Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.
Following is the January/February 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 environment professionals.
Sections:
Article: Year of the Ocean 1998
International Environment News
General
Economic Globalization and Sustainable Development
Climate Change
Forests
Kyoto Summit
Water Pollution
Toxicology
Air Quality
Environmental Anomalies and Problems
Upcoming International Conferences
Internet Sites on YOTO
INFOTERRA Information
Subscribe to EarthLink on the Listserv
Year of the Ocean 1998
By Kathleen Hurld
E.P.A. Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
Covering nearly two-thirds of the Earth’s surface, marine and coastal waters are our largest and most vital resources, influencing global energy cycles and biological processes upon which all life depends. Yet while we have traveled to the moon, some of our greatest mysteries still lie beneath the Earth’s oceans, waiting to be discovered. It has been estimated that the value of the ocean exceeds 33 trillion USD per year (Constanza, 1997) by providing goods and services such as food, medicine, natural resources, habitat, recreational areas, and essential ecological services.
Recognizing that the oceans play a decisive role in shaping the life of this planet, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 1998 as the International Year of the Ocean (YOTO). The U.S. is actively involved in this international event, to focus the attention of the public, governments and decision makers on the importance of the ocean and marine environment and highlight ways in which marine resources can be sustained through effective management.
Marine and coastal waters are valued by many as a place to live and as a place to play, and are also a favorite recreational destination for vacationers. In the U.S. alone, coastal and marine waters support 28.3 million jobs, generate $54 billion in goods and services, contributes $30 billion to the U.S. economy through recreational fishing, and provide a destination for 180 million Americans to recreate each year. Because so many people are drawn to, or dependent on, coastal and marine waters, they are under considerable environmental stress and protecting these resources is important. Therefore, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking an active role in furthering our understanding of how we all affect the ocean in our daily lives and how these actions then affect us.
The EPA is working with other U.S. agencies with an interest in oceans to further the federal government’s contribution to YOTO: this effort is being led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The U.S. government will be hosting a national conference on the role played by the oceans in commerce, global security, environment, and education/exploration in June 1998. A series of discussion papers has been drafted addressing ocean issues, what is working well and what is not, which shall be available in February 1998. The U.S. exhibit at the World’s Fair, EXPO ‘98, will focus on technological advances in ocean science.
The health of the ocean is not just the responsibility of governments, for every individual action effects the oceans. Something as simple as picking up litter and properly disposing of oil and other chemicals can prevent millions of gallons of pollution from reaching the ocean.
Oily runoff from a city of five million people can contain as much oil as one large tanker spill. Oil and Grease Runoff from land and municipal and industrial wastes in the U.S. exceeds 365 million gallons per year.
Therefore the U.S. government is partnering with educational, industrial and environmental organizations in an outreach campaign and other YOTO activities to educate a broad audience that:
The ocean and its resources are vital to supporting all life on Earth.
The ocean effects our daily lives and, in turn, our daily lives effect
the health of the ocean.
The ocean's resources are finite, but our demands are not.
The ocean is a key source of food, medicine, energy and commerce.
The ocean is the next frontier with landscapes and life forms that
await discovery.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration along with SeaWeb, a non-profit organization, are coordinating this cross-sector effort. EPA's 1998 YOTO activities include independent and collaborative research, education and celebratory activities. Efforts include: ocean fact sheets, teachers’ guides for Year Of The Ocean activities, cooperative pollution prevention, mitigation and control practices, continued monitoring and research into the interrelationship between land and marine based activities and ocean physical and biological processes. The EPA's vessels will be promoting the value of our marine resources at waterfront festivals throughout the year.
“We cannot change our society but we can change ourselves, and if each one of us changes our behavior a little, we can make great strides" (D.C. Martin). So join us in supporting the United Nations in its 1998 "Year of the Ocean" campaign. Learn more about the ocean, its resources and what you can do to protect them for future generations.
Contact the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to pledge support
and obtain more information. Our web site address is:
http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/oceans/yoto/ ; the UN at: http://www.ocean98.org/ocean98.html
;
or NOAA at: http://www.yoto98.noaa.gov/
INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT NEWS
Egbu, A.U. “Environmental Protection in a Third World Country: The Role of Environmental Action in Nigeria.” Environmental Education and Information, 16, No.4 (1997): 377-386.
