EarthLink May 1996

Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.

 

The following is the May/June edition of EarthLink, a bi-monthly current awareness newsletter produced by INFOTERRA/USA. EarthLink provides information on international environmental activities, publications and news of interest to EPA staff and other environmental professionals.

                      EPA INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES

EPA Co-Chairs USIJI Evaluation Panel

The Environmental Protection Agency, together with the Dept. of Energy, co-chairs the evaluation panel of the United States Initiative on Joint Implementation, (USIJI), the largest and most developed pilot program created to explore the potential of "joint implementation" -- arrangements between entities in several countries leading to the implementation of projects which reduce, avoid or sequester greenhouse gas emissions.

USIJI was launched in October, 1993 as part of President Clinton's Climate Change Action Plan. Along with EPA and the Dept. of Energy, USIJI is administered by an interagency Secretariat with major participation from the Agency for International Development, and the Departments of State, Agriculture, Commerce, Interior, and Treasury.

USIJI activities support the following objectives:

• Encourage development and implementation of cooperative, costeffective voluntary projects, especially those promoting technological cooperation and sustainable development between U.S. and foreign partners.

• Promote testing and evaluate methodologies for tracking, measuring and certifying cost-benefit analysis.

• Contribute to the formulation of international criteria for joint implementation.

• Encourage private-sector investment and innovation in the development and dissemination of technologies for reducing or sequestering GHG emissions.

• Adopt more complete climate action programs, including national inventories, baselines, policies and measures.

USIJI announced eight new projects at a White House ceremony in December, representing private-sector investment that could top $200 million when fully implemented. The projects will utilize geothermal power, biomass-to-energy, hydro-electricity, wind energy, and forest management practices in Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Russia.

USIJI offers online information about its projects on the World Wide Web at the following address: http://www.ji.org. Additional information about USIJI may be obtained by calling: (202) 426-0072.

                    INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT ISSUES

**Viewpoints expressed in the following articles do not necessarily reflect EPA policy. Mention of products does not indicate endorsement.**

** United Nations **

Environment Yielding To Other Worries, U.N. Talks Suggest. The New York Times, May 5, 1996, p. 6.

The United Nations (UN) Commission on Sustainable Development recently held meetings to begin review of global environmental progress since the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (the 1992 Earth Summit, which was held in Rio de Janeiro). The Commission's meetings concluded on May 3. Events at the meetings seem to indicate that other problems are occupying the attention of the world's countries today more than the environment. "To a certain extent, after Rio other issues took over. I sometimes argue that Rio took place in a particular window of opportunity, when, in a way, the world didn't have anything else to worry about," said Nitin Desai, UN Under Secretary. Environmental success stories were also reviewed at the Commission meetings, including new national government plans for environmental protection in the 21st century, the growth in development of environmental protection at the municipal level, and the agreement to extend UN environmental oversight to the world's oceans and ocean-based resources.

** World Trade Organization **

WTO Body Faults U.S. On EPA Rule, Reverses On Conservation Exception. Daily Environment Report, April 30, 1996, pp. AA-1-2.

The Appellate Body of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has determined that an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule regarding reformulated gasoline runs counter to WTO requirements, and has concluded that a conservation exception to WTO requirements cannot be applied in this case because the U.S. has not adequately explored other non-discriminatory methods of meeting conservation objectives. The Appellate Body also determined that an earlier ruling by a WTO panel construed the conservation exception too narrowly. The Appellate Body ruling thus preserves the flexibility the exception may provide in settling future disputes. The EPA rule in question concerns reformulated gasoline. The rule sets parameters for gasoline produced in or imported into the U.S. Requirements for imported fuel are stricter based on EPA's concerns about data availability, lack of enforcement structures and environmental consequences of refining in developing countries. The WTO found that the rule discriminated against imported gasoline based on national treatment rules.

