Climate warning should spur action – FoE

Green group Friends of the Earth has responded to reports earlier in the week claiming that emissions of the key global warming gas carbon dioxide (co2) have increased, by calling for immediate government action on the issue.

Scientific studies at a Hawaiian observatory which have been ongoing for almost 50 years, revealed the unexpected jump on Monday, showing that co2 emissions in 2002 and 2003 averaged at 2 parts per million (ppm), up from just 1.5ppm in previous decades. The unprecedented increase shocked scientists, and has been noted in some quarters as proof of runaway global warming.

Urgent reminder

National Park scheme ‘a success’

A Defra-backed scheme to help companies, individuals and community groups in England’s National Park areas has been deemed a success after its first 18 months. The English National Parks Sustainable Development Fund, which was created by Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael, aims to bring environmental best practice to communities by supporting projects in a variety of areas, including green transport, energy and wildlife conservation. Since its introduction, the scheme has provided match funding of more than £13m for over 300 individual projects.

An independent report by the Centre for European Protected Areas Research at the University of London, monitored the programme throughout its inaugural year and a half and stated that it had “amply proved its worth.”

Benefiting the environment

CITES strengthens animal trade laws

The CITES regulations, which offer protection for endangered species around the world, have been revised to include tighter enforcement measures on illegal wildlife trafficking – following last week’s meeting in Bangkok.

The new regulations recommend a range of measures to improve the situation, including bringing in regional law enforcement networks, national action plans to improve enforcement, improved training and capacity building for wildlife law enforcement officers, along with more collaboration between law enforcement agencies both nationally and internationally.

Important step

Morley sets new green targets

Environment Minister Elliot Morley has announced a new set of green purchasing targets for government departments, in a bid to encourage more sustainable procurement, and in turn – manufacturing from suppliers.

"Despite their efforts, Whitehall departments and other government bodies currently only rate a 'could do better' on sustainable procurement and estate management,” said Mr Morley, launching the standards at the Defra and OGC Buying Solutions joint conference last week.

“A step change is needed”

African nations make ivory pledge

The governments of African nations at the centre of a continent-wide action plan to combat the illegal trade in ivory have been commended by conservation group WWF and TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network. The plan, signed by every African nation that has elephants, was presented to the CITES meeting on Monday.

Under the programme, every African nation is obliged to strictly control ivory trading or outlaw the practice altogether. It is expected to address the burgeoning ivory markets across the continent. Participating nations will report on the opening months of the action plan in March 2005.

Closing a loophole