The problem of environmental pollution and degradation is taking on disturbing dimensions in most Third World countries. As a result of their precarious economic situations, these countries have embarked upon extensive exploration and exploitation of available resources, while urban and rural residents, due to poverty caused by stringent economic policies, have resorted to reckless resource exploitation in order to survive. This exploitation has taken the form of devastation of mining areas, over-fishing of rivers, and the depletion of forest resources. Nigeria is today faced with high levels of environmental devastation, particularly in the centers of intense commercial and industrial activity. In response, many environmental groups, NGOs, CBOs, and individuals have emerged and taken up the issue of environmental protection and control in various forms. These range from organizing seminars, public awareness fora, and demonstrations, to filing of lawsuits, all with some measure of success.
Economic Globalization and Sustainable Development
Goldsmith, Edward. “Can the Environment Survive the Global Economy?” The Ecologist, 27, No.6: 242-248. (November/December 1997)
The globalization of economic development will increase the impact of economic activities on the environment. The author maintains that the environment cannot sustain the current economic impact, and that this global economy will lead to greater environmental destruction. The GATT agreement and others like it remove many constraints on the activities of transnational corporations, subordinating environmental problems to the companies’ more immediate interests.
De Leeuw, Aime “Land Development and the Environment.” Naturopa, No. 85, 1997, 19.
The importance of agriculture to a nation’s economy is a major determining factor in how much is invested in it by policy makers. Measures designed to improve agricultural facilities are given priority, but these measures often have a significant ecological impact on the countryside. Heightened public awareness has brought more pressure upon decision-makers to pay more attention to these effects. The article briefly covers solutions, such as better planning and development of rural areas, compensating farmers and using management contracts on a more widespread basis, consulting and encouraging participation of all interested parties in the planning process, and encouraging more usage of environmental impact studies. These solutions can be used to reconcile the needs of agriculture vs. the environment.
“Climate Change: NOAA Says Record Average Temperature in 1997 Part of Trend due to Human Activity.” International Environment Reporter, 21 January 1998: 52.
On January 8th, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) stated that the reason 1997 was the warmest year of the 20th century is partly due to human activity. According to NOAA, greenhouse gas emissions are caused by human activities. Heat from the Earth is trapped by these gases and cannot escape into space. “Global average temperature for land and ocean in 1997 was 62.45 degrees Fahrenheit, according to NOAA. This compares with the 30-year average for 1961-1990 of 61.7 degrees Fahrenheit.”
“The Mediterranean Beckons To Europe’s Oceanographers,” Science 279 No. 5350 (23 January 1998): 483:484.
Since studies of the Mediterranean’s circulation and biology have been irregular in the past, the European Union has begun a Mediterranean Targeted Program of joint research projects. In discussions in Rome of the program’s first phase, scientists found that this sea may be particularly sensitive to environmental change. These changes are causing increase in the temperature of the water and increased salinity. The Sea’s circulation pattern has also been affected, a change which could have global implications.
“Forests: WWF Report Finds More Forest Burned Worldwide in 1997 Than Any Time in Past.” International Environment Reporter, 7 January 1998: 13.
According to the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), more forest burned down in 1997 than at any other time. Although the fires in Indonesia received a vast amount of press coverage, Brazil actually had the largest and most numerous fires. Papua New Guinea, Colombia, Australia, southern Europe and parts of Africa also struggled with large fires. Many of these fires are believed to be set deliberately. Because of the carbon dioxide and other gases released into the atmosphere, WWF suggests that an international response is needed. Copies of The Year the World Caught Fire can be obtained free of charge from:
WWFBranksome House
Filmer Grove, Godalming
Surrey, GU7 3AB UK
Phone:+44-1483 419266
Fax:+44-1483-427965
“Special Report: Nations Now Must Focus on Details of Signing, Ratifying, Implementing Kyoto Protocol.” International Environment Reporter, 4 February 1998: 124-130.
The Special Report looks at the way some of the 160 nations who signed the Kyoto Protocol to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change plan to implement the changes. According to the agreement, the countries will reduce greenhouse gases “by at least 5 percent below 1990 levels in the commitment period 2008 to 2012.”
Mead, Chris, “Poor Prospects for Oiled Birds,” Nature 390 no. 6659 (4 December 1997): 449:450.
According to two scientific reports, survival rates of seabirds rescued from oil spills, cleaned and released, are low. Since different types of oil have different effects on seabirds and waterfowl, specific treatments may be appropriate. Once the birds are cleaned and their waterproofing restored, they are released. Their recovery is governed by the long-term toxic effects of oil ingested after preening and by the fact that restored waterproofing may be insufficient. Mead proposes that procedures in the cleaning process need to be improved, detailed accounts kept of each individual from the point of rescue and durable identifying rings placed on rescued birds so that the long-term effects of cleaning procedures may be evaluated.