** Basel Convention **

Administration Considering Bilaterals To Let Basel Parties Export Waste To U.S. International Environment Reporter, April 11, 1996, p. A-7.

The Basel Convention on the Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal generally prohibits the transfer of hazardous waste between signatory and non-signatory nations. However, the Convention allows hazardous wastes to be traded between countries that have negotiated bi-lateral export/import agreements which include provisions for hazardous waste. U.S., not currently a party to the Basel Convention, must amend the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) to conform with the Convention before it may become a signatory. The U.S. Department of State is currently negotiating with Brazil, the Philippines and Singapore to put in place the required bi-lateral agreements.

An agreement has already been reached with Malaysia. A Federal Register Notice (61 FR 8323) was issued by the Department of State requesting public comment and suggestions for other countries that should be considered for negotiation of bi-lateral agreements.

** Climate Change **

Temperature Increases Not Linked To Human Activity, Institute Contends. Daily Environment Report, April 11, 1996, pp. A-2-4.

The George C. Marshall Institute has released a report, based on peer review studies completed in the past year, that concludes that natural climate change, not human activity, is the most probable link to moderate temperature increases, and events such as hurricanes and tornadoes are not increasing in frequency, despite warmer temperatures in this country. The report contradicts findings of the United Nation's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which linked global climate change to human activity. Skeptics of the Marshall Institute findings have stated that the report lacks statistics to back its results and that it goes against most scientific evidence on climate changes.

Scientists Now More Sure. Acid News, February 1996, pg. 9.

The Second Assessment Report of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), adopted at the meeting in Rome on December 11-15, states that human activities are contributing to rising global temperatures. When the first report was released in 1990, the panel felt unable to make this conclusion. The working group asserts that by the year 2100, the average global temperature will have increased by 1 to 3.5 degrees celsius, and the sea level will have risen by .15 to .95 meters.

Report By EPA Shows Increases In U.S. Emissions Of Greenhouse Gases. Daily Environment Report, April 16, 1996, p. A-5.

According to a report released April 12, 1996 by EPA, U.S. emissions of gases thought to contribute to global warming and other climate changes measured 1,666 million metric ton of carbon equivalent (MMTCE) in 1994, an increase of 36 MMTCE from 1993. The estimate excludes emissions of 23 MMTCE from international transport. "Changes in CO2 emissions from fossil fuel consumption had the greatest impact on U.S. emissions from 1990 to 1994," the report states. "While these emissions of CO2 in 1991 were approximately 1.2 percent lower than the 1990 emission levels in the U.S., in 1992 they were about 1.5 percent over 1991 levels, thus returning emissions to slightly over 1990 levels."

The report, "Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-1994," fullfills part of the U.S. obligation under the Framework Convention on Climate Change, a treaty signed at the 1992 Earth Summit. The U.S. joined 17 other developed countries in committing to policies that would return U.S. emissions of greenhouse gases to 1990 levels by 2000. A total of 155 countries ratified the treaty. However, the administration has already predicted that the U.S. will fall short of the goal.

** Endocrine Disrupters **

Sweden Phasing Out All PVC Production Because Of Concern With Hormone Effects. Daily Environment Report, April 30, 1996, pp. A-5-6.

Sweden is implementing a voluntary ban on the manufacture of all polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic production in the country, due to concerns over the possibility of hormone-disrupting behavior of additives to the plastic. "[I]ndustry has to take more responsibility about phasing out what we have doubts about because you can not wait too long," said Anna Lindh, Sweden's Minister of Environment and Natural Resources. Sweden will devote resources to expand scientific assessment of endocrine disrupters over the next 18 months.

In the U.S., a White House Endocrine Disrupter Working Group consisting of representatives from the EPA, the National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Office of Science and Technology Policy and the departments of Agriculture, Interi or, Health and Human Services, and Energy has convened to examine the scientific basis for concern.

** Industry **

Sustainable Consumption, Our Common Challenge. E. Witoelar, Industry and Environment (18:4) October-December 1995, pp. 25-28.

