Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) In the News

US global warming emissions in biggest decade drop:
U.S. greenhouse gas emissions linked to global warming fell by 1.2 percent last year, the largest decrease in a decade, due in part to slow economic growth and a milder winter, the government said. Last year's decline was in sharp contrast to the average 1.3 percent annual growth rate in U.S. emissions from 1990 to 2000 and was twice the level of the only other drop since 1990 - a 0.6 percent decline in 1991 - according to a report from the Energy Information Administration.
U.S. greenhouse gas emissions linked to global warming fell by 1.2 percent last year, the largest decrease in a decade, due in part to slow economic growth and a milder winter, the government said. Last year's decline was in sharp contrast to the average 1.3 percent annual growth rate in U.S. emissions from 1990 to 2000 and was twice the level of the only other drop since 1990 - a 0.6 percent decline in 1991 - according to a report from the Energy Information Administration.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, December 23, 2002

Planned EU emissions scheme triggers first trades:
The EU's emissions trading scheme, agreed by the bloc's environment ministers last week and due to go live in 2005, has led to the first speculative trades, German energy industry and government sources said. This showed European industries had already accepted the scheme, which is key in the EU's effort to fight global warming, although it still faced bureaucratic and practical hurdles, the sources said.
The EU's emissions trading scheme, agreed by the bloc's environment ministers last week and due to go live in 2005, has led to the first speculative trades, German energy industry and government sources said. This showed European industries had already accepted the scheme, which is key in the EU's effort to fight global warming, although it still faced bureaucratic and practical hurdles, the sources said.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, December 23, 2002

Arctic fever:
In another chilling pointer to global warming, data released this month indicates that the ice covering the Arctic Ocean and Greenland shrank by record amounts this summer. If the current trends continue, 20% of the Arctic sea ice could be lost by 2050 and almost al of it by the end of this century. A NASA study found that temperatures in the Arctic area increasing at the rate of 1.2 degrees Celsius per decade. This rise in summer ice temperatures could lengthen the summers, allowing earlier spring thaws and delayed freeze dates int eh fall, causing further thinning and retreat of perennial ice.
In another chilling pointer to global warming, data released this month indicates that the ice covering the Arctic Ocean and Greenland shrank by record amounts this summer. If the current trends continue, 20% of the Arctic sea ice could be lost by 2050 and almost al of it by the end of this century. A NASA study found that temperatures in the Arctic area increasing at the rate of 1.2 degrees Celsius per decade. This rise in summer ice temperatures could lengthen the summers, allowing earlier spring thaws and delayed freeze dates int eh fall, causing further thinning and retreat of perennial ice.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, December 22, 2002, Page No.16

The heat is on:
For those who remember the Seventies, the big bogeyman was the Big Freeze. Scientists made warning the worried look contagious and spread the news that all of us, some time in the future, would end up in a big deep freezer. The theory was backed up by facts. As the earth travels around the sun, it rotatnational axis wobbles like a top. During this wobble, its axis sweeps out an imaginary cone in space known as 'precession'. It takes 21000 years to complete a cycle through which the axis returns to its original position.The history of galciation during the Ice Age support the orbital control theory of climate change. But 30 years on, it's not the freezer we fear, but the global oven. Editorial.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, December 20, 2002, Page No.12

Worldwide support for protocol on climatic changes; focus on Russia as Kyoto club reaches 100:
Canada's ratification of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol on climate change brings the agreement's total membership to 100. To enter into force the Protocol now requires only the ratification of the Russian Federation. The Russian Parliament is expected to act within the next several months.

The Economic Times, New Delhi, December 20, 2002, Page No.11

The greenhouse effect: the world takes the heat:
Agriculturally, many scientists believe that global warming is good for human race, because it helps increase food production. The major determining factor in agricultural production is the climate. History reveals that food production, warming is better than cooling. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an essential nutrient for the production of food and food is one of the most important things in our lives.

The Statesman, New Delhi, December 19, 2002, Page No.III(s)

Second warmest year since 1860:
This year has been the second warmest since 1890, extending a quarter-century pattern of accelerated global warming linked to greenhouse gas emissions, United Nations scientists have said. The World Metrological Organisation (WMO), a United Nations agency, said that 1998 remained the hottest year, with 2002 surpassing last year as the next warmest. The 10 warmest years had all occurred since 1987, nine since 1990.

The Times of India, New Delhi, December 19, 2002, Page No.1

Vanishing ice:
Ice in the Arctic Ocean and on Greenland's massive ice cap shrank to record levels this summer, providing what some call evidence that global warming is happening and causing environmental change.This comes in the wake of fears revolving around abrupt climate changes believed to have resulted in century-long droughts and sea level highs.....editorial.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, December 18, 2002, Page No.10

2002 set to be second-hottest year on record:
This year is expected to be the second warmest since records began and the rate of increase in global temperatures appears to be accelerating, the World Meteorological Organisatoin said in a preview of its annual climate report.

Financial Times, London, December 18, 2002, Page No.5

India to pressure Russia to ratify Kyoto Protocol:
The Union Environment Minister, T.R. Baalu, has said that India, in association with like-minded countries, would pressure Russia for an early ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, a 1997 treaty that mandates a sharp reduction of green house gases (GHGs) by developed nations. Expressing happiness over Canada and New Zealand ratifying the treaty last week, the Minister, who is president of the eighth Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, said that now the efforts were focussed on ensuring that the Protocol came into force at an early date.

The Hindu, New Delhi, December 18, 2002, Page No.11

Canada and New Zealand ratify Kyoto Protocol:
Despite criticism from industry and a variety of other sources both the Canadian and New Zealand governments ratified the Kyoto Protocol on 10 December. New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark signed her country's instrument of ratification for the Protocol, despite criticism from opposition politicians and industry, the New Zealand Herald has reported. New Zealand will now have to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels from 2008-12. New Zealand accounts for 0.2% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions.

Edie (Internet), Pakistan, December 13, 2002

EU emissions trading seen up to 8bln euros by 2007:
The European Union's decision to start an EU greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme from 2005 could create an eight billion euro ($8.07 billion) market by 2007, analysts said. "I think we will see a gradually increasing market in terms of liquidity from 2005, possibly up to eight billion euros in 2007," said Atle Christiansen of PointCarbon, an Oslo-based independent research group on emissions trading.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, December 13, 2002

Canada sees Kyoto vote upping US green support:
A vote by Canada's Parliament to back ratification of the Kyoto protocol on global warming should encourage Americans to put pressure on Washington over its decision to abandon the treaty last year, the Canadian environment minister said this week. U.S. President George W. Bush walked away from Kyoto on the grounds it would do too much damage to the U.S. economy but David Anderson told Reuters that he thought it was quite possible Bush would change his mind before leaving office.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, December 13, 2002

Scientists question climate change, malaria link:
Climate change could be causing more than higher temperatures - it may also be helping to fuel a rise in malaria in East Africa, scientists said. Cases of the mosquito-borne disease that kills about 3,000 people a day around the world have surged in parts of the region during recent decades. Earlier research had suggest the upsurge was due to drug resistance and population growth, and not global warming.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, December 13, 2002

Global-warming plan draws heat in the U.S.:
Some U.S.companies are starting to complain that President George W. Bush`s plan to fight global warming isn`t as business-friendly as advertised.Today, the White House and U.S. corporate leaders are scheduled to stage an event displaying support for Mr. Bush`s policy on global warming. His plan seeks to give companies a financial incentive to voluntarily reduce emissions of greenhouse gases - so named because they trap heat in the Earth`s atmosphere - by trading credits in those emissions.

The Asian Wall Street Journal, Hong Kong, December 12, 2002

Ministers agree to start emissions trading:
European countries will begin trading in carbon dioxide emissions by 2005, with other greenhouse gases brought into the scheme before the end of the decade. At the latest EU Council meeting, European ministers agreed to start trading in greenhouse gases emissions. In the first phase of trading, solely with carbon dioxide, companies will be allocated CO2 quotas with permits to emit according to their allowance, and will be able to buy and sell quotas of emissions. Penalties will be imposed on those who exceed their quotas, from Euro 40 for each excess tonne of CO2 emitted from 2005 to Euro 100 per tonne from 2008.

Edie (Internet), UK, December 12, 2002

EU will fail Kyoto targets with existing policies:
EU countries will miss greenhouse gas targets if they continue to pursue inadequate policies on cutting emissions. But additional measures planned in a number of countries could still ensure EU Kyoto targets are met, says a new report. The latest projections from the European Environment Agency show that existing emission policies of Member States will yield a total EU emissions reduction of 4.7% by 2010, far short of set targets, according to the report Greenhouse gas emission trends and projections in Europe.

Edie (Internet), UK, Decenver 12, 2002

2002 heading for no. 2 spot in climate records:
Temperature data for the first 11 months of the year show that the average global temperature is on the rise. The new data indicates that 2002 will go down in the recordbooks as the second warmest year to date, exceeded only by 1998, since recordkeeping of global temperatures began in 1867. Temperatures for the first 11 months of 2002 averaged 14.65 degrees Celsius (58.37 degrees Fahrenheit), according to data from National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Goddard Institute for Space Studies.

Environment News Service, US, December 11, 2002

New Zealand signs up to Kyoto climate change pact:
New Zealand ratified the Kyoto Protocol on climate change yesterday, saying signing up to the accord will begin a transition to a sustainable-energy economy. "Climate change is a global problem and a concerted international effort is required to combat it," Prime Minister Helen Clark said at the signing. "The Kyoto Protocol is the international community's response to climate change and New Zealand is playing its part." The Kyoto pact aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions from the developed world, which account for the overwhelming bulk of the gases, by 2012 to 5.2 percent below 1990 levels.

Planet Ark (Internet), Pakistan, December 11, 2002

Canada says will cap industry's Kyoto costs:
Canada said this week it would cap the amount that businesses would have to pay to meet targets under the Kyoto Protocol on climate change but opposition parties said this could cost billions of dollars. Natural Resources Minister Herb Dhaliwal said the federal government would limit the amount industry would have to pay to cut emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to C$15 ($9.60) a tonne. Government officials said the cost of reducing emissions is unlikely to be that much, though they have offered worst-case scenarios where the cost could be as much as C$50 a tonne.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, December 11, 2002

EU agrees greenhouse gas trading scheme:
European Union environment ministers agreed yesterday to create the world's first international greenhouse gas emissions trading system, a key part of efforts to fight global warming. Subject to final approval by the European Parliament, the scheme will from 2005 cap the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) that big factories and power plants can emit and allow them to trade emissions rights with other firms in the 15-nation bloc.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, December 10, 2002

In Arctic Ocean the summer melt is biggest in years:
The melting of Greenland glaciers and Arctic Ocean sea ice this past northern summer reached levels not seen in decades, scientists reported over the weekend. The summertime melt this year, which provides more evidence of recent quick warming in the Arctic, is in part driven by natural climate oscillations, the researchers said.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, December 09, 2002, Page No.2

EU will miss Kyoto goals without more effort - report:
The European Union will miss its international target for cutting "greenhouse gas" emissions unless it makes more effort to tackle the pollution blamed for climate change, the European Environment Agency said. But the EU could surpass the target it agreed under the United Nations Kyoto global warming pact if it pushes ahead with new policies such as a proposed emissions trading scheme, it said. The EEA, which collects and analyses environmental data predicted the 15-member EU's emissions would drop by 4.7 percent of 1990 levels by 2010. Under Kyoto, the EU has to achieve an eight percent cut.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, December 09, 2002

German power firms want emissions trade exemptions:
German power industry association VDEW said last week it was pushing government negotiators to ensure certain opt out rights at a key EU policy meeting next week on cutting environmentally damaging emissions. After much infighting, the red-green coalition government of Germany, Europe's biggest emitter of "greenhouse gases," said earlier this week it had agreed with the Commission that Germany would back an EU emissions trade law from 2005, which environment ministers will decide on Monday. The law will be the EU's main motor for achieving the eight percent cut in greenhouse gas emissions over 1990 levels it has to reach under the global Kyoto Protocol by 2012.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, December 09, 2002

Global warming may nurture extremism, expert says:
Climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions will exacerbate world poverty and could make millions of people more open to extremism, the chief of the United Nations' climate advisory body said. Rajendra Pachauri told Reuters the effects of climate change were likely to affect the developing world disproportionately and make the poor even poorer and more bitter. Pachauri said that by 2100, worldwide temperatures would be 1.4 to 5.8 Celsius higher than today and sea levels would rise by 0.5 metres (1 ft 8 in).

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, December 09, 2002

Green groups sue US EPA over global warming:
Three environmental groups sued the Environmental Protection Agency in a bid to force it to combat global warming by limiting air pollution from U.S. automobiles. The groups - the International Center for Technology Assessment, Sierra Club and Greenpeace - said they filed suit in U.S. district court because EPA was dawdling over their 1999 petition, which said the EPA must use the Clean Air Act against "greenhouse" gases from cars. They asked a judge to order EPA to respond to the petition within 60 days.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, December 09, 2002

Arctic ice melting at record level:
The melting of Greenland glaciers and Arctic Ocean sea ice this past summer reached levels not seen in decades, scientists reported on Saturday. This year's summertime melt, which provides more evidence of recent quick warming in the Arctic, is in part driven by natural climate oscillations, the researchers said. But they added that human-driven changes to the environment like the destruction of ozone and the emission of carbon dioxide could well have accelerated and enlarged the effect.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, December 09, 2002, Page No.12

Bush Climate Change Plan Short on Details:
Scientists and climate experts applauded the Bush administration's coordination of a three day workshop on global climate change, but found its draft plan for study of the issue short on priorities, details and funding. Without serious revisions, experts say, the plan is unlikely to provide a strategy for policymakers to adequately address the issue of climate change.

Environment News Service, US, December 07, 2002

First kyoto greenhouse deal struck:
The Kyoto Protocol on controlling global warming isn't yet a reality. But the first deal on greenhouse gases within the framework of the pact has been signed and sealed. The government of Slovakia has sold greenhouse gas emissions credits to a Japanese trading house under one of the Kyoto pact's market based mechanisms, the broker of the deal, Evolution Markets LLC, said. The value of the deal and the identity of the buyer were not disclosed, but Slovakia told 200,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent under the international emissions trading program, a kyoto market mechanism. That amount is now worth roughly 1 million dollars in emissions trading markets outside the pact.

