, but the government has decided to end mining in the country by 2018 because German coal is the most expensive in the world. That flow is part of a vast reorganization of the global coal trade that is making …
On the tortuous road to saving the planet from climate change, one traffic rule stands out. Drivers who speed risk paying a price. For the European Union to venture out of the slow lane with a pledge to adopt by 2009 binding targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions is therefore …
The bruising treatment of youngsters in many parts of the world, and the use of child soldiers in war-torn parts of Africa emerged as a recurring theme at the 10-day Berlin International Film Festival that concluded on February 17. War Child, a documentary by first-time German director Christian Karim Chrobog …
Visitors to Thalheim in eastern Germany enter a grey landscape of abandoned industrial buildings, the remnants of the communist-era chemicals industry. Yet amid the blight, a few dozen shiny low-lying factories provide signs of a long hoped for revival. Dubbed the Solar Valley, the area around the town south of …
Leading power equipment manufacturer, OSRAM, on Thursday announced that it had joined hands with the largest German power generation company RWE to launch their first energy efficiency project in India based on the Kyoto Protocol guidelines at a cost of 150 million Euros. Under the programme, high-quality OSRAM energy-saving lamps …
Gale-force winds hammered Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic on Saturday, killing at least eight people, snarling transport networks and cutting power lines. In Germany, trains were delayed by uprooted trees and an intercity express collided with a fallen tree between the cities of Cologne and Koblenz, injuring the driver. …
An increasing number of people are exposed to aircraft and road traffic noise. Hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and even a small contribution in risk from environmental factors may have a major impact on public health. The HYENA (Hypertension and Exposure to Noise near Airports) study …
For transport, a major contributor to greenhouse gases, the challenge to reduce emissions is immense, particularly as most forecasts see transport activity doubling or tripling in the next 30 years. Fortunately, governments in the OECD area (which is where most greenhouse gases come from) are starting to act, though much …
This report discusses the role of the voluntary carbon offset market and provides an overview and guide to the most important currently available voluntary carbon offset standards using the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) as a benchmark .The report compares the standards side-by-side and outlines the most pertinent aspects of each.
Germany continues to invest in brown coal mining, despite ambitious climate targets. Requirements for carbon capture and storage could eventually make the fuel unprofitable. March 2008
The aim of the proposed new legislation from the European Commission is to limit the average emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from new cars sold within the Union to 120 g/km by 2012. But carmakers will only be responsible for an average of 130 g/km, with the last 10 g/km …
This commercial ship, partly powered by a giant kite, set off on its maiden voyage from the German city Bremen to Venezuela in the third week of January. Designers of the vessel, MS Beluga Skysails, say its computer-controlled kite measures about 160 square metres and will help cut the ship's …
