Cluster: Science

Water levels plunge in summer heat

This content was published on Aug 14, 2003 Environmental experts are warning that if global warming continues it could have grave consequences for the country’s future water supplies. Water levels in many of Switzerland’s rivers and lakes are at an all-time low, according to Christian Koch, a spokesman for the Federal Office for Water and Geology. On Wednesday the Geneva authorities took the…

Climate solutions

Permafrost gives cable cars that sinking feeling

This content was published on Aug 6, 2003 The structures in question are anchored in permafrost – frozen ground that holds many of Switzerland’s mountains together. One solution is to put metal anchors near the foundations to keep the rock firm as the permafrost thaws. Another is to relocate cable car stations which are in places deemed to be at risk. But a…

Climate solutions

River Rhine cleans up its act

This content was published on Jul 22, 2003 Today’s journey begins in the German city of Duisburg, once an environmental black spot along the Rhine River, now a shining example of efforts made to clean up the polluted waterway. Duisburg lies at the heart of Germany’s industrial zone in the Ruhr Valley. The chemical, steel and coal factories packed along this stretch of…

Climate solutions

Permafrost moves in mysterious ways

This content was published on Jul 21, 2003 Researchers are shedding light on the complex processes which take place underground and the impact of climate change. This week they are revealing their latest findings at an international conference in Zurich, attended by more than 300 permafrost experts. The issue came to public attention last week, when the authorities were forced to close the…

Climate solutions

Prized Alpine area being “built to death”

This content was published on Jul 10, 2003 The groups have called on the government to take action to halt the proliferation of holiday homes, which they say are destroying an area of outstanding natural beauty. The Swiss Foundation for Landscape Protection and the Swiss Heritage Society said the Upper Engadine, which includes the resort of St Moritz, was being “built to death”.…

Climate solutions

Technology triumphs over nature at Zurich zoo

This content was published on Jul 1, 2003 But the SFr52 million project, which opened on Monday, has also cast a spotlight on the role of conservation. Some critics have questioned whether the money might have been better spent on saving a real rainforest rather than creating an artificial one. From special insulating material for the roof, to the planting of 17,000 species…

Climate solutions

Rich nations under fire for neglecting environment

This content was published on Jun 5, 2003 On World Environment Day, the organisation also criticised G-8 leaders meeting near Lake Geneva this week for failing to tackle environmental issues. “I would like to see the G-8 nations work in solidarity to address not only the final [consequences of environmental damage], but also the original problems,” said Philippe Roch, head of the agency.…

Climate solutions

Switzerland urged to do more for environment

This content was published on Jun 5, 2003 On World Environment Day, the international body told Switzerland it needed to encourage biodiversity and improve water quality. The OECD congratulated Swiss authorities on achieving many of the goals they had set themselves over the last three decades. In its “Environmental Performance Review”, which looked at 32 countries from 1993 to 2000, the organisation also…

Climate solutions

Swisspeace strives to prevent water wars

This content was published on Apr 28, 2003 The Swiss Peace Foundation, Swisspeace, is working in Africa and central Asia to try to prevent water disputes from boiling over into war. “The problem is that everyone needs water and the main issue will be how to share it,” said Eva Ludi, projector coordinator for Swisspeace’s environmental conflicts department. It is a long time…

Climate solutions

Environmental problems plague Iraq

This content was published on Apr 24, 2003 The report said the problems resulted from decades of war, sanctions and government mismanagement. “Many environmental problems in Iraq are so alarming that an immediate assessment and a cleanup plan are needed urgently,” said the chairman of the study, Pekka Haavisto. The evaluation of Iraq’s environment was conducted by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and…

Cluster: Science

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Cluster: Science

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Water levels plunge in summer heat

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Permafrost gives cable cars that sinking feeling

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River Rhine cleans up its act

More

Permafrost moves in mysterious ways

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Prized Alpine area being “built to death”

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Technology triumphs over nature at Zurich zoo

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Rich nations under fire for neglecting environment

More

Switzerland urged to do more for environment

More

Swisspeace strives to prevent water wars

More

Environmental problems plague Iraq

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