The Statesman, New Delhi, December 07, 2002, Page No.IV

Greenhouse gas trading all set to balloon:
The emissions trading business - the use of trading schemes to allow countries to reduce emission of greenhouse gases at the lowest possible cost - could receive one of its most significant boosts on Monday, when European Union environment ministers are likely to agree on an EU-wide system.Another milestone should be passed today, when the Slovak Republic announces the sale of greenhouse gas emissions "allowances" to a Japanese group - the first trade of a government quota under the regime set up by the 1997 Kyoto protocol to combat climate change.

Financial Times, London, December 06, 2002, Page No.6

Germany clears way for key EU global warming plan:
Germany said this week it will back a European Union climate emissions trading scheme, paving the way for approval of a key EU policy to fight global warming. Germany, Europe's biggest emitter of "greenhouse gases", had resisted the scheme but decided to back it after getting concessions to protect its industry's competitiveness. EU environment ministers are due to vote on the plan next Monday.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, December 06, 2002

U.S. hints at new pace for climate issues:
Facing criticism over the pace and focus of the president's policy on global warming, Bush administration officials say that failure scientific findings could speed consideration of more aggressive actions to rein in emissions of heat trapping gases.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, December 05, 2002, Page No.3

A global climate and energy project:
The Global Climate and Energy Project announced last month by Stanford University is a welcome collaboration between academia and the private sector that holds the promise of shedding much needed light on the debate on global warming. The project's purpose is an ambitious as sending to the moon once was: to foster the development of global energy system with significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions and provide abundant and increase by some 21 per cent in the next two decades.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, December 05, 2002, Page No.6

Germany clears way for key EU global warming plan:
Germany said on Wednesday it will back a European Union climate emissions trading scheme, paving the way for approval of a key EU policy to fight global warming. Germany, Europe's biggest emitter of "greenhouse gases", had resisted the scheme but decided to back it after getting concessions to protect its industry's competitiveness. EU environment ministers are due to vote on the plan next Monday.

Business Recorder (Internet), Pakistan, December 05, 2002

Climate change:
The primary cause for global warming, it is believed, is due to the greenhouse gases, as they perturb the radioactive balance of Earth. Originally, carbon dioxide had been believed to be the main pollutant. The list of pollutants now include gases such as halocarbons methane, nitrous oxide and ozone as well as aerosols.

The Hindu, New Delhi, December 05, 2002, Page No.17 & www.hinduonnet.com

AP to mobilise funds to operationalise CDM:
Andhra Pradesh is all set to take the lead in mobilising funds for operationalisation of Cleaner Development Mechanism(CDM) in the country to reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions. The CDM, one of the flexibility mechanisms authorised in the kyoto protocol, which India had signed in August this year, is expected to help in achieving sustainable development attaining the environmental goals of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate change as well as assisting developed countries in complying with their emission reduction commitments.

The New Indian Express, Hyderabad, December 04, 2002, Page No.4

The glaciers are shrinking:
Every so often a report comes out of a remote part of the world that is so shocking that it makes us sit bolt upright and start thinking hard about global warming. Now it is news from the Bolivian Andes, where glaciers 5,000 metres above sea level are retreating with alarming speed, creating the threat of potentially disasterous water shortages......Editorial.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, December 02, 2002, Page No.8

Government greenhouse gas emissions decrease 5%:
Between 2001 and 2002, the Government's emissions of greenhouse gases decreased by 5%, and recovery of waste in four departments was over 50%. Nevertheless, there are areas in which the Government could do better. According to the Government's first annual report on its own sustainable development, the worst greenhouse gas offenders were the Department for International Development, with a 16% increase in carbon emissions per square metre of office space, the Serious Fraud Office, with a 23% increase, and the Scottish Court Service, with a 25% increase.

Edie (Internet), UK, November 29, 2002

India seeks $36 million:
A day before the start of deliberations of the Montreal Protocol in Rome, India has proposed for assistance worth $36.5 million from the Protocol's multilateral fund. The proposal, mooted for six projects aimed at phasing out the production and consumption of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) in India, are expected to be discussed at the ministerial meet of the Protocol. The Indian delegation, led by KC Mishra, secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests, will discuss other important items, including possible replenishment of the multilateral fund of $543 million for the period of 2003-05.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, November 28, 2002, Page No.5

Plantation to gain heavily by trading carbon credits:
India's rubber, mango, palm and coconut plantations can earn substantial profits by selling their contribution to cleaning the environment by absorbing the carbon dioxide. The current rate for such "carbon credits" is about $ 7 a tonne. However, it is likely to rise to above $20 once the market for carbon credits develops. The clean development mechanism envisaged in Kyoto Protocol on climate change allows polluting industries in the developed countries to buy carbon credits earned by the developing countries through measures that reduce emissions of harmful gases.

Business Standard, New Delhi, November 25, 2002, Page No.6

Consensus and conflicts:
The Eighth Conference of the Parties held in New Delhi achieves consensus on many contentious issues related to emissions of greenhouses gases, except the issue of future commitments by the Parties.

Frontline, Chennai, November 22, 2002, Page No.123

Why Kyoto Protocol isn't in effect:
While the Kyoto Protocol-1992 has been going through a rough phase over the last decade, it is a matter of concern as to why such an initiative, which is for the whole world, should undergo such tribulations. First it was the Americans who sounded a contrarian note. Then the Russians, and now, finally, the Indians. The emphasis has changed from tackling the issue of global warming to comprehensive development and emancipation of the poor. Not that these are not important issues but changing the stance on the most important of all the issues - global warming and devaluation of the emphasis - is certainly a matter worth looking into.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, November 22, 2002, Page No.7

Researchers develop new green chip gas:
A joint research team from Tohoku University and NEC Corp.(Japan) has developed a new type of gas for manufacturing semiconductors that researchers say lessens the impact on global warming and raises precision chip production. The gas, which can dissolve into carbon dioxide and other compounds a week after exposure to air, was developed as an alternative to perfluorocarbon (PFC), a gas introduced to chip-making as a replacement for ozone-destroying chlorofluorocarbon but is known to have severe global warming effects.

Japan Times (Internet), Japan, November 22, 2002

White House to fund greenhouse gas removal projects:
The Bush administration will devote up to $90 million to develop new methods to combat global warming by taking carbon dioxide out of air and "locking" it in trees and grasses, Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham said.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, November 22, 2002

India reducing greenhouse gas emissions, says report:
India has reduced the growth of its greenhouse gas emissions over the last decade, says a new report from the US-based Pew Centre for Global Climate Change. In all, 110 mllion tonnes of carbon dioxide, one of the main gases said to be leading to global warming, has been mitigated in India through a variety of policies and measures, including economic restricting, enforcement of existing air pollution laws by the supreme court and renewable energy programmes.

The Times of India, Mumbai, November 21, 2002, Page No.9

Canadian province fires new anti-Kyoto shot:
Oil-rich Alberta stepped up its attack on Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien's plans to ratify the Kyoto climate change accord, introducing legislation that could lead to a constitutional fight. As part of the proposed law, Alberta intends to "reaffirm" its jurisdiction over its rich oil and gas resources in efforts to block any moves by Ottawa to impose big cuts in greenhouse gas emissions under the global treaty.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, November 21, 2002

ExxonMobil deflects critics with $100m green donation:
ExxonMobil, the biggest publicly quoted oil group in the world, wrongfooted green activists by announcing plans to invest $100m (£63m) into a project organised by Stanford University to tackle global warming. The move was dismissed by Greenpeace as an attempt to buy off its Stop Esso Campaign and the environmental group said action would continue because the research effort was just an attempt to "buy time".

The Guardian (Internet), UK, November 21, 2002

Controlling carbon:
The Royal Society, Britian premier scientific association, called for the UK government to scrap its Climate Change Levy (CCL). A more effective way to combat global warming, said the society, would be either a carbon tax or a system of tradable carbon dioxide permits. There is virtually zero chance of the UK's or the European Union's imposing a straight carbon tax, not least because of the impact on international competitiveness. (Editorial)

Financial Times, London, November 19, 2002, Page No.12

Emissions have reduced: US report:
Supporting India's claim, a new study in the US has said the former had succeeded in reducing significantly the growth of its greenhouse gases over the past decade. "India has significantly reduced the growth of its greenhouse emissions over the past decade as a result of programmes designed to strengthen its economy, enhance energy security and protect local environments," a new report by the US based PEW Centre for Global Climate Change has said, according to a US embassy release.

Business Standard, New Delhi, November 19, 2002, Page No.3

Japan to test gas emissions market from January - report:
Japan's Environment Ministry will conduct a trial run from January of a greenhouse gas emissions market the government plans to start nationwide as early as 2005, Kyodo news agency said. The market is part of Japan's efforts to meet its Kyoto Protocol target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by six percent from 1990 levels. Around 30 companies, mostly manufacturers in Mie Prefecture in central Japan, are expected to take part in the trial market, Kyodo said, citing ministry sources.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, November 19, 2002

Tax carbon use, says Royal Society:
One of the central planks of the government's strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is flawed and should be replaced by a tax on carbon use, Britain's academy of science, the Royal Society, argues. The climate change levy, which came into effect in April last year, is designed to encourage businesses to be more energy efficient and to use more renewable energy, by putting a tax of a fraction of a penny on each kilowatt-hour of coal, gas, oil, or electricity used.

The Guardian (Internet), UK, November 18, 2002

US states acting on their own to fight global warming:
While the Bush administration has pulled the United States out of an international treaty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, individual U.S. states have taken steps on their own to fight global warming, an environmental report said. The report, from the Pew Center on Global Climate Change, said measures to slow global warming that been fought at the federal level - such as requiring more electricity to be generated from solar and wind energy and mandatory reporting of greenhouse gas emissions - have been successfully implemented by states.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, November 18, 2002

The global warming debate:
The recently concluded Conference of Parties at New Delhi on global warming ended with the Delhi Declaration after deliberations which showed little common ground between various State parties on many contentious issues. At the Earth Summit at Rio de Janeiro in 1992, the developing countries insisted that industrialised countries which are largely responsible for the deterioration of the global environment, must bear the principal responsibility of amelioration. The developing countries demanded that the developed countries provide new and additional financial assistance and access to clean technologies.

The Hindu, New Delhi, November 8, 2002, Page No.13

Rothschild to advice CCX on equity offering:
The Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX) the first US voluntary pilot programme for the trading of greenhouse gases, is expected to appoint investment bank Rothschild to advise on a private equity offering. The CCX is a Chicago based initiative involving 28 companies including Dupont, the US chemicals group, BP, Ford Motor company and ST Microelectronics, Europe's biggest semiconductor company, as well as the cities of Chicago and Mexico City.

Financial Times, London, Novemebr 04, 2002, Page No.20

Global warming makes polar bears sweat:
Polar bears that roam the Hudson Bay area in the great Canadian north are impatiently waiting for ice to form, and as the winter shortens year by year their lives are becoming increasingly threatened. 'Over the last 20 years, the ice breaks an average of two weeks earlier,' said Michael Goodyear, director of the Churchill Northern Studies Center.

The Statesman, New Delhi, November 04, 2002, Page No.IV(m)

UK energy market thrives, but CO2 on the rise: The UK has made remarkable achievements in the energy market, and will almost certainly meet Kyoto greenhouse gas reduction targets, according to a new report. But a separate study shows that under the Labour government, carbon dioxide emissions have risen by 1.2%, suggesting the country's self-imposed CO2 reduction targets may not be met.

Edie (Internet), UK, November 01, 2002

Warning on global warming:
Prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee spoke firmly against international pressure on developing economies to scale down the rate of greenhouse emissions. Speaking at the 8th Conference on Climate Change in Delhi, he put the issue of global warming in the right perspective. The developed countries are primarily responsible for the alarming increase in the rate of global warming over the past two decades......Editorial

The Tribune, New Delhi, November 01, 2002, Page No.10

Provinces grumble as Canada pitches Kyoto treaty:
Canada is still set to ratify the 1997 Kyoto treaty on global warming this year, even as its provinces grumble at its terms and insist that they should not foot the bill, Environment Minister David Anderson said.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, October 30, 2002

Biofuel to be India's answer to global warming:
With a sharp rise in vehicular traffic in India over the years leading to a growing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, efforts are on in an effort to reduce the level of global warming. "In the post-1990 era, a sharp rise in the number of personal vehicles has led to a growing energy demand. This, coupled with other global socio-economic factors are sufficient driving forces for the use of biomass derived fuels," Dr. A K Bhatnagar, Director, Research and Development, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, said on Thursday.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, October 25, 2002, Page No.7

The global warming scapegoat:
Floods in Europe! Hurricanes in the US! Droughts in India! the scapegoat: Global warming, an irrefutable fact, which remains unchallenged by any reputable scientist. Climate crusaders everywhere have been quick to utilise individual weather events to buttress their arguments claiming that these events show why nations everywhere must act quickly to stave off imminent death and destruction caused by human-induced global warming. The news media are quick to lap up this claim, treating any extreme weather event be it hurricane, blizzard, drought or tornado as only more evidence of impending environmental doom.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, October 29, 2002, Page No.7

Kilimanjaro glacier could melt by 2020:
The snow cap of Mount Kilimanjaro, held sacred by many East Africans and beloved by travellers, could disappear by 2020 at the current rate of global warming, scientists have warned.

The Statesman, New Delhi, October 19, 2002, Page No.IV(m)

India clears the air, contains CO2:
According to an International Energy Agency report, various environment-friendly initiatives in the energy sector has resulted in decline of carbon-dioxide emission intensity from 0.48 kg of carbon-dioxide per US dollar of GDP in 1996 to 0.42 kg of the gas. The preamble to the climate change treaty, Kyoto Protocol, explicitly makes allowances for developing countries' economic and industrial growth. The treaty, keeping with the principle of "common but differential responsibility" has put the onus of cleaning up the earth's atmosphere on industrialised countries.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, October 21, 2002, Page No.1

CDM and carbon trading:
Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is one of the flexible mechanisms developed as part of the international Kyoto Protocol negotiations to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. Since only the developed countries have the mandate to reduce their emissions to five per cent below their 1990 emission levels, CDM permits them to buy carbon credit from developing country companies.