One of the goals of Consumers International, a consumer organization made up of 205 member organizations, is to satisfy consumer wants, and meet basic needs while protecting the environment. They state that all consumers in around the world have the right to a decent standard of material well-being, but in a world of finite resources, affluent consumers will need to use less of the world's resources so other consumers can use their share. Consumers International advocates four ways that consumer organizations can promote sustainable development and consumption: educate and inform consumers; support consumers' interests; test products for environmental soundness; and conduct research on sustainability issues.

** Infrastructure **

Supplying Water Infrastructure To Developing Countries Via Private Sector Project Financing. Kerr, Thomas M. Georgetown International Environmental Law Review, (8:1) Fall 1995, pp. 91-108.

New water infrastructures are critically needed to reduce water-born diseases in developing countries. Unfortunately, traditional methods of financing them, utilizing the Multinational Development Banks (MDBs), frequently fail. An alternate model, using the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) mode of constructing waste water treatment and water supply facilities, is proposed. The BOT model links experienced private sector developers with the host country government during the initial phases of development; later, ownership can be transferred to the government. The MBD's role can be fine-tuned, concentrating on such activities as encouraging private sector investment, providing risk insurance, setting standards, and monitoring enforcement of regulations. The benefits: better risk sharing, more accountability, improved monitoring, and more efficient management.

** Sustainable Development **

Countries' Economic Efficiency Key Factor In Protection Of Environment, Meeting Told (International Affairs). Environment Reporter, April 5, 1996, p. 2301.

Maurice Strong, senior advisor to the president of the World Bank and previously secretary general of 1992 U.N. Earth Summit in Rio De Janeiro, promoted the idea of governments' using fiscal and tax systems to implement "eco-efficiency," more efficient use of resources and less environmentally-destructive methods of production. Another speaker, David Buzzelli, co-chairman of the President's Council on Sustainable Development, and a vice president of Dow Chemical, spoke of the need for a system that can "harness the power of the marketplace to drive voluntary improvements rather than inefficient mandatory ones."

** Arctic **

Circumpolar Nations To Form Council To Oversee Issues Including Environment. International Environmental Reporter, April 3, 1996, p. 252-3.

Following the Third Ministerial Conference on the Arctic Environmental Protection Strategy (AEPS), all eight circumpolar nations have agreed to establish an Arctic Council by the summer of 1996. This Arctic Council is seen as an all-encompassing body responsible for issues concerning the protection of the polar region's environment as well as economic, political, and social developments. The Arctic Council will also oversee AEPS. Established in 1991, AEPS is comprised of five programs which collect, report and analyze various polar environmental issues and regulations. The eight countries involved in the Arctic Council are Canada, Denmark-Greenland, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States.

** Caribbean **

Caribbean Mangrove Swamps. Klaus R�tzler and Ilka C. Feller, Scientific American, March 1996, pp. 94-99.

Mangroves, a term which applies to vascular plants that have adapted to living in shallow seawater, were identified by the ancient Greeks. Since that time, naturalists have sought to define the ecological environment of the mangrove swamp. Though mangroves may either exclude or excrete salt, salty conditions are not strictly required. The saltyconditions, however allow mangrove species to successfully compete with freshwater flora. Mangrove swamps, like coral reefs, are largely found along tropical coastlines where the average water temperature does not fall below 23 degrees Celsius (73 degrees Fahrenheit). In comparison to inland forest species, there are a limited number of mangrove species and only three species are truly common. Many key questions still remain unanswered. Researchers from the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History are participating in a long-term research campaign off the coast of Belize. The article discusses the findings of their current research.

** Europe **

Commission Report Finds Policies On CO2 Emissions 'Clearly Insufficient. BNA Daily Environment Report, April 4, 1996, p. B-1.