“Oily Tale: Iraq Spills Oil on UAE Beaches,” The Economist, 17 January 1998, 40.
Last month, a slick of 4,000 tons of oil leaked onto Umm al-Quaiwain’s (UAE) once pristine beaches and harbors. The source is an 11,000 ton barge which broke free from its tug boat in high seas and sank. Reports indicate that the barge may be have been overloaded and in a poor state of repair. Although there are no official records, sources with the Coastguard revealed that the barge came from an oil terminal in Iran and was bound for Ajman. However, it is also strongly suspected that “Iraqi-sanctions busting” may also be involved. Sources who have followed the growth of Iraq’s smuggling trade reveal that Iraqi vessels, once leaving the Shatt al-Arab waterway at the head of the Gulf, hug the Iranian coastline, thereby avoiding U.S.-led naval patrols. Once reaching an Iranian port, the Iraq cargo is offloaded onto Iranian boats (or given Iranian documents) and proceeds freely from there. UAE coastguards have intercepted five such ships over the past year. Another spill is probably not far off, given the lucrative market of oil-smuggling.
Tanabe, Shinsuke, Maricar Prudente, Takahiko Mizuno et. al., “Butyltin Contamination in Marine Mammals from North Pacific and Asian Coastal Waters.” Environmental Science and Technology, 15 January 1998, 193.
Liver concentrations of butyltin compounds (BTs) were studied in marine mammals. Thesecompounds, including tributyltin, dibutyltin and monobutyltin were found in almost all liver samples, suggesting worldwide distribution of these compounds. Elevated concentrations were observed in those mammals inhabiting coastal waters, vs. lower levels in mammals residing in the open sea, which suggests greater contamination of coastal waters. However, observations of BT levels in open-ocean species illustrates that BT pollution is a widespread problem. Higher levels of BT compounds were also observed in mammals inhabiting coastal waters of developed countries, vs samples taken from mammals residing in coastal waters of developing countries. This indicates a more serious BT pollution problem in developed countries. However, levels of BTs in developing countries are expected to increase, due to the increasing demand for paints and products containing these compounds.
Parkhurst, David F., “Arithmetic versus Geometric Means for Environmental Concentration Data.” Environmental Science and Technology, 1 February 1998, 92A.
Geometric means are often used for averaging concentrations of chemical substances and microorganisms, but there is a bias that is inherent in geometric means, and they often do not properly represent components of mass balances. Arithmetic means are easier to calculate and understand, are unbiased, and provide a more meaningful way to average concentration data. The author feels that arithmetic means should be used, unless it can be clearly demonstrated that geometric means are preferably for specific applications. This article discusses a study of the bias and the root-mean-square error of the arithmetic mean, the geometric mean, and two bias-corrected geometric means by simulation of several statistical distributions and sample sizes.
Fowles, Jefferson R., et al. “Effects of Aroclor 1254 on the Thyroid Gland, Immune Function, and Hepatic Cytochrome P450 Activity in Mallards.” Environmental Research, 75, no. 2 (November 1997): 119-129.
In this study, adult male mallards were exposed to 0, 4, 20, 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg Aroclor 1254 by gavage twice per week for 5 weeks. Immunotoxic effects, as measured by antibody titers to sheep erythrocytes, natural killer cell activity and lymphocyte mitogenesis to phytohemagglutinin, were not detected as a consequence of PCB exposure. Thyroid weights were significantly increased in PCB-treated birds treated with 100 mg/kg or greater, but no significant histological abnormalities were observed, except at the highest dose. The results of the study (given in detail in the article) indicate that thyroid hormone levels and P450 activity in mallards are sensitive to subchronic PCB exposure in the absence of gross toxic effects and immunotoxicity.
Ott, Wayne R. and John W. Roberts. “Everyday Exposure to Toxic Pollutants.” ScientificAmerican, February 1998, 86.
Environmental regulations have done much to improve the quality of air outdoors, but the problem of indoor air pollution has largely gone unnoticed. The purpose of most current environmental laws is to regulate the amount of potentially dangerous substances emitted into the air and water, rather than the amount of exposure people have to them. The article details a number of studies that have been done to measure people’s everyday exposure to toxic substances (using personal monitors and other highly sensitive analytical instruments). The results of the studies showed that most people are likely to be have the greatest exposure to toxic substances (such as VOCs and pesticides) in indoor environments, rather than outdoors. The authors feel that more attention should be shifted to the problems of indoor pollution, and that environmental laws should be reexamined to see how well they protect people from exposure, not just how they reduce emissions. More education is also necessary to alert people to the dangers of exposure, and how they can reduce their exposure to these substances.