Business Line, New Delhi, October 19, 2002, Page No.4

Call for change in Indian cattle's diet to prevent global warming:
While the climate change conference is all set to start in New Delhi next week, an international team of scientists have suggested that India can help reduce global warming by changing the diet of its cows and buffaloes. The research on alternate eco-friendly cattle feed is being done at the International Crops Research Institute for Semi-arid Tropics.

The Times of India, Mumbai, October 18, 2002, Page No.7

A sinking feeling:
This isolated country is not much more than a few specks in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Its highest point is 16 feet above the sea level. But Tuvalu is at the centre of international debate over climate change. Many of Tuvalu's people worry that rising sea levels caused by global warming will wash away their country. They talk of filing a lawsuit against the US government or big American corporations for polluting the atmosphere and causing the planet's temperature to rise. They condemn President Bush for backing out of the Kyoto Protocol on global warming.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, Octber 17, 2002, Page No.4supp

UNEP report a scientific fraud : India:
India today rejected the UNEP report that described the aerosol layer observed over the Indian Ocean as 'Asian Brown Cloud' which could result in serious climatic changes, asserting that the 'misleading' report appeared to be a calculated move of rich countries to divert attention from their carbon dioxide emissions that result in global warming.

The Statesman, New Delhi, October 17, 2002, Page No.5

Six green tech projects OK'd ahead of Kyoto Protocol:
Though the Kyoto Protocol is unlikely to become operational this year, India - which will soon host the Eighth Conference of Parties on Climate Change - has cleared six projects proposals under the 'prompt start' clean development mechanism. This was agreed under the Marrakesh Accord to enable parties to embrace CDM even without waiting for Kytoto to come into force.

The Economic Times, New Delhi, October 17, 2002, Page No.6

Climate conference may see a ratified Kyoto Protocol:
New Delhi's climate conference - the Conference of Parties, eighth meeting (COP-8) is likely to be venue for ratifying the Kyoto Protocol. And if that happens, developed countries will find themselves saddled with higher goals than the protocol actually outlined.

The Statesman, New Delhi, October 16, 2002, Page No.6

Developed nations main culprits of global warming:
The heat on global warming will be on developed countries at the end of the month, when an international convention on climate change will he held. With the eighth Conference of Parties (COP-8) focussed on stock-taking vis a vis implementation of the UN's frame work convention, developed countries will be doing a lot of explaining.

The Statesman, New Delhi, October 15, 2002, Page No.5

Greenhouse gas emissions rising: Nine days before the climate change theme envelops Delhi, the news is that greenhouse gas emissions, which are supposedly contributing to global warming continue to be on the rise. When delegations from 186 countries meet in Delhi for the eighth conference of parties to the 1992 UN Frame work Convention on Climate Change from October 23, they will be looking at who should do what, amid country divides.

The Times of India, New Delhi, October 15, 2002, Page No.7

Germany to press EU for new greenhouse gas targets:
Germany's Greens, junior partners in the coalition government, said this week they would urge the EU to set new targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions which go beyond those agreed under the 1997 Kyoto Protocol. "We want an EU agreement to cut emissions of gases that damage the environment by 30 percent compared with 1990 levels by 2020," the chairman of the Greens, Fritz Kuhn, told a news conference.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, October 11, 2002

Soot plays dirty games with rainfall:
A US study conducted by NASA has found that a huge quantity of soot particles and other pollutants are causing changes in rainfall and temperatures patterns over China, an observation that may be significant for India considering large-scale use of cow dung, coal and wood for cooking. The scientists say these changes may be contributing towards increased floods and droughts in China and in the other Asian regions.

Business Line, New Delhi, October 10, 2002, Page No.18

Global warming boosts crops, cuts nutrients - study:
Global warming could increase rice, soybean and wheat production in some areas, but the greater plant growth could also hurt the nutritional value of the crops, Ohio researchers said. The nutritional quality declines because while the plants produce more seeds with higher levels of carbon dioxide, the seeds themselves contain less nitrogen, said Peter Curtis, a professor of evolution, ecology and organismal biology at Ohio State University.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, October 9, 2002

'U.S. helping Third World in fight against global warming:
The United States, which has withdrawn from the Kyoto Protocol on Green House Gas (GHG) emissions, is actually helping developing countries achieve the ecological objectives of the protocol in a manner that is more realistic, effective and workable than the protocol provisions. This is the message that Harlan L. Watson Senior Climate Negotiator and Special Representative of the U.S. Department of State, sought to convey at different meetings organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Confederation of Indian Industry-Southern Region(CII-SR).

The Hindu, New Delhi, October 4, 2002, Page No.13

Good scope for Indo-US ventures on climate tech':
With the US Government's increased funding for programmes for reducing greenhouse gases (GHGs) there is scope for increased Indo-US cooperation in collaboration on climate change technologies, according to senior US Government officials. The US Administration has allocated unprecedented funding for climate change programmes within and outside the US. A total of $4.5 billion has been allocated for FY 2003, which is a $ 700 million increase from the previous year.

Business Line, New Delhi, October 4, 2002, Page No.3

Smallest ozone hole since 1988:
This year's Antarctic ozone hole is the smallest one since 1988, but this has little to do with earthly activities and much to do with weird weather in the stratosphere, U.S. Government scientists have said. The ozone hole has also split into two pieces, a new wrinkle on a phenomenon that scientists first observed in the 1970s, and have tracked as one measure of the impact of pollution. The 2002 edition of the ozone hole covers about 16 million sq. km, well below the 24 million square kilometres seen for the last six years at this time of year.

The Hindu, New Delhi, October 2, 2002, Page No.15

Land use rivals greenhouse gases in changing climate:
Changes in land use may rival greenhouse gases in their contributions to global warming, suggests a new international study. The report details the effects of urban sprawl, deforestation and agricultural practices on regional surface temperatures, rainfall patterns and atmospheric circulation, arguing that these land surface changes may have more impact on climate than greenhouse gas emissions.

Environment News Service, US, October 2, 2002

Global warming report throws up chilling facts:
The Sunderbans and other parts of South 24-Parganas in West Bengalas well as large parts of coastal India, including Goa, Mumbai, Orissa, the southern states and island territories, will be affected if global warming raises sea levels. A study on global warming warns of inundation of land, population displacement and economic losses. The report by the School of Environmental Sciences of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, shows that India could lose 0.16 per centof its land area or 0.41 per cent of its coastal regions. This is 5763 sq km.

The Statesman, New Delhi, September 30, 2002, Page No.4

Green consciousness fading, say environmentalists
While the outcome of the recent World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) can at least be termed a mixed bag, environmentalists say, the Johannesburg meet demonstrated that green consciousness may be gradually fading. The global environmental agenda is losing its heart. It is becoming a cause without concern, says Dr. Sunita Narain, Director of Centre for Science and Environment.

Free Press Journal, Mumbai, September 28,2002

Ice meteor due to global warming:
A Spanish scientist says global warming may be to blame for giant blocks of ice which fall from clear skies and rip gaping holes in cars and houses. Jesus Martinez-Firas has spend the last two-and-a-half years investigating so-called megacryometeors - ice meteors - which tend to weigh more than 10 kg and have been known to leave 1.5 metre-wide holes in houses.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, September 28, 2002, Page No.8

Canada's Chretien downplays Kyoto economic impact:
Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien sidestepped questions this week about reports that Canada could lose as much as C$16.5 billion ($10.39 billion) in economic growth and 200,000 jobs if it implements the Kyoto Protocol on reducing greenhouse gases to ease global warming.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, September 27, 2002

Canada Alberta province creates anti-Kyoto task force:
Ralph Klein, the premier of Canada's top oil and gas producing province, said this week his government has established a task force to examine if it can challenge an expected Canadian ratification of the Kyoto treaty on global warming. Klein, premier of Canada's Alberta province, said Canadian lawyer Peter Lougheed was leading the task force of government and private sector members.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, September 26, 2002

Johannesburg Jamboree:
When the leaders of the world, civil society and business converged on Johannesburg recently for the World Summit on Sustainable Development, there was hope against hope that people would unite in the fight for survival, understand their situations and their own interdependence, and do something to improve the lot of millions without access to basics such as safe drinking water, energy and health care. When the world leaders left Johannesburg, that hope seemed all too distant. The anger, and frustration in civil society was evident. Concrete commitments on shared goals of survival and the money and technology to realise these, were missing.

The Times of India, New Delhi, September 26, 2002, Page No.14

Health partnerships are key component of sustainable development:
Improving health is an important step toward expanding development, according to embers of U.S. delegation to the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD). Speaking at a briefing at the Johannesburg, South Africa, meeting August 29, officials from the department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Agency for Internatioal Development (USAID) outlined initiatives the United states is pursuing to promote better health while working in partnership with other governments and agencies toward those goals.

USIS Official Text, New Delhi, September 5, 2002

Hole truth: The ozone hole over the Antartic will now start shrinking, and will completely close over by 2050, say Australian scientists who've been monitoring and studying the worrying phenomenon since it was first detected 30 years ago. Their predictions are based on the results of atmospheric analyses conducted jointly by Australia's Commonwealth Science and Industry Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the Bureau of Meteorology, in Tasmania. (Editorial)

The Times of India, New Delhi, September 24, 2002, Page No.12

Goodbye, hole in the sky:
Scientists are quietly celebrating some good news about the global environment. Two studies published this week suggest that international action to protect the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere is working. Atmospheric levels of ozone-destroying chemicals which are being phased out by the 1987 Montreal protocol, are beginning to fall.

Financial Times, London, September 21, 2002, Page No.7

Jo'burg Summit has not come up to expectations, says Sinha:
India has demanded "full and effective" participation of the developing countries in the global economic decision making institutions and asked them to provide a "coherent" and collective response to meet the challenge of globalisation. The greater access to products and commodities of the developing countries in the developed markets is also essential for their developmental needs, external affairs minister Yashwant Singh said addressing a high level meeting of the G-77 developing nations. He said the outcomes of the Monterrey conference and Johannesburg Summit, though encouraging in many ways, were "modest and did not come up to the expectations of the developing countries."

The Financial Express, New Delhi, September 21, 2002, Page No.3

UK patent report favours developing nations:
The patent regime in the post-2005 is likely to see a paradigm shift as the Commission of the Intellectual Property Rights in its report Integrating Intellectual Property Rights and Development Policy categorically slated that fundamental human rights should not be subordinated to the requirements of IP protection. The UK government constituted the CIPR to study the implications of the patent law provisions and TRIPs Agreement on the development of the generic industry and the availability of drugs covered by patents to people in the developing countries.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, September 20, 2002, Page No.7

Cutest god turns green:
It is the enthusiasm of Greens at the recent UN Earth Summit in Johannesburg has rubbed off on some Mumbaikars celebrating the Ganesha festival? Or it is the people have just taken a cue from Lord Ganesha himself - the god of wisdom and knowledge to curb the menace of pollution due to the immersion of idols? Whatever the explanation, a small beginning has been made towards environment friendly Ganesha festivals.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, September 20, 2002, Page No.1

South Africa says Earth Summit worth the money:
The giant Johannesburg Earth Summit was more expensive than initially estimated, but earned more for the country than it cost South African taxpayers, Environment Minister Valli Moosa said. "At the end of the day, the message I get is that the taxpayer got value for money for the summit," Moosa, the chief organiser of the 10-day event, told SABC radio.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, September 18, 2002

Ozone hole is shrinking, says UN report:
The hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica may close within 50 years as the level of destructive ozone-depleting CFCs in the atmosphere is declining, a leading atmospheric scientist said. Paul Fraser, with the Australia government's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), said he had detected a decline in ozone-destroying gases since 2000.

The Times of India, New Delhi, September 18, 2002, Page No.1

CFC from refrigerators causing ozone depletion:
About seventy per cent of the 2.8 million commercial and domestic refrigerators used in Bangladesh contain chloro fluoro carbons (CFC) which are responsible for contributing to ozone depleting substances (ODS) harming the planet.

The Bangladesh Observer, Dhaka, September 17, 2002, Page No.16

Rs 30 cr. to state to phase out ozone depleting substances:
The Centre will provide Rs 30 core to Karnataka for phasing out 350 tonnes of ozone depleting substances (ODS) from 12 projects, out of a total of Rs 610 crore received as funds from developed nations for phasing out nearly 12,250 tonnes of ODS for as many as 350 projects countrywide. Union Minister for Environment and Forests T R Baalu announced this at the Eight International Day for Preservation of the Ozone Layer held in Bangalore today.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, September 17, 2002, Page No.4

Global warming causes rise in sea level: UNDP:
Due to the ever-increasing global warming, the level of oceans has increased about six to eight inches during the last century. This was stated by the UNDP resident representative in Pakistan, Onder Yucer, at a seminar on "Save Our Sky; Protect Yourself; Protect the Ozone Layer". The event was organized by Pakistan environment ministry in connection with the International Ozone Day, in Islamabad.

Dawn (Internet), Pakistan, September 16, 2002

Heat on the mountain:
Global temperatures rose about 0.6 degrees over the 20th century - possibly the first effects of the industrial revolution - and skyrocketed to between 1.4 and 5.8 degrees C in the 21st, say investigations carried out by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a worldwide body that monitors global warming. Melting glaciers fed the reservoirs in Punjab in this year of weird weather, but scientists warn a lot of water is not something to feel happy about. A time may come when we get no water at all.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, September 15, 2002, Page No.12

Sustainable development and stability:
Large corporate capital, in league with the elites and ruling groups, has become disproportionately potent globally, able to scuttle the push for policies that could ensure an equitable world order. Yet the potential for change is greater today than ever before. The Johannesburg Summit may be an opportunity to clamour for change.