Carbon dioxide emissions in the European Union (EU) could increase by more than 5 percent by 2000 from 1990 levels, according to a new European Commission report. The report states that CO2 emissions have fallen in only three of the 15 member states, Austria, Germany and the UK. A main reason for this appears to be the transportation sector, which has experienced a 7 percent increase in emissions from 1990 to 1993, and is expected to increase significantly in the future. The results of the report have caused widespread criticism of EU climate change policies from environmental organizations. The Commission's report, Second Evaluation of National Programs Under the Monitoring Mechanism of Community CO2 and Other Greenhouse Gas Emissions, can be obtained from the European Commission at 32 2 299-1111.

European Commission Opposes Using 'Eco-Duties' To Punish Other Nations. Daily Environment Report. March 3, 1996, p. A-8.

A policy paper of the European Commission (EC)(February 28) rejected the use of punitive import duties to impose environmental standards upon developing countries, because of their "special situation and needs." Unilateral trade measures could, according to this report, "...jeopardize sustainable development prospects or undermine the export performance of developing countries or countries with economies in transition." The EC prefers, it is said, positive measures such as preferential market access and international/multinational agreements.

** Mediterranean **

Fourteen Nations Commit To Protocol On Elimination Of Most Dangerous Pollutants. International Environmental Reporter, March 20, 1995, pp. 207-8.

On March 7, 1996, fourteen nations that border the Mediterranean Sea signed a far-reaching protocol to the 1976 Barcelona Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea Against Pollution. Signed in Syracuse, Italy, this protocol agrees to eliminate, rather than merely reduce, pollutants entering the Sea. Initial efforts will concentrate on twelve compounds resulting from the production of chlorine which are particularly hazardous to humans. No time line was specified for this requirement, but all signatories have one year to complete a plan for the phaseout of the pollutants. The protocol also extends pollution protection beyond the coastline to include rivers and smaller bodies of water that come into contact with the Mediterranean. Additionally, the nations agreed to emphasize prevention instead of clean-up activities, implementing cleaner technologies rather than building purification plants. The Syracuse protocol is not problem-free, however. Cost is the largest issue, with lesser-developed nations arguing that cleaner technologies are expensive, and that the countries responsible for the bulk of the pollution should bear the most costs.

** United States-Canada **

EPA, Canada Launch Program To Share New Chemical Reviews Between Countries. International Environment Reporter, April 5, 1996, p. A-5.

The United States and Canada have reached agreement on procedures for sharing chemical assessment information which will expedite the addition of U.S. approved industrial chemicals to Canada's Non-Domestic Substances List. The list is an inventory of chemicals that have be approved for import and manufacture in Canada. The two year pilot program, which began on April 15, 1996, is intended to address the concerns of U.S. and Canadian chemicals companies about the current lengthy five year approval process. In the U.S. new industrial chemicals are reviewed by EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Under TSCA new chemicals are reviewed using "structure-activity relationships to predict potential toxicity of a new chemical based on its structural similarities to other known, tested substances." The Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), however, "requires manufacturers to generate a base set of data to facilitate the government's review of a new chemical." As part of the program, the U.S. and Canada will exchange any data that is required during the process in either country.

** United States-Mexico Border **

International Affairs. Environment Reporter, April 5, 1996, pp. 2299-2301.

Several articles on International Affairs on April 5 focussed on pollution concerns along the U.S.-Mexico border. In "Mexican, U.S. Officials Reach Agreement on Plan to Create Binational Pollution Zone" it was announced that a joint advisory committee will be established on May 7 between the U.S. and Mexico. Representing a variety of interests, the joint committee will recommend ways to prevent and control air pollution in the Paso del Norte Air Basin, an area known for air pollution problems. In "Cut in Appropriations No Threat to EPA Plan for U.S.-Mexico Border Region, Officials Say" a March conference speech on environmental health issues affecting the border area was highlighted. David Fege, assistant director of EPA's San Diego Border Liaison Office said that despite budget uncertainties, "EPA still appears to me to be committed to put a substantial share into border projects." In "Border Residents Rate Environment Poor, Expect Conditions to Worsen, Survey Finds" the results of a survey commissioned by the Morris K. Udall Foundation were reported. This survey polled 800 households on either side of the U.S.-Mexico border. The survey found that most people thought the drinking water was "only fair" or poor, and a large percentage thought the same thing about the air. Moreover, a significant percentage believe that the water quality and air quality are getting worse over time. The respondents were also asked what factors they think have the greatest impact upon health, and whether they would sacrifice environmental controls for more jobs (64% of those on the Mexican side would). For more information about the survey, United States/Mexico Border Environmental Health Study, contact the Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy, University of Arizona, 803/811 E. First St., Tucson, Arizona 85719; phone: (520) 621-7189.