Liu, Feng, “Who Will Be Protected by EPA’s New Ozone and Particulate Matter Standards?” Environmental Science and Technology, January 1, 1998, 32A.
The scientific basis of the new EPA standards for ozone and particulate matter has been a topic of considerable debate. However, the distributional impact of these standards on various population sectors has not received much attention. This article discusses the anticipated changes in the distributional impacts of air pollution as the new standards take effect. Demographic and socioeconomic qualities are examined by studying and comparing the impacts in attainment areas vs. non-attainment areas. Under current and proposed standards, African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians and the economically advantaged are over-represented in non-attainment areas. Under the proposed standards, this variance will decline as more non-attainment areas, with different population qualities would be included.
Reymao, M.S.F., et al. “Urban Air Pollution Enhances the Formation of Urethane-induced Lung tumors in Mice.” Environmental Research, 74, No.2 (1997): 150-158.
This paper investigates the association between air pollution and lung neoplasia in an animal model. Experimental exposures were performed in two locations with different air pollution profiles: a polluted area (downtown Sao Paulo) and a “clean” environment (Atibaia). Swiss mice were employed and urethane (3 g/kg) was used as carcinogenic substance. Experiment I was designed ro verify whether air pollution acts as an initiator and/or promoter of lung cancer, using 300 mice; Experiment II employed 250 animals and aimed to verify if the effects of air pollution on the development of lung tumors was dose dependent. A significant effect of air pollution in augmenting lung carcinogenicity induced by urethane was observed. This effect was shown to be dose-dependent and reproducible on two different occasions. In addition, morphometric studies revealed that pollution may influence tumor phenotype. These results support the hypothesis that air pollution plays a significant role in the development of lung tumors.
Environmental Anomalies and Problems
Webster, Peter J. and Timothy N. Palmer, “The Past and Future of El Nino,” Nature 390 no. 6660 (11 December 1997): 562:564.
This article gives the basic history of El Ni¤o and what methods scientists are employing to predict how it will affect the world currently and in the future. El Ni¤o is the warming of the Pacific Ocean basin occurring every three to seven years and lasting sometimes more than a year. It is a regional phenomenon with global effects, both environmental and economic. Models of El Ni¤o are being developed to aid in forecasting global climate change and how human activities are effecting it.
Hallowell, Christopher, “Save the Swordfish,” Time 151 no. 3 (26 January 1998): 62.
Swordfish populations in the Atlantic are rapidly decreasing. In an effort to save the species, two environmental organizations, the Natural Resources Defense Council and SeaWeb, along with several chefs, have launched a campaign to remove swordfish from restaurant menus, reduce fishing and educate the public. Along with human consumption, modern fishing techniques are a major contributor to the population reduction. “Longlining,” a cheaper, faster way of catching swordfish, does not differentiate between small swordfish, not yet mature enough to reproduce, and the large, mature fish. More than half of the Atlantic swordfish catch in 1995 was comprised of immature fish. It could take up to ten years to restore populations to healthy levels.
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.