Frontline, Chennai, September 13, 2002, Page No.119

Earth summit: UN up for sale!:
Drinking over 80,000 bottles of mineral water at the World Summit for Sustainable Development (WSSD), delegates form some 109 countries sought to reiterated their commitment to halve the number of people (1.1 billion) without access to drinking water by 2015. But the $55-million Johannesburg Summit, the most expensive of the seven summits since the historic Rio Summit in 1992, failed to commit any additional funds though water was the most significant of the Summit's five themes...editorial

Business Line, New Delhi, September 12, 2002, Page No.8

Japan regrets going overboard with Earth summit team:
Japan should have sent a smaller delegation to the recently concluded World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, Environment Minister Hiroshi Ohki said. "I think Japan would have been better off with a more compact delegation," Ohki told reporters after a Cabinet meeting. He said he plans to speak to Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi about streamlining future delegations in the name of efficiency.

Japan Times (Internet), Japan, September 11, 2002

Greenpeace protests Earth Summit atop Rio's Christ:
Greenpeace activists scaled Rio de Janeiro's hill-top Christ statue last week and hung a giant banner across its outstretched arms in protest at what they called the failure of South Africa's Earth Summit. "Rio+10 = a second chance?" read the bright yellow letters displayed on one of Brazil's most photographed attractions by activists dangling from ropes, one day after the international environment and development conference ended in Johannesburg.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, September 9, 2002

Greens urge public pressure as summit disappoints:
Environmentalists who condemn the Earth Summit for doing little to help the planet said last week public pressure must be exerted on governments and business before their delegations fly abroad. After ten days of tirelessly lobbying world leaders and delegates, activists said they failed to win a strong blueprint to fight poverty and save the environment at the World Summit on Sustainable Development. Analysts said the green movement's lobbying talent is wasted at such mega-events where their loud protests go largely unheard by government delegations and a change in strategy is needed to wield more clout at future summits.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, September 9, 2002

Earth Summit produced 290,000 tonnes carbon dioxide:
Delegates to the Earth Summit, convened to reduce poverty while saving the environment, emitted 290,000 tonnes of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide but paid for schemes to offset only one-seventh of that amount. The Gauteng provincial government set up the scheme, encouraging governments and environmental groups alike to pay into a novel fund to compensate for the pollution caused by flying to South Africa, using electricity and driving around.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, September 9, 2002

Johannesburg fiasco:
The World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg could not have ended in a bigger failure. It did produce a plan of action on sustainable development, but it was a plan that either watered down existing national and global commitments or passed off old agreements as new ones..........Editorial

The Hindu, New Delhi,September 9, 2002, Page No.10

Little progress:
There was not much expectation from the second Earth Summit that concluded at Johannesburg last week. But even what emerged from it showed that little progress was made. The marathon 10 day deliberations among nearly 200 nations, most of them represented by their heads of states, were meant to carry forward the process of clean development that was put in the global agenda in the first such conference at Rio de Janeiro in 1992. But at the end of the Johannesburg meet, nothing changed seems to have changed......Editorial

Business Standard, New Delhi, September 9, 2002, Page No.11

Special meet on Kyoto protocol ratification:
India has convened a special meeting of about 40 select countries on September 29 to ensure that the conference of parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate to be held in New Delhi from October 23 to November 7 would prove a success, overcoming the sharp North-South divide. The meeting would particularly focus on ratification of Kyoto Protocol on reduction of emission of greenhouse gases, adopted under the convention five years ago, but is still to come into force as several key countries have yet to ratify it.

The Hindu, New Delhi, September 8, 2002, Page No.11

EU seeks green energy goals after summit defeat:
Still smarting from its failure to win green energy targets at the Earth Summit, the European Union urged countries to join a new group to push for global goals on renewable energy. The EU had sought a global target that would bind countries at the World Summit on Sustainable Development to derive at least 15 percent of their energy supply from renewable energy sources by 2015, but that plan was quashed by the United States, Japan and OPEC states on Monday. The EU called on "like-minded states" to adopt time-bound targets to increase renewable green energy output by means such as solar and wind power to cut emissions from the fossil fuels blamed for warming the planet and to improve the health of people who use wood stoves as their main energy source.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, September 7, 2002

Oilmen's "green" pledges met with disbelief in Rio:
Oilmen from across the world pledged to protect the environment and foster sustainable development at an industry conference in Brazil this week, but environmental groups met their promises with skepticism. Environmentalists invited to the 17th World Petroleum Congress in Rio de Janeiro said the eco-friendly pledges by the world's top oil men would have been plausible had they not come after the disappointing Johannesburg Earth Summit. The U.N. summit, which ended this week, approved a target-less program to promote non-fossil energy, which angered environmentalists who branded it a weak-minded sell-out to the U.S. oil industry and the OPEC oil cartel.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, September 7, 2002

Kyoto won't kill Canada's oil sands boom - analysts: -
Canada's energy future remains linked to Alberta's vast oil sands despite claims by some executives that ratifying the Kyoto Protocol will prevent companies from investing in the high-emission projects. Prime Minister Jean Chretien said on Monday Canada

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, Septmber 7, 2002

Canadian minister says Kyoto cost estimates on way:
Canada aims to have the costs of cutting emissions under the Kyoto accord hammered down next month as part of plans for meeting its commitments, the country's energy minister said this week ahead of a meeting with anxious oil executives. The energy industry has blasted Prime Minister Jean Chretien's announcement this week that Parliament will vote on ratifying the treaty before the end of this year, saying the decision was made without knowing the costs and potential harm to the economy.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, Septembr 7, 2002

Earth Summit: A balance sheet:
Opinion is divided on what the Earth Summit in Johannesburg achieved. Developed countries pushed their WTO agenda on issues such as labour standards and eco-labelling. Developing countries responded by pressing for removal of trade-distorting subsidies for agriculture in the North. The two sides fought to a standstill and finally-agreed formulations are marginal departures from the trade agenda agreed in Doha...editorial

Business Line, New Delhi, September 7, 2002, Page No.8

Earth summit should not be only rhetoric: Megawati:
President Megawati Soekarnoputri has expressed hope that the Sustainable Development Summit held in Johannesburg will not prove to be pure rhetoric on the part its participants. "The Johannesburg Summit should not be rhetoric only like the summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 10 years ago," she said as quoted by Antara after attending the closing ceremony of the summit on Wednesday.

The Statesman, New Delhi, September 7, 2002, Page No.spIII)

Small is all right:
If the world had needed saving, it would have been wrong to expect an event such as the UN summit to raise to that challenge in the first place. Happily, though, the world does not need saving. On most measures, both human welfare and the environment are getting better, not worse. Particular problems, such as AIDS and climate change, do need more attention and international co-operation. When it comes to curbing poverty, on the other hand, international co-operation is not the man thing that is needed. In any case, it is ludicrous to suggest that the earth is in grave peril.

The Economist, London, September 7, 2002, Page No.13

Doodling at Jo'Burg:
India's presence at the World Summit on Sustainable Development at Johannesburg was virtually invisible. This is in sharp contrast with the event's precursor the 1992 Earth Summit at Rio de Janeiro where India was in effect the spokesperson of the G-77 developing countries and took a strong stand on global environmental issues.

Outlook, New Delhi, September 6, 2002, Page No.8

Big agenda, little action on world's problems:
In the end, the UN World Summit on Sustainable Development was just too complex. The ambitious project to increase development and rescue the destitute from their plight without further damaging the Earth's environment for future generations ended with a sprawling document that had something for everyone but few specific promises. Many of those who invested so much in the conference -like President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa or Kofi Annan, the secretary-general of the United Nations -hope that Johannesburg will be a wake-up call a turning point for a world in crisis.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, Septembr 6, 2002, Page No.1

U.N. Earth Summit adopts plan:
World leaders from about 100 countries adopted an implementation plan and a political declaration in winding up a 10-day U.N. summit on the environment and development. The Plan of Implementation maps out specific measures to be taken in areas such as eradication of poverty, globalization and health, while the political declaration expresses the leaders' commitments to achieve sustainable development.

Japan Times (Internet), Japan, September 6, 2002

Sham Summit:
The World Summit on Sustainable Development may have cost a mammoth $50 million, yet tragically it has very little to show for this price tag. For a conference which was meant to chart the world's progress (or not) in vital areas of health, environment, energy and biodiversity over the past 10 years, it is obvious that its delegated learnt little from the original Earth Summit at Rio. (Editorial).

The Financial Express, New Delhi, September 6, 2002, Page No.6

Jo'burg and Us:
Rio +10 + Johannesburg = 0. Zero is the sum total of what emerged from the recently concluded Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development. Negotiators representing over a hundred countries discussed and debated through the week, arguing for what they felt were best deals for their respective governments. Ironically, one vital question remained unaddressed : Who does Planet Earth belong to ? To governments or to the people? If neither the 1992 Earth Summit nor the Jo'burg meet even raised this question, it is because official participants were preoccupied with the business of business(Editorial)

The Times of India, New Delhi, September 6, 2002, Page No.14

Earth Summit ends with a sweeping vision:
World leaders and global activists agree on this much: Blame it on Rio. The Earth Summit 10 years ago in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, grandly resolved to save all of nature, from the humblest algae to the majestic elephant. and it agreed the planet's delicate climate urgently needed protection before global warming rises to unbearable levels. How to fulfill that sweeping vision while lifting billions of people from crushing poverty become the difficult job of delegates to the World Summit which closed on Wednesday.

The Hindu, New Delhi, September 6, 2002, Page No.15)

Who cares for the earth?:
The environmental health of the planet did not improve after the path breaking Earth Summit at Stockholm in 1972. It did not change in spite of the decibel level being raised at Rio in 1992 to a point that ensured the whispered reservations of the rich could be heard across the globe. The message from Johannesburg that hosted the latest round of the World Summit on sustainable Development is not encouraging either. It is the same old story of the poor being allowed a forum from which they can share with the rest of the world their concerns about environment related issues.......

Editorial (The Tribune, New Delhi, September 6, 2002, Page No.10

'Earth Summit' brings to fore vision of children:
A five-point declaration to address a gamut of issues pertaining to basic rights, education, health and poverty, and a commitment to do their best to make the world a better place to live in the next 10 years - this is what the 110 delegates from around the world pledged to do at the first-ever Children's Earth Summit, which was recently held in Johannesburg. The 12-member Indian delegation which comprised school children from across the country, said the summit brought to the for the vision of the children about the earth they want to inherit.

Business Line, New Delhi, 06/09/2002, Page No.2

Wasted summit:
Of the four major issues that were outlined as priorities before the beginning of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg on September, 26, 2002 - namely, population growth, global warming, conservation of natural resources and food scarcity - only poverty and environment have managed to find a place in the Summit Action Plan. Simultaneously, the overwhelming question, how to eradicated poverty and save the environment at the same time, has been left unanswered...editorial

The Pioneer, New Delhi, September 6, 2002, Page No.6

Brown haze plays key role in frequent floods:
Bangladesh's frequent floodings with severity is the consequence of "Asian Brown Haze', the scientific connotation of a vast blanket of pollution stretching across South Asia that is affecting rainfall patterns in the entire downstream region of the Himalayas.Scientists working for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) give a note of warning that the haze may also directly affect farming and human health, causing more respiratory diseases.

The Bangladesh Observer, Dhaka, September 20, 2002, Page No.1

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, September 6,2002

Kyoto Protocol:
Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed on Tuesday that Moscow intended to ratify the UN Kyoto Protocol on global warming although some "technical" problems remained with the deal. Earlier on Tuesday, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov announced at the earth summit in Johannesburg that Moscow hoped to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, "in the very near future."

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, September 4, 2002, Page No.12)

China, Russia back Kyoto greenhouse gas pact:
Russia and China gave their backing for the Kyoto protocol meant to cut emissions of greenhouse gases blamed for warming the planet. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov told the Earth Summit he expected Moscow to ratify the Kyoto Protocol on global warming soon. Russian ratification would, due to a complex weighting system, virtually ensure the treaty is implemented despite its rejection by the biggest air polluter, the United States.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, September 4, 2002

Renewable energy comes a cropper at Earth Summit:
The major non-deal to come out of the World Summit on Sustainable Development is on energy - a far cry from the lofty principles spouted by world leaders in the ongoing general debate. The summit plan will mention improving access to energy services but will set no targets on increasing the share of renewable energy in the world's total energy production.

The Times of India, New Delhi, September 4, 2002, Page No.13

U.S. opposes E.U. proposals:
Overnight, discussion at the World Summit on a plan for tackling poverty and protecting the environment turned heated when the European Union proposed taking the contentious issues out of the hands of negotiators and sending them to top ministers to decide. The United States has refused to agree to specific target dates for new goals, such as halving the number of people in the world without access to sanitation by 2015, saying that results were more important than words on paper.

The Hindu, New Delhi, August 31, 2002, Page No.14

Doing business in Johannesburg:
A good plan, poorly implemented that is how the United Nations now judges the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Ten years later, there is disillusion over the ability of governments to promote economic development while protecting the environment. hopes for progress at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg are there fore pinned firmly on the private sector, encouraged by representatives of 700 companies.

(Editorial) Financial Times, London, August 29, 2002, Page No.10

Call for ore investment in poorest countries:
Global business leaders launched a programme to promote greater investment by multinationals in the world's 50 poorest countries. Business Action for sustainable Development (BASD), a grouping of international chambers of commerce, unveiled the initiative at the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development.

Financial Times, London, August 29, 2002, Page No.4

Financial Times, London, August 29, 2002, Page No.10

LEADING SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT STORIES OF THE DAY- U.S. opposes E.U. proposals:
Overnight, discussion at the World Summit on a plan for tackling poverty and protecting the environment turned heated when the European Union proposed taking the contentious issues out of the hands of negotiators and sending them to top ministers to decide. The United States has refused to agree to specific target dates for new goals, such as halving the number of people in the world without access to sanitation by 2015, saying that results were more important than words on paper.

