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Is DDT making a comeback?

It was back in the 1940’s when dichloro-diphenyl-trichloro-ethane, or DDT as it is more commonly known, was labelled a miracle pesticide, and won Swiss chemist Paul Müller a Nobel Prize in Medicine. Now experts are saying that this widely banned pesticide is the best bet to save millions of lives threatened with malaria, a disease that affects mainly pregnant women and children and is spread by mosquitoes.

The US Agency for International Development endorsed the use of DDT for indoor use in May, and the World Health Organisation is expected to follow suit.

But why was it banned? And if it’s so bad, why is it making a comeback at a time when we should be protecting the earth from environmental disasters, not endorsing them?

Read More »Is DDT making a comeback?

Next stop, nuclear fallout

Last week a reporter from The Mirror walked up to an unattended nuclear waste train in a NorthWest London depot and planted a fake bomb on the train.

“The gate was open, there were no security guards… I walked up to the train and planted my bomb.”

Tom Parry, reporter

“I’m appalled. Every one of these trains would be a potential target for terrorists. If you had an incident in London, I estimate that 190,000 people would have to be evacuated. Those flasks were designed to counter accidents. But they weren’t designed to counter the likes of al-Qaeda.”

Dr John Large, nuclear transport expert

Read More »Next stop, nuclear fallout

Can you EPEAT that?

EPEAT can help you identify high performance, environmentally friendly computer equipment via their searchable online database. The database will be available to the public from Monday, 24th July 2006, listing products that meet the tough new green computer standard for… Read More »Can you EPEAT that?

87% of British public opposed to new nuclear power stations

From the Green Party press office:

In advance of the government’s energy review due tomorrow, the Green Party today released the results of a national survey dramatically highlighting public opposition to a new generation of nuclear power stations, and revealing widespread criticism of the way in which the government conducted it’s review.

Green Party Principal Speaker Keith Taylor commented: “When asked directly whether they supported plans to build new nuclear power stations, 87% of respondents rejected the nuclear option, in stark contrast to an overwhelming 98% support for greater investment in renewable energy, and 99% support for greater investment in energy-saving measures at home and work. This puts pay to any suggestion the nuclear power is accepted as a necessary evil by the UK.

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Nuclear is a Bad Deal for the Taxpayers

Sir Menzies Campbell, Liberal Democrat leader, has branded the move by the UK government towards a new generation of nuclear power stations unaffordable, unecessary and a bad deal for taxpayers.

“Taxpayers are already liable to pay up to £90bn to clean up after the existing generation of nuclear power stations.

“The taxpayers are picking up the tab because when the last government privatised British Nuclear Fuels, investors refused to shoulder the risk.

“There is no indication that they are any more willing to take on that risk this time.

Read More »Nuclear is a Bad Deal for the Taxpayers