1. Internet Conference on Integrated Bio-Systems (April-Dec 1998)
http://home2.swipnet.se/~w-25860/icibs
The conference is jointly organized by the Institute of Advanced Studies (UNU/IAS) of the United Nations University (Tokyo) and the UNESCO Microbial Resources Center (MIRCEN-Stockholm) under the UNU/IAS prgramme on "eco-restructuring for sustainable development" which advocates the zero emissions concept of wastes and by-products utilization for income-generating activities and those that contribute to a cleaner environment. The purpose of the conference is to permit Internet access to a comprehensive documentation of past and current work on integrated bio-systems, to enable authors to share knowledge and know-how and to encourage participants to interact with the authors. The Internet conferencewill gather biologists, scientists, engineers, sociologists, economists and project coordinators and members of the electronic Network on Integrated Bio-systems. To receive future details and announcements on the conference, please join the list: ias-wg08@ias.unu.edu ; send an email to Listserv@ias.unu.edu and write the message: SUB IAS-WG08 yourfirstname yourlastname (e.g. sub ias-wg08 Raman Chambers). Contact Person: Eng-Leong "Jacky" Foo. Email: ias-wg09@ias.unu.edu
2. The 6th Forum on Nature Conservation and Pastoralism
Luhacovice, Czech Republic
6-10 June 1998
The theme for the conference is "Managing high nature conservation
value farmland: policies, processes and practices" and it is intended
that the meeting should focus on practical lessons to be learned from
experiences in both the EU and central Europe. The organizers are not
only interested in comparing and contrasting policies across these countries
but also in considering how successful these policies have been when implemented
on the ground in all areas of Europe. In particular they are keen to emphasize
why a detailed understanding of the ecological links between farming practices
and wildlife value is necessary in order to formulate clear and effective
polices. Contact Person: Dr Davy McCracken, Environmental Sciences Department,
Scottish Agricultural College, Auchincruive, Ayr KA6 5HW, United Kingdom
Fax: +44 (0)1292 525 333, E-mail:
D.McCracken@au.sac.ac.uk
3. SOLTECH98
Orlando, Florida; Coronado Springs Hotel
April 25-30,1998
SOLTECH98 is the premier event for the U.S. solar energy industry, and
is jointly sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Utility Photovoltaics
Group, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council and SEIA. Over 90 exhibitors
from across the United States will be available to answer questions and
help meet business and energy requirements whether they are photovoltaic,
solar thermal, or solar thermal power related. In addition, the conference
will offer a unique opportunity for international guests to take part
in specialized training programs, general sessions and meetings that will
cover the latest developments in the U.S. solar industry, as well as specific
market sectors such as agriculture, tourism, rural electrification, and
emergency preparedness. For more information about SEIA and SOLTECH98,
please contact Mr. James Beck c/o the Solar Energy Industries Association,
122 C Street, NW, Fourth Floor, Washington, DC, 20001 USA; Telephone:
(202) 383-2600; Fax: (202) 383-2670; (Email:
jbeck@seia.org) . Or visit SEIA's website at
http://www.seia.org
.
4. From Centre to Territory: Theorizing and Practicing Strong Sustainability:
Towards an Ecological Political Economy (EPE) Perspective.
Transdisciplinary Virtual Workshop
March 30-April 8, 1998.
Professors at the University of Victoria are organizing a virtual, e-mail conference on the desirability and feasibility of developing an integrated approach to nature, production and power that they term "ecological political economy". The e-mail workshop will begin at 1400 hours Pacific Standard Time (1100 hours Eastern Standard Time) on Monday, 30 March 1998. Over the subsequent ten days, participants will have the opportunity to read and respond to thought-pieces and comments from participants in specific thematic areas. The workshop will close at 17 hours PST (1400 hours EST) on Wednesday, 8 April 1998. Contact Person: Fred Gale, Dept. Of Political Science, Dept. Of Environmental Law And Policy, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8W 3P5; Phone: (250) 472-4263; Fax : (250) 721-8146; Email: fgale@uvic.ca
5. Online Conference: Global Product Chains: Northern Consumers, Southern
Producers, and Sustainability
March 9-23, 1998
http://iisd.ca/susprod/
The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) invites
you to participate by WWW or email in an Online Conference to debate the
trade impacts of changing patterns of production and consumption. A report
on these impacts, including case studies, has been drafted as part of
a UNEP-funded project involving the Amsterdam Institute for Environmental
Studies (IVM), Vrije Universiteit, and partners in developing countries.
The authors of the report will moderate the conference. During the conference,
the authors are meeting in Geneva on 13 March to review the draft report.
Authors will report their discussions back to the conference for further
debate. Recommendations from the conference will be fed into the final
report. Register today to review the background reports. Discussions will
take place from March 9-23. WWW access: Register at http://iisd.ca/susprod/
;
E-mail access- Victoria Kellett:vkellett@iisd.ca
INTERNET SITES on the Year of the Ocean
EPA’s Pages on the Year of the Ocean
http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/oceans/yoto/
This site gives background on the state of pollution in the world’s oceans, as well as information on what EPA is doing to changer the current polluting practices in effect in the world today. These pages also provide links to other agencies and organizations with information on YOTO.
United Nations YOTO Pages
http://www.ocean98.org/ocean98.html
This website, sponsored by UNESCO, gives information and background on YOTO and the effects for the world. It has a list of news and information links, activities, and an education section.
NOAA International Year of the Ocean Pages
http://www.yoto98.noaa.gov/
This site includes much information, with reporters’ resources, regional links, educational and children’s links, ocean-related links.