The Hindu, New Delhi, August 31, 2002, Page No.14

Towards Johannesburg:
On the agenda and the imponderables before the World Summit for Sustainable Development scheduled to be held in Johannesburg from August 26. The champions of development and the defenders of the environment have been battling each other ever since the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, held in 1972 in Stockholm, launched the 'sustainable development' debate. That conference, for the first time, articulated the theme of harmony between humankind and nature. Global environmental governance systems such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) were also put in place. More worrying is the importance given to Track-Ii negotiations, which means encouraging partnerships between the private sector and civil society. This, says Centre for Science and Environment director Sunita Narain, allows governments to abdicate the responsibility for implementing Agenda 21 and undermines the multilateralism that was carefully nurtured at Rio.

Frontline, Chennai, August 30, 2002, Page No.89

Green groups sue US agencies over global warming:
Environmental groups filed a lawsuit this week against two U.S. government agencies for financing the overseas projects of American energy firms while ignoring the effects those deals have on global warming and the environment. The lawsuit claims the U.S. Export-Import Bank and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, or OPIC, illegally provided $32 billion in financing and insurance over 10 years to develop oil fields and build pipelines and coal-fired power plants.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, August 29, 2002

Calamities linked to global warming:
It has been summer of extremes. Rains have deluged Europe and Asia, swamping cities and villages, killing some 2000 people, while drought and heat have seared the American West and Eastern cities. The floods and droughts could simply be flickers in the inherently chaotic weather system, some experts say. But many warn that such extremes will be increasingly common as the world grows warmer.

The Statesman, New Delhi, August 29, 2002, Page No.1

India ratifies Kyoto Protocol:
India has ratified the contentious Kyoto Protocol by submitting the instruments of accession to the protocol at the United Nations Headquarters two days ago, union Minister for Environment and forests T.R. Baalu said in Johannesburg. "India's accession to the Kyoto Protocol is a reiteration of our commitment to addressing and resolving various issues of global concern in a multilateral manner," Mr. Baalu said at the ongoing World Summit for Sustainable Development.

The Tribune, New Delhi, August 29, 2002, Page No.7

A decade later, optimism prevails at Earth Summit:
The number of apologies speakers offered at the opening ceremony of the Johannesburg summit must have broken all records of any global meet. Everyone felt rather regretful that the world governments failed to live up to the commitments they made 10 years ago at the Earth Summit in June 1992 at Rio de Janeiro.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, August 29, 2002, Page No.14

Big business and Greenpeace urge action on climate change:
Two organisations with a history of mutual distrust and recrimination - big business and Greenpeace - have sunk their differences to appeal to the world to take action on climate change. The World Business Council on Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and Greenpeace held an unprecedented joint press conference last night to urge the world to ratify the Kyoto protocol and begin to cut greenhouse gases - a course the US has firmly rejected.

The Guardian (Internet), UK, August 29, 2002

Earth Summit confronts global water crisis:
Earth Summit delegates tackled ways to quench the planet's growing thirst and provide sanitation to billions of the world's poor who do without either every day. The world gathering entered its third day in Johannesburg amid tight security against the possibility of fresh protests and with the land seizures crisis in Zimbabwe threatening to divert the attention of world leaders flying in next week.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, August 29, 2002

Water security key issue at UN summit:
Water security will be a key issue at the U.N.'s World Summit on Sustainable Development under way in Johannesburg until September 4. A follow-up to the Rio Earth Summit of 1992, it aims to map out a concrete set of action plans to reduce global poverty and the North/South income gap in a sustainable way without inflicting irreparable damage to the environment.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, August 29, 2002

Earth summit negotiations deadlocked:
Officials working late into the night at the World Summit on Sustainable Development have agreed on the nice language but negotiations are deadlocked on definitions of globalisation and the reduction, or elimination, or environmentally-harmful and trade-distorting subsidied in developed countries.

The Times of India, New Delhi, August 29, 2002, Page No.13

Earth summit deal:
A plan to restore the world's heavily depleted fish stocks by 2015 was agreed by 189 nations at the earth summit on Tuesday, the first major breakthrough in the negotiations. The rescue package involves creating a series of protected marine areas around the worlds by 2012 and restricting fishing until stocks recover in many other parts of the oceans.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, August 29, 2002, Page No.12

Carbide under attack at Earth summit:
The world's worst industrial disaster in Bhopal has occupied centre stage in some forums at the World Summit on Sustainable Development, with activists using it as an icon of coporate crime. Victims of the accident caused by the Union Carbide pesticide plant in 1984 timed their demonstration. Rashida Bi, from the Gas Peedit Women's Organisation in Bhopal, who lost six members of her family, told delegates how 300 women from the town stormed the Dow Chemical office in Mumbai earlier this year. Dow merged with Union Carbide in 2001.

Business Standard, New Delhi, August 29, 2002, Page No.3

Thailand ratifies Kyoto emission reduction pact:
Thailand has ratified the Kyoto protocol on global warming, a government statement said. The move received a mixed reaction from environmentalists. Athena Ballesteros, Greenpeace campaign manager for Southeast Asia, said the ratification was perfectly timed as it coincided with the Earth Summit in Johannesburg where government leaders and environment advocates were meeting.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, August 29, 2002

Developed world to share pledged help with poor:
India is lobbying developing countries to ensure that the developed world shares 0.7 per cent of their annual GNP pledged at the Rio Earth Summit 10 years ago as Official Development Assistance with poor nations. "We will definitely impress on member countries that there should be no dilution of agenda 21 which provides for an action plan to sustain the path of development in the 21st century," Union Minister for Environment and Forests T.R. Baalu said in an interview on the sidelines of the ongoing World Summit for Sustainable Development.

The Tribune, New Delhi, August 29, 2002, Page No.7

Brave new world:
Embedded in the human predicament is the notion of a utopia, of a world in which the distinctions between the poor and rich will be blurred. In the cynical and weary world of the 21 st century the World Summit for Sustainable Development in Johannesburg embodies such a utopia. The meeting began on Monday with a call to end "global apartheid" between the rich and the poor......Editorial

The Telegraph, Calcutta, August 28, 2002, Page No.12

Global talks on ecology open with a warning:
The UN summit conference on sustainable development opened under what President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa called a "dark shadow" of poverty, underdevelopment and inequality along with a worsening global ecological crisis. The theme of the 10-day conference, which will; be attended by at least 104 heads of state or government but not by President George W. Bush, is how to ensure global development now without ruining the environment for future generations.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, August 27, 2002, Page No.1

Business resists new partnerships 'solution':
Business orgaisations warned the United Nations against using partnerships between companies, governments and civil society as an alternative to a political agreement at the world summit on sustainable development.

Financial Times, London, August 27, 2002, Page No.6

Summit on basics:
In ten crucial days to chart the path for the planet's future and save it from environmental destruction, the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) is expected to take on goals like halving world poverty by 2015, reducing emissions, ending global apartheid and combating AIDS. Despite President Bush abstaining from the summit, with over 4000 expected to attend, it is hoped that members of the non-government organisations and other individuals will be able to influence world leaders to mend their ecological damaging ways...editorial

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, August 27, 2002, Page No.8

OPEC to defend use of crude as fuel source at Earth Summit:
OPEC, whose members rely on oil for as much as 85% of revenue, will lobby to prevent proposal cutting the use of crude at a meeting in South Africa after ignoring the last such summit, analysts said. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, which provides a third of the world's daily oil supplies, will send a delegation led by its Secretary-General to the meeting. More than 100 heads of state are gathering for a 10-day summit aimed at improving health, the environment and economic development. United Nations-sponsored pacts on cutting emissions of gases derived for burning fossil fuels such as oil and coal have been adopted since the Rio de Janeiro summit, including the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, which obliges industrial nations to cut carbon dioxide emissions by at least 5 per cent below 1990 levels by 2012.

Business Line, New Delhi, August 27, 2002, Page No.12

EU promises sanitation, to fulfill past summit plans:
Ignoring opposition from Washington, the European Union said on Monday it would push to add a new binding target on improving sanitation to the action plan being worked on a the World Development Summit. "We're willing to be held accountable, but we want out partners to join us...In signing up to the sanitation target," said Christine Day, a top official at the EU's executive commission.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, August 27, 2002, Page No.5

Call for action at earth meet:
The Earth Summit opened on Monday with a call for coordinated international action to fight poverty and protect the global environment. "The peoples of the world expected that this world summit will live up to its promise of being a fitting culmination to a decade of hope," South African President Thabo Mbeki told delegates at the opening session of the United Nations world summit on Sustainable development.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, August 27, 2002, Page No.13

Worldly matters:
Its cheerleaders may call it 'the last chance to save the planet' and its critics may dismiss kit as 'the Johannesburg junket'. But whichever way you look at it, the fact remains that it will be naive to expected the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in South Africa to do much more than market the 10th anniversary of the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. It was in Rio in 1992 that one of the issues now dominating the WSSD - saving the earth form ecological devastation - was first put high on the global political agenda. The report card since Rio is hardly impressive: global temperatures and sea levels creep ever upwards even as the atmosphere e sags under heat-trapping pollution...editorial

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, August 27, 2002, Page No.10

Glaciers in HP hit by decreasing snowfall:
The adverse impact of global warming is slowly, but surely, being felt in this mountain state. The snowline of glaciers have gradually moved up by as much as two to three km at various places in the higher reaches, causing concern to environmentalists and authorities.

The Times of India, New Delhi, August 27, 2002, Page No.5

North-South wrangling heralds Earth Summit:
Familiar battle lines divided rich and poor nations last week as negotiators in Johannesburg worked to salvage plans for cutting world poverty and saving the planet at next week's mammoth Earth Summit.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, August 26, 2002

Rajasthan village finds a place at Earth Summit:
The World Summit on Sustainable Development or the Rio+10, commencing in Johannesburg would have a slice Rajasthan in it Featuring in a photo exhibition, being presented by Soka Gakkal International, a lay Buddhist association, is Nimi, a village in Jamwa Ramgarh tehsil of Jaipur where community efforts on water conservation over a decade brought self sustainability to the village life.

The Hindu, New Delhi, August 26, 2002, Page No.1

Last-ditch bid to save Earth Summit:
Ahead of the formal start of the World Summit on Sustainable Development, delegates are already locked into negotiations to resolve issues which have defied solution so far. The negotiations come amid fears of a fractured Summit which may just see the divide between the developed and developing worlds deepen and leave the poor exactly where they are - out in the cold.

The Times of India, New Delhi, August 26, 2002, Page No.1

Member nations make progress on draft action plan:
There were indications on Saturday that informal negotiations among Untied Nations members on a draft plan of actin for sustainable development had resulted in some progress. A round of talks aimed at ironing out some of the most contentious issues contained in the document got underway in earnest in South Africa earlier in the day ahead of the official opening on Monday. All UN member states were in attendance at the talks, which follow wide disagreement on at least 25 per cent of the contents of the proposed action plan for implementing the goals set out in Rio de Janeiro a decade ago.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, August 26, 2002, Page No.5

Johannesburg summit starts today:
AS 10-day World Summit on Sustainable Development begins on Monday to discuss contentious issues of growing disparities between developed and poor nations in a globalising world and the need to eliminate trade distorting subsidies that inhibit sustainable consumption and production patterns in developed countries. A high-level Indian delegation headed by Environment Minister T R Baalu for the first six days and by External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha in the second part, will attend the conference.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, August 26, 2002, Page No.8

Indian initiative:
The Chennai based M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) will play an important role at the Johannesburg summit. On the invitation of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the world's largest multilateral agency for environment protection, the foundation will launch an 'Ecology Of Hope Initiative' on August 30.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, August 25, 2002, Page No.3

Rich nations accused of damaging Earth Summit:
Environmentalists denounced a proposal to bridge a North-South rift on the eve of the Earth Summit in Johannesburg as a sell-out to rich nations seeking freer trade and corporate globalisation."It's making a farce of the Earth Summit," Greenpeace political director Remi Parmentier said, accusing the United States and European Union of pushing for corporate globalisation without heeding its negative environmental side-effects.

Business Recorder (Internet), Pakistan, August 25, 2002

U.K. not to boycott Earth Summit:
The British Government has rejected calls for a boycott of the Earth Summit, beginning in Johannesburg on Monday, to protest the developments in Zimbabwe where nearly 3,000 white farmers, mostly British, are facing forcible eviction under President Mugabe's controversial land reforms.

The Hindu, New Delhi, August 25, 2002, Page No.14

Big oil groups top league for 'greenwash':
The big oil companies were some of the first multinationals to find themselves in the environmental 'hall of shame' in the run up to next week's World Summit on Sustainable Development, to be held in Johnnesburg. Friends of the Earth singled out Shell, British Petroleum (BP) and ExxonMobil for accusations that they had played up green credentials but fell short of their much-publicised environmentally friendly ideals.

Financial Times, London, August 24, 2002, Page No.2

Bid to break Earth summit logjam:
Final talks aimed at breaking the main logjams facing the World Summit on Sustainable Development begin in Johannesburg two days before the official start of the meeting aimed at revitalising efforts to reduce global poverty and protect the environment.

Financial Times, London, August 24, 2002, Page No.1

Government accuses UN of blowing up Asian haze:
The government has fired a counter volley against the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), accusing it of grossly exaggerating the impact of the pollution haze, the Asian Brown Cloud. "The UNEP projects an alarming picture of the Asian Brown cloud, based on otherwise preliminary modeling studies," the government said in a statement issued in response to a widely reported press conference by UNEP executive director Klaus Toepfer earlier this month.

Business Standard, New Delhi, August 24, 2002, Page No.2

Green Groups urge Johannesburg leaders to regulate Corporate Social Responsibility:
Green groups across Europe are calling for a legally binding international framework on corporate accountability and liability, and plan to make the World Summit on Sustainable Development their stage for this demand. The corporate giant has been making his way across Europe this week

Edie (Internet), UK, August 23, 2002

Ecuador pipeline fuels environmental groups' anger:
Although governments attempting the UN World Summit on Sustainable Development have clashed repeatedly over goals, the richer countries have been able to agree on one proposal : a four year, $2.92bn replenishment of the Global Environment Facility, which funds projects in developing countries considered vital to the rest of the world.

