eGov monitor - A Policy Dialogue Platform - Latest Energy and Environment Announcements

Northern Ireland Minister Ritchie establishes task force to target fuel poverty

Fri, 16 May 2008 12:44:10 +0100

As a response to the recent significant price hikes in oil, gas and coal and in anticipation of a hike in electricity tariffs the Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has established a Task Force to identify how fuel poverty here can be addressed for the coming winter.

Farming and climate change

Fri, 16 May 2008 11:50:39 +0100

Calls for greater awareness of the need for action on climate change by Scotland's agriculture sector were outlined by a new report published today.

New Chair Appointed to the Board of Sustainable Development Technology Canada

Fri, 16 May 2008 11:29:32 +0100

The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, and the Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment, today announced the appointment of Mr. Juergen Puetter as Chair of the Board of Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC).

Juergen Puetter is President and CEO of Aeolis Wind Power Corporation, a leading wind energy company with project experience in Western Canada.

"We're pleased to appoint Mr. Puetter as Board Chair to help guide the activities of SDTC," said Minister Lunn. "SDTC plays a key role in our government's efforts to support new Canadian technologies that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

"Our government is committed to taking real action on the environment," said Minister Baird. "By supporting the excellent work of SDTC, we're investing in Canadians' environmental future. I look forward to working with Mr. Puetter as he takes SDTC into the future."

Mr. Puetter will serve as Chair until December 10, 2012, fulfilling the five-year term of the late Mr. Stephen Probyn. The Government of Canada extends its condolences to the Probyn family and appreciates the great expertise Mr. Probyn brought to the position.

Canadian Ministers Bernier and Baird Appoint Chief Negotiator and Ambassador for Climate Change

Fri, 16 May 2008 10:17:30 +0100

The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment, today announced the appointment of Michael Martin as Chief Negotiator and Ambassador for Climate Change, effective immediately.

Hübner welcomes innovation, climate change priorities in Sardinia's new Cohesion Policy programme

Thu, 15 May 2008 10:47:00 +0100

Danuta Hübner, Commissioner for Regional Policy, today visits Sardinia at the invitation of Mr Renato Soru, President of the Region. Her visit marks the start of the region's new Cohesion Policy programmes, which put innovation and combating climate change at the top of the agenda. She will visit projects set up with EU co-funding, and meet regional government and council officials, as well as representatives of civil society.

'I welcome the way in which the region has taken on board new priorities for this programming period: now it is playing the innovation card to boost jobs and growth, as well as planning projects to counter climate change,' the Commissioner said ahead of her visit.

European Environment Agency and Microsoft Launch Alliance to Create Pioneering Environmental Observatory

Wed, 14 May 2008 14:22:50 +0100

Microsoft is helping the EEA to inform Europeans on changes to environmental conditions in real time — and empowering citizens to play their part in data gathering.

Civil Society at the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity:

Tue, 13 May 2008 10:18:11 +0100

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Alliance has launched a media advisory highlighting ten of civil society's most pressing concerns to be discussed at the upcoming Convention on Biological Diversity. Almost all of the world's governments will gather in Bonn, Germany to debate, negotiate, and hopefully take decisive action for life - both human and non-human - on earth.

HK-Shenzhen technology project launches

Fri, 09 May 2008 10:58:25 +0100

Hong Kong and Shenzhen have launched the first major technology co-operation project under the Shenzhen Hong Kong Innovation Circle to form a solar energy research and industrial platform in collaboration with DuPont.

$18 million Australian fto prepare for climate change especially in coastal areas

Fri, 09 May 2008 10:21:42 +0100

Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, today announced $1.2 million funding to investigate the effects of climate change on key coastal areas, including the Central and Hunter Coasts region of New South Wales.

Rosie Winterton unveils social and economic research priorities to support sustainable transport

Fri, 09 May 2008 09:41:20 +0100

Transport Minister Rosie Winterton today unveiled the Department's priorities for Social and Economic research for the next year, setting out how the research will be used to support evidence based, sustainable transport policies.