** Nepal **

Sustainable Tourism In Nepal's Royal Chitwan National Park. Bijaya Kateel, Industry and Environment (18:4), October-December 1995, pp. 55-57.

The Royal Chitwan National Park, established in 1973, is Nepal's first conservation attempt to protect endangered species, including tigers, rhinos and elephants. Human needs, including supplying local villagers with firewood and animal fodder, as well as tourism, which has become a large part of the Nepalese society, are being balanced with conservation and protection issues.

** United Kingdom **

New Standards Likely. Acid News, February 1996 , p. 10.

The British government is considering adopting a new air quality standard that would give Britain the toughest regulations for particles in the European Union. The current EU limit for particles in general is 150 micrograms per cubic meter of air over a 24 hour period. However, the government is considering two reports, one from The Department of Environment's Expert Panel on Air Quality Standards, the other from the Department of Health's Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants, which recommend a standard of 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air in a 24 hour period. The government states that the possibility of adopting that level should be considered as soon as possible.

** United States **

Christopher Puts Environment At Top Of Diplomatic Agenda: Abuse Of Natural Resources Imperials U.S. Interests, Secretary Of State Says. The Washington Post, April 15, 1990.

Secretary of State Warren Christopher has established a new national security definition and diplomatic policy objective focusing on environmental quality and resource protection. The Clinton Administration will assign hundreds of millions of dollars in 1997 to international environmental programs.

The U.S. Dioxin Inventory: Are There Missing Sources? Valerie M. Thomas and Thomas G. Spiro, Environmental Science & Technology (30:2) February 1996, pp. 82-85.

Establishing an inventory of U.S. dioxin emission is a controversial undertaking, made more complicated by attempts to balance emission and deposition estimates. Thomas and Spiro contend that an analysis of the existing data does not support claims that significant sources of dioxin emissions have yet to be identified. A nation-wide pool of data on depositions is needed, as well as a consensus on emission levels from various sources, especially forest fires. Human activity is considered the main source of dioxins, but further research on dioxins' interaction with the environment is needed.

A Cross-Media Approach To Saving The Chesapeake Bay. Elaine L. Appleton, Environmental Science & Technology (29:12) December 1995, pp. 550-555.

Collaboration between the EPA, the Chesapeake Bay Program and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has linked three supercomputer models allowing scientists and policy-makers to study the effects of atmospheric deposition on the Chesapeake Bay. The project links the Regional Acid Deposition Model (RADM), an atmospheric modeling program developed by EPA's National Exposure Research Laboratory, to the Chesapeake Bay Program's watershed model, and Corps of Engineers' water quality model. Linking the models allows researchers to simulate the movement of pollutants from the airshed to the watershed and ultimately into the bay. Model trials have already helped to determine the extent of the Chesapeake's airshed, and are being used to test potential policy and regulatory decisions.

The Extraterritorial Scope Of U.S. Environmental Laws: The Case Of Chile. Jose Antonio Urrutia, Georgetown International Environmental Law Review (8:1) Fall 1995, pp. 45-65.