Financial Times, London, August 23, 2002, Page No.4

Global talks taking up threats to earth riches:
Since the Earth summit meeting in Rio de Janeiro 10 years ago, more than 180 countries have signed a convention to protect one of the planet's most valuable natural resources : the tremendous variety and diversity of plant and animal species.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, August 23, 2002, Page No.1

Lomborg urges Earth Summit to focus on poverty:
A top Danish environmentalist said next week's gathering of world leaders for the Earth Summit should concentrate on finding ways to alleviate poverty rather than "unrealistic" environmental issues. "It is not realistic to believe that people struggling to find their next meal would worry about the environment 50 years ahead," Dr. Bjorn Lomborg, author of controversial book "The Sceptical Environmentalist", told Reuters in an interview.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, August 23, 2002

Earth summit to help recycling - of old promises:
The Earth Summit will recycle old, broken promises and do little to fight poverty or protect the planet, many experts say. The 10-day summit in Johannesburg will end with about 100 world leaders making pledges to halve the number of people living on less than a dollar a day by 2015 - a goal set two years ago and which has already slipped behind target.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, August 23, 2002

Paradise far from regained since last Earth Summit:
When leaders from more than 100 countries met to debate the fate of the planet in Rio de Janeiro 10 years ago, British artist Edwina Sandys sought to capture the spirit in a 20 foot (six metre) sculpture. It depicted a human holding hands with trees, a reference to the need to save the world's forests. It was made of recycled aluminum, a plea to preserve the world's limited resources.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, August 23, 2002

Govt ignores summit hopes of India Inc:
The government has left out the Indian industry from the official delegation to the World Summit for Sustainable Development beginning in Johannesburg on August 26. The industry is obviously piqued at being completely ignored by the government, especially on an issue like sustainable development in which it has a big role to play.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, August 23, 2002, Page No.1

Global warming takes its toll on Africa:
The average temperature in Africa rose 0.7 C in the 20th century due to climate change, conservation group World Wide Fund for Nature said. Higher temperatures could lead to further desertification, it warned. The WWF blamed the warmer climate for a gradual decrease in Africa's biodiversity, which it said was essential for sustaining the habitat on the continent.

The Statesman, New Delhi, August 22, 2002, Page No.IV(m)

Indiatoughens stand on earth summit:
India will oppose any interpretation of the principles adopted in Rio for sustainable development by the developed nations if it involves the issue of non tariff barriers on labour, health standards and good governance, instead of issues based on the management of natural resources, Union environment minister T R Baalu said. Johannesburg will be playing host to the nine day World Summit on Sustainable Development, beginning August 26. While Baalu will head the Indian delegation for the first five days, the next four days will see external affairs minister Yashwant Sinha at the helm of affairs.

Business Standard, New Delhi, August 22, 2002, Page No.2

EarthSummit on shaky ground:
The countdown to UN Earth Summit has seen US President George W Bush bowing out of the meeting, member countries failing to agree fully on an agenda and activists warning that solutions to the environment's massive problems may not materialise.

The Times of India, New Delhi, August 22, 2002, Page No.10

Multinationals object to world court on environment:
Many large international corporations are gearing up for the World summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg this month with an outpouring of promotional advertising to highlight their environmental credentials. The ads feature, positive images like crystal stream, soaring eagles, leaping whales, bounding tigers and happy humans.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, August 22, 2002, Page No.14

India raps rich for backtracking on assurances:
Charging developed countries with going back on assurances to enhance financial support to protect global environment, India said it would punch for a time bound programme for official development assistance (ODA) and implementation of Agenda 21 agreed at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, August 22, 2002, Page No.3

Earth summit documents lack bite, experts say:
Impenetrable and nebulous wording makes a draft text for next week's Earth Summit almost unintelligible, but clearly exposes the divide between rich countries seeking to avoid solid commitments and poor nations eager for aid, experts say. They say the 77-page draft implementation plan, which will outline the Johannesburg summit's conclusions, is a weak document emasculated by ambiguous wording that will not commit signatory countries to meaningful action.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, August 22, 2002

Biodiversity in focus at Earth Summit:
Biodiversity and threats to the planet's flora and fauna will be among the issues raised at the U.N.'s Earth Summit in Johannesburg. Many leading scientists and the United Nations itself have painted a gloomy picture of the planet's future. Some experts say we are on the verge of the greatest mass extinction since the dinosaurs died out 65 million years ago.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, August 22, 2002

Global forum to press leaders to save planet:
Thousands of activists have gathered in Johannesburg for an alternative forum to the Earth Summit, which will press world leaders to stick to agreed targets and implement plans to save the planet. The so called global forum will be launched on Friday in a Johannesburg stadium at a ceremony that will include speeches by South African President Thabo Mbeki and performances by African music icons such as Mali's Salif Keita and Nigerian Femi Kuti.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, August 22, 2002, Page No.6

Earth Summit on shaky ground:
The countdown to UN Earth Summit has seen US President George W Bush bowing out of the meeting, member countries failing to agree fully on an agenda and activists warning that solutions to the environment's massive problems may not materialise.

The Times of India, New Delhi, August 22, 2002, Page No.10

PwC launches climate change service in India:
PricewaterhouseCoopers(PwC )has started a climate change service in India as the country has emerged a potential destination for the developed world to meet emission reduction commitments under the Kyoto Protocol.PwC has appointed its director (climate change services) Michael Molter to set up a separate team for India.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, August 21, 2002, Page No.14

WWF says Africa under threat from carbon pollution:
Millions of people and animals in Africa will be under serious threat unless governments at the U.N. Earth Summit in Johannesburg next week pledge to stem carbon pollution, the conservation body WWF warned yesterday. The WWF urged more than 60 world leaders due to meet at the August 26-September 4 summit to take new steps to curb pollution linked to carbon dioxide and shift to using renewable, non-polluting fuels like solar power. In a report on climate change in Africa, the WWF said people, wildlife and plants "will suffer serious consequences" unless carbon pollution was cut and sustainable land use encouraged.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, August 21, 2002

Environmentalists berated U.S. President George W. Bush yesterday for deciding to skip the Johannesburg Earth Summit, saying it showed a failure of leadership by the world's most powerful nation. Bush said that he would send Secretary of State Colin Powell to the giant August 26-September 4 summit, gathering at least 60 heads of state and 40,000 delegates, to discuss ways to curb global poverty while protecting the planet. Environmentalists said the widely-expected announcement sealed Bush's reputation as a environmental laggard after he pulled the United States out of the Kyoto pact meant to limit emissions of greenhouse gases caused by burning fossil fuels.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, August 21, 2002

Focus on famine in Johannesburg:
When the world's great and good gather in Johannesburg for the World Summit on Sustainable Development next weekend, they may not meet any starving Africans. But they will be meeting less than a day's drive from countries facing the worst humanitarian crisis in the world today. Six nations of southern Africa are facing the combined effects of drought, floods, food shortage and the HIV/Aids pandemic. That should be top of the summit agenda. (Editorial)

Financial Times, London, August 20, 2002, Page No.10

The business of sustainable development:
It is billed as one of the largest summits ever held. By the start of the World Summit for Sustainable Development a week from today, tens of thousands of delegates will have gathered in Johannesburg with the avowed goal of eradicating poverty and stopping environmental destruction. Deadlock over environmental treaties means that the summit has broadened to include development and poverty alleviation.

Business Standard, New Delhi, August 20, 2002, Page No.16

Earthsummit urged to focus on Africa food production:
The World Bank says the World Summit on Sustainable Development, which opens in Johannesburg next weekend, should give special focus to food production in famime-blighted sub-Saharan Africa.

Financial Times, London, August 19, 2002, Page No.4

Action agenda of women:
In response to Agenda 21 that the Rio Summit came up with, concerned NGOs came up with an "Alternative treaty", which included a Global women's charter for a just and healthy planet. At the forthcoming Johannesburg summit, women from around the world will be submitting the "Women's action agenda for peaceful and healthy planet 2015 ", listing goals for the next ten years.

Newstime, Hyderabad, August 19, 2002, Page No.8

Bush turns his cack on World Summit:
Secretary of State Colin Powell will lead the American delegation to the World Summit on Sustainable Development, to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa from August 26 through September 4. President George W. Bush made the announcement, giving no explanation as to why he will not be attending the summit to join 106 other world leaders on the speaker's podium.

Environment News Service, US, August 19, 2002

Global efforts to resolve ecological problems stressed:
Meteorological records indicated that rainfall in Assam is declining over the last ten years, yet flood devastations are increasing. Last year, Arunachal Pradesh experienced one of the worst floods in decades but it was not caused by heavy rains in the catchment areas. The cause was in China were a landslide dammed the Hwang-Ho river which burst after three months. Growth in the number of cars in United States is causing global warming while a raise in refrigerator sales can lead to ozone depletion with catastrophic results globally. What all this means is that we are witnessing what can be termed 'Ecological globalisation'. In other words, most environmental problems cannot be solved locally or by one country alone. A consultation was organised by the Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi, in Guwahati, on August 11 where representatives from Assam, Meghalaya and Manipur discussed the links with their local environmental problems and the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) that will take place in Johannesburg in South Africa from August 26 to September 4 next.

The Assam Tribune, Guwahati, August 18, 2002, Page No.1

Australia says on track to meet Kyoto target:
Australia, the world's largest coal exporter, said new data showed it was on track to meet its Kyoto Treaty greenhouse gas emissions target, but a leading environmentalist labelled the latest figures a "greenwash". Australia said its greenhouse gas emissions would increase by 11 percent by the end of the decade but it believed it could cut that back to its Kyoto target of an eight percent rise by 2012.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, August 19, 2002

Earth Summit II focus on humans, not just environment:
The road from the first Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro 10 years ago to similar global conference in Johannesburg later this month is paved with good intentions about improving the lot of the world's poor while safeguarding the environment. But the path also risks running into a dead end, as the largest meeting eve held by the United Nations faces major challenges in trying to put life into empty promises to reverse the ecological degradation and falling living standards that afflict much of the world. But today, 80 countries have lower per capital incomes than they did at the time of the Rio conference. Threats are higher than ever to natural resources such as to natural resources such as forests, fish, and clean water and air.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, August 17, 2002, Page No.5

Uncertainty overshadows Earth summit:
The largest United Nations gathering in history is to start in Johannesburg in nine days' time, with nations reflecting on the progress -- or the lack of it -- toward achieving a more sustainable world over the past decade and wrangling over how to do a better job in the future. But with few in agreement on what would constitute a successful meeting or what role Japan should play in achieving that aim, participants will be gathering under a cloud of uncertainty. More than 60,000 delegates, businesspeople and members of nongovernmental organizations are expected to attend the World Summit on Sustainable Development, slated to run from Aug. 26 to Sept. 4.

Japan Times (Internet), Japan, August 17, 2002

Bush snubs earth summit:
George Bush will not attend this month's Johannesburg earth summit, the White House confirmed: a decision environmentalists said illustrated the administration's contempt for green issues. It did not come as a surprise. Mr Bush abandoned the Kyoto protocol on global warming last year, and later proposed an alternative with far less ambitious goals. The secretary of state, Colin Powell, will represent the US at the summit on sustainable development, which begins on August 26.

The Guardian (Internet), UK, August 17, 2002

India seeks long-term action plan at Rio 10+ by Sudha Nagaraj:
India and other developing countries in the Group 77 will push for the acceptance of the draft implementation agenda for sustainable development in its entirety at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) to be held at Johannesburg between August 28 and September 3.The draft plan catering to Agenda 21 agreed to at Rio, has been prepared over a period of one. But at the last meeting in Bali in May-June, serious differences arose between the North and the South with the developed world refusing to commit to several key issues in continuing sustainable development efforts.Consequently, this plan of action of Type I is full of bracketed portions, indicating lack of consensus."The claim is that 75% if the document has been agreed to, but the fact is that all the relevant portions are bracketed. What is not, is meaningless...." says Sunita Narain of the Centre for Science and Environment.

Economic Times, New Delhi, August 14, 2002

The environment development link:
The 'Asian Brown Cloud' the three km deep cocktail of deadly pollutants hovering over Asia and much of India should illustrate the connection between environment and development, said Nitin Desai, secretary general of the World Summit on Sustainable Development due to start in Johannesburg, South Africa, on August 26.

The Hindu, New Delhi, August 14, 2002, Page No.12

Indiaseeks long-term action plan at Rio10+:
India and other developing countries in the Group 77 will push for the acceptance of the draft implementation agenda for sustainable development in its entirety at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) to be held at Johannesburg between August 28 and September 3. The draft plan catering to Agenda 21 agreed to at Rio, has been prepared over a period of one year. But at the last meeting in Bali in May-June, serious differences arose between the North and the South with the developed world refusing to commit to several key issues in continuing sustainable development efforts.

The Economic Times, New Delhi, August 14, 2002, Page No.9

A deadend for Kyoto clean-up:
The much-hyped market based instruments to deal with carbon emissions reduction as part of the Kyoto Protocol has reached a dead-end. The US withdrawal from the protocol has also left a vaccum in the carbon trading market for India and developing countries, said a report by Asian Development Bank. Market based instruments were envisaged under the Kyoto protocol for cost-effective implementation of carbon dioxide reduction for industrialized countries.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, August 13, 2002, Page No.5

Worldsummit takes shape in Johannesburg:
With just two weeks before the start of the World Summit on Sustainable Development, United Nations Secretary-eneral Kofi Annan has sent world leaders a letter strongly encouraging their active participation at the summit in Johannesburg. United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan "Your presence would send a strong message of global solidarity and signal commitment at the highest level to a sustainable future for all," the Secretary-General wrote.

Environment News Service, US, August 12, 2002

Earth summit time and no government team yet:
With just a fortnight to go before the second Earth Summit begins in South Africa, India still hasn't decided on the men and women who will bat for the country there. Nearly 100 heads of government will be attending the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), but India is yet announce whether or not, its Prime Minister will attend the summit.

The Times of India, New Delhi, August 12, 2002, Page No.7

Pakistanamong 32 states sharing in $2.92 billion Global Environment Facility fund:
Thirty-two governments from developed and developing countries, including Pakistan have reached consensus in Washington on $ 2.92 billion replenishment of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to fund its operations over the next four years 2002-06. The 32 donors agreed on this substantial replenishment in order to continue financing the existing focal areas - bio-diversity; climate change; international waters; and replacing ozone depleting chemicals--while providing additional support for the new mandate of the GEF with regard to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and desertification.

Business Recorder (Internet), Pakistan, August 12, 2002

Timeto walk the talk:
The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), or 'Rio+10', is to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from August 26 to September 4, 2002. It will be the 10th year review of the United Nation conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), held in Rio d' Janerio, Brazil, in 1992, popularly known as the Rio Earth Summit in which the Agenda 21 for environment and development was adopted.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, August 11, 2002, Page No.4

NGOs sceptical about Earth Summit:
The Earth Summit, the Untied Nations Summit on Sustainable Development, in Johannesburg later this month, is likely to waffle its way through empty statements without firm targets and implementation measures on saving the planet from environmental disaster, according to leading NGOs. "Without firm targets, finance and enforcement mechanisms, a draft plan of implementation at the earth summit, threatens to be no more than hot air," said Mike Childs, Spokesman of Friends of the Earth.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, August 12, 2002, Page No.8

Earth summit must not fail - UN's Toepfer:
The Johannesburg "Earth Summit", seen by many environmentalists to be a flop even before it starts, must be made a success for the sake of world security, United Nations environment chief Klaus Toepfer said. "Johannesburg must be a precautionary peace conference. We are not allowed to fail," he told a news conference. The World Summit on Sustainable Development starts on August 26 and runs to September 4.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, August 12, 2002

Canada warns it won't make a quick Kyoto decision:
Climate change is such a complex topic that Canada will not be announcing a decision on whether to ratify the Kyoto Protocol at this month's "Earth Summit 2," Environment Minister David Anderson said. "This is the most complex issue the international community has ever faced up to. Ending the Second World War was not as difficult," he said in an interview in advance of the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, August 12, 2002

UK to take big firms to earth summit:
Ministers were last night forced to justify the inclusion of business leaders with dubious green credentials in Britain's earth summit delegation after the environment minister, Michael Meacher, expressed frustration at the pace of reform. As the "fantastically modest" scale of Whitehall's ambitions for the summit became clearer, Mr Meacher - whose inclusion in the delegation was the subject of last minute haggling - admitted that the government is "not yet ready" to take vital decisions. He called himself "a lone voice in the wilderness".

The Guardian (Internet), UK, August 12, 2002

Summit near, India gives nod to Kyoto Protocol:
Barely a fortnight away from the Earth Summit, India has sent the right signal by ratifying Kyoto Protocol, the roadmap to containing emissions of greenhouse gases(GHG).The decision was taken late on Tuesday last night at a Cabinet meeting."India has sent a good signal by taking the lead in the region and showing that multilateral approach is better than unilateral," said Centre for Science and Environment director Sunita Narain.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, August 8, 2002

Hole in the ozone layer:
Here's an argument that ought to put the one about a hole in the ozone layer at rest. Unfortunately, it hasn't been well documented. The last few decades have seen conservation advocates shout from the roof tops that the depletion in ozone levels is being compounded by an increased incidence in the use and subsequent release of chloro-fluoro carbons (CFC). The truth is, between 1962 and the early 1970s, the amount of global ozone rose 4-11%. This is because, in the stratosphere, 10-40 km above the Earth's surface, several tonnes of ozone is produced every second due to the interaction of ultraviolet radiation with oxygen molecules.

Business World, New Delhi, August 8, 2002, Page No.27

Summit near, India give nod to Kyoto Protocol:
Barely a fortnight away from the Earth Summit, India has sent the right signal by ratifying Kyoto Protocol, the roadmap to containing emissions of green house gases (GHG). The decision was taken late on Tuesday last night at a Cabinet meeting. The stand is contrary to that of the US, which has failed to acknowledge the treaty. The US is considered the world's biggest polluter. Environmentalists in India have welcomed the Centre's move. "India has sent a good signal by taking the lead in the region and showing that multilateral approach is better than unilateral," said Centre for Science and Environment director Sunita Narain.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, August 8, 2002, Page No.4

We'll pay Meacher's way to summit, say green groups:
Leading international charities offered to raise the money to send UK environment minister, Michael Meacher, to the earth summit in Johannesburg in defiance of Downing Street's veto on including him in the British delegation to the most important environment and development conference in a decade. Oxfam, Friends of the Earth, the RSPB, WaterAid and others all offered to pay the minister's air fare and said his attendance was vital if Britain was to be taken seriously at the world summit on sustainable development this month.

The Guardian (Internet), UK, August 7, 2002

Cabinet nod to India's ratification of Kyoto pact:
The cabinet approved India's ratification of the Kyoto Protocol under the United Nations Framework Conventin on Climate Change. The protocol commits developed countries to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by an average of 5.2% below 1990 levels during 2008-2012.

The Economic Times, New Delhi, August 7, 2002, Page No.6

Need for serious action on eco-related issues urged:
Mere awareness creation is a thing of the past and the need of the hour is real action to stress upon environmental issues, speakers at a seminar on 'Earth Summit 2002 Towards Johannesburg: Water, Globalisation and Sustainable Development' said today. In his speech at the seminar organised jointly by Justice Bhagwati Environment Development Institute-Peace Trust and Pasumai Thayagam here, Union Minister for Environment and Forests T R Baalu said water literacy had become an all-imporant issue and all stake-holders, including government, civil society and the business community need to become water wise in order to avert the water crisis.J Saravanan of the Centre for Science and Environment, Dr Janakarajan of Madras Institute of Development Studies and Nityanand Jayaraman of Corp Watch India also spoke.

The Indian Express, Chennai, August 4, 2002

Need for serious action on eco-related issues urged:
Mere awareness creation is a thing of the past and the need of the hour is real action to stress upon environmental issues, speakers at a seminar on 'Earth Summit 2002 Towards Johannesburg: Water, Globalisation and Sustainable Development' said. In his speech at the seminar organised jointly by Justice Bhagwati Environment Development Institute Peace Trust and Pasumai Thayagam, Union Minister for Environment and Forests T R Baalu said water literacy had become an all important issue and all stake holders, including government, civil society and the business community need to become water wise in order to avert the water crisis.

The Indian Express, Chennai, August 4, 2002, Page No.4

Johannesburg aims for green Earth Summit:
Earth Summit organisers in Johannesburg hope to paint the town green this month and avoid the mountains of waste that such gatherings usually generate. "We really want to make this summit as green as possible and leave a legacy (for future summits)," Mary Metcalfe, the minister responsible for environmental affairs in Gauteng province which includes Johannesburg, said. About 40,000 delegates and media have signed up for the U.N. World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) from August 26 to September 4 and the figure is expected to rise. About 100 heads of state are also expected.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, August 6, 2002

Second Earth Summit does not have global warming on agenda:
Ten years after nations agreed to unitedly fight global warming, the issue isn't even on the formal agenda for the second Earth Summit - the World Summit on Sustainable Development - starting August 26 in South Africa.And, with US President George Bush and several other leaders deciding to stay home, Prime Minister Vajpayee is also likely to keep away.The environmental ministry claimed that global warming was bound to come up as part of the implementation agenda.Centre for Science and Environment director Sunita Narain, however, said, "This largest cooperative human enterprise isn't there because the US said it should not be."

The Times of India, Ahmedabad, August 4, 2002

Earth's dearth:
A while ago, a ceremony was held in Rio de Janeiro for passing the torch to signal the inauguration of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), which is being held in Johannesburg shortly. A large number of world leaders will gather at Johanesburg, as was the case during the Rio Summit of 1992, though the expectations that preceded the Rio Summit appear to be missing this time. Ten years have passed since Rio, but unfortunately the world has lost sight of the ambitious plans agreed upon in 1992.

The Times of India, New Delhi, August 3, 2002, Page No.10

Summit does not have global warming on agenda:
Ten years after nations agreed to untidely fight global warming, the issue isn't even on the formal agenda for the second Earth Summit - the World Summit on Sustainable Development - starting from August 26 in South Africa. And, with US President George Bush and several other leaders deciding to stay home, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is also likely to keep away. Centre for Science and Environment director Sunita Narain, however said ' This largest cooperative human enterprise isn't there because the US said it should not be'.

The Times of India, New Delhi, August 3, 2002, Page No.7

S Senate Democrats attack Bush environment record:
A group of 44 mostly Democratic senators targeted a Bush administration decision to relax air pollution rules for U.S. utilities in an attack the administration's environmental record ahead of upcoming elections. Two potential 2004 Democratic presidential front-runners - John Edwards of North Carolina and Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut - led the charge to press the administration about its plan to ease requirements for utilities to install anti-pollution devices, known as "new source review."

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, July 2, 2002

World summit attracts 106 leaders, not USA:
Leaders of 106 countries have officially indicated that they will attend the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development set for Johannesburg, South Africa from August 26 to September 4, the UN announced. Delegations from 174 countries will participate in the environment and development summit, but not all will be led by heads of government or heads of state. A head of state represents the state but does not exercise political power, while a head of government is the person in charge of the executive branch of government.

Environment News Service, US, July 30, 2002

The Earth Summit, officially the United Nations' World Summit for Sustainable Development, opens in Johannesburg on August 26. The five official themes for the meeting, billed as the largest U.N. gathering in history, are water and sanitation, energy, agricultural productivity & food security, biodiversity and ecosystem management, and health.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, July 30, 2002

Earth Summit: Nations cool to global warming:
The world woke up to global warming at ht e1992 Rio Earth Summit, but 10 year on, what some consider the planet's biggest environmental danger has fallen off the agenda of a major follow-up conference. next month's summit of world leaders in Johannesburg will focus on poverty, not pollution -a worry for some environmentalists who say the poor will suffer first if climate change is to stopped.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, July 30, 2002, Page No.10

'Earth Summit' may backfire:
The 'Earth Summit' meant to save the planet is in danger of backfiring by deepening rifts between rich and poor countries. Governments are scrambling to salvage next month's gathering, billed as the largest UN meeting in history with more than 100 world leaders and 60,000 delegates, even though US President George W Bush plans to stay home. The World Summit on sustainable development, to be held in Johannesburg from August 26-September 4, is fare behind schedule in working out a blueprint to safeguard the environment while promoting economic growth to meet a UN goal of halving the number of people living on less than $1 a day by 2015.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, July 30, 2002, Page No.9

Bhakra's overflowing, hold the celebration:
glaciers in trouble: Another paradox from this year's failed monsoon: the Bhakra dam in Punjab is gushing with more water than is normal, but that's actually bad news. Climate experts say the fact that the Bhakra, located on the glacier-fed Sutlej river, has more water than last year is actually a sign that the delayed monsoon and abnormally high temperatures are melting away the Himalayan glaciers. Global warming, then, may not be seminar-room panic talk any more.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 27^th July, 2002, Page No.1

California aims car law at warming:
California was enacting legislation Monday that for the first time will reduce the amount of greenhouse gases coming form the tailpipes of all passenger vehicles sold in the state, even the beloved sport-utility vehicle, in a move that could change the kinds of cars American drive in coming years. The new law, to be signed Monday by Governor Gray Davis, is the first in the Untied States to directly affect consumers and to enlist American drivers in reducing the potential of global warming. The law addresses not the gases that cause smog but the invisible, odorless emissions that scientists say appear to be contributing to slow but risky heating of the planet.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, 23^rd July, 2002, Page No.2

Californianemissions bill - a new global warming fight:
A new California law setting tough auto emissions standards to fight global warming may spur other U.S. states to follow suit, marking one of the most serious environmental challenges to the auto industry in decades, state officials say. The measure, which Gov. Gray Davis is expected to sign yesterday, will make California the first state to regulate vehicle greenhouse gas emissions - putting it in front of federal regulators who have declined to raise national fuel efficiency standards. Davis administration officials say California's move could help to set new national and international priorities in the fight against global warming.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, 23^rd July, 2002

K faces battle to meet 2010 CO2 emissions cut: -
Britain will struggle to meet its target of a big cut in carbon dioxide emissions by 2010 as generators burn more coal to fill the gap left by the closure of nuclear power plants, a report published yesterday said. The report from Cambridge Econometrics

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, 23^rdJuly,2002

Cabinet to have ministries cut their emissions by 7%:
In an effort to lead by example, the Japan Cabinet approved a plan that commits the national government to cutting greenhouse gas emissions at ministries and affiliated bodies by 7 percent of fiscal 2001 levels by fiscal 2006. "Greenhouse gas reduction efforts have not necessarily shown adequate results," Environment Minister Hiroshi Ohki said after the Cabinet meeting. "This is one way for the government to take the lead and show what should be done."

Japan Times (Internet), Japan, 20^th July, 2002

K leading the way to Johannesburg:
The UK has been one of the most active countries in the world in the run-up to the world's largest-ever environmental conference, and is one of only two nations to have conducted consultations with society as part of its preparations. However, the issues surrounding the summit need more media attention, say organisers.

Edie (Internet), UK, 19^th July, 2002

Alaskan Glacier melt accelerates sea level rise:
In one more piece of evidence that the Earth's climate is warming rapidly, a new study published today in "Science" magazine has found that Alaska's glaciers are melting more quickly than previously believed. Glaciologists at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute used an aircraft carrying laser altimetry equipment to survey Alaskan glaciers

Environment News Service, US, 19^th July, 2002

Khaleda to attend Earth Summit:
Bangladesh is eagerly looking forward to the decisions to be taken at the Earth Summit beginning late next month in Johannesburg for the solutions of some major ecological hazards faced by the country and the region as well. Prime Minister Khaleda Zia will represent Bangladesh in the Earth Summit. she will lead a large official delegation.