The author concludes "there is little possibility that a Chilean citizen could bring a cause of action in a U.S. Court for activities by public and private U.S. entities that allegedly violate U.S. environmental laws." This assertion is supported by reference to Chile's recently-adopted Ley de Medio Ambiente, considered together with general principles of international law, an explanation of the Foley Doctrine, and an analysis of six major U.S. federal environmental laws.

                    UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES

Notices regarding the following international conferences have been sent to INFOTERRA during the last few months. Notification is received through the mail and over the Internet. The list below is not comprehensive; INFOTERRA maintains a fairly large file of conference announcements. If you have any questions about the conferences listed below, or would like to consult our conferences file, please contact the INFOTERRA office (202) 566-0544 or send an email request to: library-infoterra@epamail.epa.gov.

Mercury as a Global Pollutant
4th International Conference
Congress Centre, Hamburg, Germany
August 4-8, 1996
The conference will provide a forum for the presentation of research results on mercury in the atmosphere, geosphere and biosphere.

Dioxin '96
16th Symposium on Chlorinated Dioxins and Related Compounds Amsterdam
August 12-16, 1996
The central theme of the conference is whether present ambient levels present a health risk for humans and the environment. In addition to dioxins and biphenyls, the conference will focus in other related compounds such as halogenated pesticides and herbicides, terphenyls and naphthalenes.

2nd World Congress on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Sciences
Utrecht, the Netherlands
October 20-24, 1996
The purpose of the Congress is to promote exchange of information in the field of alternatives to animal use and to review progress within the fields of biomedical research, testing, and education.

Chemical Role in Risk Assessments of Radioactive Contamination 212 American Chemical Society Meeting, Orlando, Florida
August 25-30, 1996.
This symposium's goal is to bring together chemists involved with radioactive chemicals in all media with risk assessment specialist who are responsible for determining human health risks of exposure to radiation and chemicals. Persons interested in presenting papers should contact ACS1-800-227-5558 (USA) or http://www.chemistry.org/portal/Chemistry .

Integrated Water Resources Management For Sustainable Development in the Americas
Second Inter-American Dialogue on Water Management Buenos Aires, Argentina
September, 1996
Emphasis for this meeting will be innovative solutions to pressing water problems facing countries in the Americas and implementation of integrated water resources management development in the context of sustainable development.

Connections: Transportation, Wetlands, and the Natural Environment
Tacoma, Washington
September 18-20, 1996
Conference targets biologists, consultants, contractors, economists, engineers, planners, policy makers and regulators from transportation agencies and the scientific community.

International Conference on Multiple Land Use and Catchment Management
Kings College Conference Centre, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK September 11-13, 1996
This conference, sponsored by the Aberdeen Research Consortium, focuses on integrated approaches to catchment management from a range of scientific and management perspectives.

Technology Assessment and Science Forecasting; Policy Tools for Implementing Sustainable Development Second International Conference and Bi-Annual Meeting International Association for Technology Assessment and Forecasting Institutions Brussels, Belgium
October 10, 1996
The focus of the conference is the past and future roles of technology assessment and science forecasting as tools for implementing sustainable development policies. The goals of the conference are: making the link between science and technology policies and sustainable development; clarifying concepts and methods of tools of technology assessment and science forecasting as applied to issues of sustainable development; and illustrating main challenges in technological developments.

ECO-INFORMA '96
Global Networks for Environmental Information: Bridging the Gap Between Knowledge and Application
Epcot Science and Technology, Lake Buena Vista, Florida November 4-7, 1996
This conference will address issues on worldwide communications for environmental applications and the critical need to share information which promotes responsible decision-making in environmental problem-solving.

Building Business Opportunities with Emerging Clean Air Technologies
Clean Air '96
Second Annual North American Conference and Exhibition Radisson Twin Towers Hotel, Orlando, Florida November 19-22, 1996
Stronger partnerships between Canada, the United States and Mexico on emerging technologies which address global air issues, and networks between the business and technical community to successfully compete in the global clean air technology market are the issues addressed in this conference.