The Bangladesh Observer, Dhaka, 09^th July, 2002, Page No.1

WTO rules against US in anti-dumping dispute:
The World Trade Organisation has ruled that a US legislation, known as Byrd Amendment, fell foul of global trade practices. In a preliminary ruling, WTO said the amendment breaks international trade rule and should be repealed.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, 19^th July, 2002, Page No.14

Scorched Earth:
The hope that the Rio Earth Summit 10 years ago would mark the beginning of a paradigm shift - whereby no country could claim that it was "developed" before it reached the objectives outlined in the Rio agreements, including Agenda 21 - has been well and truly belied. Agenda 21, which itself contained more than 2.500 recommendations dealing with poverty, pollution and sustainable development, has been a non-started owing to a mistaken belief in the developed world that it was meant for developing countries alone...editorial

The Pioneer, New Delhi, 18^th July, 2002, Page No.6

EU, US say want concrete results at Earth Summit:
The European Union and Washington have vowed to push for concrete results at next month's Earth Summit in South Africa despite failed attempts to reach a common agenda for the conference. "This conference will not just be about rhetoric, but there'll be concrete, tangible projects that will bring water to people who need it, sanitation for those who need it," Charles Ries, deputy assistant secretary at the U.S. Bureau of Europeanand Euroasian Affairs, said after meeting EU and Danish officials. Denmark took over the rotating EU presidency on July 1.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, 17^th July, 2002

India to host climate change meet:
India will host the Eighth Conference of Parties (COP-8) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at New Delhi between October 23 and November 1. Among the significant issues that could come in for discussion at the COP-8 will be the fate of those substances that are a good replacement for ozone-depleting cholorofluorocarbons but have a greenhouse effect. The critical aspect will be the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol by the Russian Federation, which contributes 17.4 per cent of the global GHG emission.

Business Line, New Delhi, 15^th July, 2002, Page No.2

UN makes final try to save earth summit:
Twenty five countries, including all G8 members, have been asked to meet in New York in an attempt by the UN to salvage next month's Earth Summit in Johannesburg. Governments were due to reach consensus over a month ago on drafting a detailed plan for global economic development but the final preparatory meeting of the world summit on sustainable development in Bali, Indonesia, broke up in June without agreement in the most contentious areas. These include finance and trade commitments, targets for renewable energy, health, education, a poverty fund and debt reduction

The Guardian (Internet), UK, 15^th July, 2002

Good prospects for FDI partnerships:
India can look forward to substantial foreign investments and useful partnerships from developed countries in the area of climate change mitigation initiatives, the Union minister for environment and forests, Mr T R Baalu, said. As most of the investor countries have commitments for abatement of green house gas (GHG) and cost of abatement being cheaper in developing countries, we can hope for additional foreign investments and partnerships from developed nations for climate change mitigation he said.

The Statesman, New Delhi, 14^th July 2002, Page No.13

US cos. allay fears over Kyoto pact:
A coalition of US manufacturers and energy producers said they will be harmed when the Kyoto agreement on global warming is adopted by other nations while the Bush administration and Congress refuse to participate. US companies will lose out to foreign competitors that gain expertise and market share in energy-reducing technologies, and may face trade sanctions against US exports that are made at higher-polluting factories, according to the Business Council for Sustainable Energy, whose 37 members include Honeywell International Inc., Maytag Corp. and Covanta Energy Corp.

Business Line, New Delhi, 05^th July, 2002, Page No.5

Climateand contradictions:
While 85 per cent of all man-made GHG emissions are made by the developed countries, the developing world needs to increase its emission levels to achieve economic growth and reduce poverty. This fact is at the care of the global divide on climate change.

Frontline, Chennai, 05^th July, 2002, Page No.83

Willthe Climate Change Levy deliver on improved energy efficiency?:
The UK government's Climate Change Levy is a valid method of motivating business to improve energy efficiency, particularly in comparison with emissions trading, according to a survey by London Electricity. But just how influential it has been in actually implementing new energy management initiatives is yet to be seen.

Edie (Internet), UK, 05^th July, 2002

Californiangovernor likely to sign auto emissions bill:
Calif. Gov. Gray Davis is likely to sign a controversial bill that would make the state the first in the nation to regulate vehicle greenhouse gas emissions blamed for global warming, his spokesman said this week. Steve Maviglio, the Democratic governor's spokesman, also said Davis was getting intense pressure both from environmental groups who support the bill and foes such as the auto industry who argue the measure is an unfair driving tax that will run SUVs off the road in the nation's most populous state.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, 05^th July, 2002

South Africa activists say will defy police on summit:
Radical South African activists said they would defy police plans to crack down on their protests during a global environment summit in two months' time. Police said they would get tough with protesters targeting the meeting, dubbed Earth Summit 2 and expected to draw 100 leaders, and have banned "spontaneous gatherings" in a bid to avoid the chaos seen at other summits in recent years.

Planet Ark, Australia 25^th June, 2002

Global warming causes epidemics:
Global warming could result in epidemics in plants, animals and humans, a study has said. The study, reported by the Wall Street Journal, is based on an analysis of existing data and suggests that many pathogens and their carriers are able to spread farther and farther and faster in warm weather. Winter kills some of the carriers but milder weather would mean that more germs and parasites would be able to survive.

Business Line, New Delhi, 22^th June, 2002, Page No.18

Japan, U.S. may hold own meetings on water, energy: Japan and the United States are considering convening separate international environmental meetings on water and energy problems in the leadup to the World Summit on Sustainable Development, government sources said. The sources said the meetings will be held in the summer either in Japan or in the U.S., although details, such as specific dates and venues, have yet to be worked out.

Japan Times (Internet), Japan, 15^thJune, 2002

Global warming affecting plants, animals:
Scientists have produced the clearest evidence yet that global warming is affecting the natural world. Three separate studies in the journal Science show that plants and animals are adjusting their lifestyles and habitats in response to climate change.

The Tribune, New Delhi, 11^th June, 2002, Page No.11

WTO policies criticized:
Organic farming, conservation of indigenous seeds and modern information on agriculture are prerequisites for getting rid of the offensive advances of multi-national companies and ensuring food security for the future generations. This was the crux of a day-long seminar on "The Agreement of the WTO and Threats to Food Security". The event was organized by Sungi at village Takia,(Pakistan) Bareela Union Council A large number of local farmers, elected representatives and NGO workers participated in the seminar.

Dawn (Internet), Pakistan, 10^thJune, 2002

Ozone-depleting substances registration made mandatory:
Industrial units involve in the production, consumption and handling of ozone depleting substances (ODS) have to register before July 19, according to a Government release. The registration of units under ODS regulation rules with the designated authority is mandatory and those not complying have to stop using these substances.

Business Line, New Delhi, 07^th June, 2002, Page No.19

Global water "crisis" high on Earth Summit agenda:
Of the myriad issues on the table for a U.N. summit in August that aims to cut world poverty and save the environment, few are as critical as getting safe drinking water to the 1.1 billion people who go without it. The European Union has warned the world was in a global water crisis, and made the issue a priority for the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg and also at final preparatory talks here on Indonesia's resort island of Bali.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, 07^th June, 2002

President Bush rejects climate change report:
The White House is distancing itself from the Bush administration's first report to admit that humans are causing climate changes. The report from the Environmental Protection Agency, while acknowledging that human activities lead to global warming, argues that it is better to adapt to the changes than to try and stop them.

Environment News Service, US, 05^th June, 2002

Concern over declining flow of aid:
Domestic and foreign private capital has proved inadequate and ineffective in engendering sustainable development. Now for the forthcoming Johannesburg world summit, generating finance for sustainable development initiatives has become a key area of concern, looking at the declining flow of aid and unfulfilled commitments in the last ten years.

Newstime, Hyderabad, 05^th June, 2002, Page No.8

Green priorities:
As yet another world environment day passes by, it is exasperating that governments around the globe seem to be preoccupied with issues of military and trade wars at a time when disaster looms large on the environment front. The threat of global warming is very much real as is demonstrated by alarming findings about melting of polar caps and glaciers.....Editorial

Newstime, Hyderabad, 05^th June, 2002, Page No.9

Japan ratifies Kyoto Protocol:
Japan today ratified the Kyoto Protocol, under which industrialised nations are expected to cut down greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by a minimum average of 5.2 per cent between 2008 and 2012. Japan however, has pledged to cut its emissions by six per cent.

The Hindu, New Delhi, 05^th June, 2002, Page No.15

Take credit, don't emit:
Together with commitments to limit the greenhouse gas emissions, the Kyoto Protocol incorporates mechanisms for international cooperation to reduce such emissions. These mechanisms will enable countries to obtain credits towards meeting their commitments under the Protocol by undertaking or assisting projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in other countries. Between 1995 and 2000 a pilot phase, Activities Implemented Jointly (AIJ), has operated to explore the issues of international cooperation.

The Economic Times, New Delhi, 05^th June, 2002, Page No.2supp

Bush team now warns of climatic warming:
In a stark shift for the Bush administration, the United States has sent a climate report to the United Nations detailing specific and far reaching effects that it says global warming will inflict on the American environment.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, 04^th June, 2002, Page No.1

American and warming:
As it is required to do under international treaty, the Bush administration has sent to the United Nations a report on global warming, and the report is much more pessimistic than the administration's earlier calculations about the environmental damage that unchecked warming could cause.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, 04^th June, 2002, Page No.6

Negotiators try to wrap up Earth Summit plan:
Negotiators hunkered down in Indonesia yesterday, trying to bridge differences and agree a plan for a U.N. summit that aims to drag millions out of poverty while protecting the environment. Critics have predicted a World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in August would be a flop unless the current Bali meeting revamped a draft agenda, which they say doesn't go far enough to help the world's 1.2 billion people living in poverty.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, 04^th June, 2002

UN closer to plan on development:
Delegates to a UN meeting in Indonesia inched closer Friday to agreeing on a global development plan that aims to revive the spirit of the landmark Earth Summit meeting in rio de Janeiro 10 years ago. The draft action plan will be a key plank of the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in August, where 100 heads of states will pledge to cut poverty and roll back the income gap between rich and poor countries while trying to save the environment.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, 01^st June, 2002, Page No.2

Bush on Earth Summit:
A key outcome of a two-week environment meeting in Indonesia is whether US President George W Bush will attend the United Nations Earth Summit in August. "We haven't made any determination on whether the President will attend, " an US delegate said.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, 01^st June, 2002, Page No.6

S Africa wants emphasis on trade at UN Summit:
South Africa, the host nations of the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development, is pushing for trade and development issues to top the agenda when world leaders meet in Johannesburg in August. Developing nations are also hoping to focus the summit on improved trade access for their agricultural produce to the European Union and the US. But it is a change of emphasis that opens the prospect of confrontation with the US over agricultural trade policy.

`Financial Times, London, 29^th May, 2002, Page No.8

Talks on "Earth summit ":
Thousands of officials, activists and business people from 189 countries began talks on Monday on Indonesia's Bali island to discuss ways to safeguard the planet in the face of global development. the talks, a final preparatory meeting for the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, will discuss ways to simultaneously promote economic growth, social development and environmental protection.

The Hindu, New Delhi, 28^thMay, 2002, Page No.14

Expectations of El Nino:
In 1997, El Nino brought one of the fiercest forest fires to Australia and one of the worst floods in Indonesia. El Nino disrupts the ocean atmosphere system in the Pacific, which affects the weather worldwide. In 2002, it is expected to revisit the Asia Pacific region. During a typical El Nino, the Asian monsoon usually weakens and is pushed towards the Equator. It results in severe summer and drought conditions in northwest and central India and heavy rainfall in the northeast.

The Week, Kochi, 26^th May, 2002, Page No.17

Climate change to affect millions:
Millions of people in Bangladesh are likely to be affected by climate changes because of greenhouse gas emissions that the country is particularly vulnerable to, says a World Bank study. "While strategic adaptation to climate change concerns all sectors of the economy, coastal resources, fresh water resources, agriculture, ecosystems, including biodiversity and human health, require the most urgent attention," claims the report...editorial

The Sentinel, Guwahati, 23^rdMay, 2002, Page No.4

World Bank VP urges more leadership on environment:
A senior World Bank executive said strong political leadership was vital to ensure a world environment summit in three months time did not add to the discontent felt by some about the process of globalisation. The United Nations' World Summit on Sustainable Development, due to start in Johannesburg, South Africa, on August 26, is a follow up to the 1992 "Earth Summit" in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, that put environmental issues on the global political agenda.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, 22^ndMay, 2002

Landmark Californian greenhouse emissions bill on hold:
A controversial bill that seeks to make California the first state in the nation to regulate vehicle greenhouse gas emissions has been put on indefinite hold as supporters seek to rally enough backers to pass it, its author said.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, 22^ndMay, 2002

Earth summit to discuss water, energy:
With officials readying to meet later this week to thrash out the agenda for August's Earth Summit, United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan has outline five key areas where results 'must be obtained. On the list is the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, which sets specific emission reduction targets for developed countries to check global warming-a process the US has abandoned.

The Times of India, New Delhi, 22^nd May, 2002, Page No.7)

Atmospheric property rights:
Summer months are fast approaching all over the world. Summer was not a big problem earlier as it was just like any other seasonal change. But the situation has changed now, as there is an overall increase in global temperature. Scientists predict that there is an increase of 1.5 degree centigrade per decade. If the same trend continues, the overall global temperature would increase by 4-5 degree centigrade by the year 2050. This is a dangerous development, as there will be a problem of increased temperatures and instances of more unexpected floods all over the world...editorial

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, 20^th May 2002, Page No.10

Differences may mar Earth Summit:
With less than four months to go, the outlook is not bright for the second Earth Summit. Good intentions are not lacking. But the implementation agenda and the funding-getting developed countries to put their money where it matters -are the main sore points. As countries head of the final of four preparatory committee meetings in Indonesia later this month, the attempt is to begin three days earlier than scheduled to iron out what hasn' t been possible in a year.

The Times of India, New Delhi, 08th May 2002

US defends strategy on fighting global warming:
Future international efforts to tackle global warming will depend more upon finding technical and economic solutions than further scientific investigation, the main US negotiator on climate change said.

Financial Times, London, 14^th May, 2002, Page No.6

The Amsterdam declaration on global change:
The scientific communities of four international global change research programmes-the Inter-national Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP), the international Human Dimensions P Programme on Climate Research Programme (WCRP) and the international biodiversity programme DIVERSITAS all recognise that, in addition to the threat of significant climate change, there is growing concern over the ever-increasing human modification of other aspects of the global environment and the consequent implications for human well being. (Editorial)

The Bangladesh Observer, Dhaka, 05^th May, 2002, Page No.5