Cluster: Science

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…

Climate solutions

Butterflies get new lease of life

This content was published on Apr 15, 2003 The new Papiliorama in canton Fribourg provides the ideal environment for the 1,000 brightly coloured insects brought to Switzerland from all over the world. It is a much improved version of the original butterfly sanctuary in Marin, Neuchatel, which was beset with problems up until its closure in October last year. The sanctuary suffered a…

Climate solutions

Water falls under global summit spotlight

This content was published on Mar 23, 2003 But non-governmental organisations have criticised a ministerial declaration for failing to describe water as a basic human right. The high-level talks were largely overshadowed by the start of United States-led military action in Iraq, but Philippe Roch – director of the Swiss Environment Agency – told swissinfo the summit had achieved at least some of…

Climate solutions

Swiss launch International Year of Freshwater

This content was published on Mar 21, 2003 The Swiss authorities hope to step up efforts to conserve the precious commodity and increase access to clean water around the world. Dubbed Europe’s “water reservoir”, Switzerland is blessed with abundant supplies of water. It receives twice the average annual rainfall in Europe, and is the source of the continent’s two main rivers, namely the…

Climate solutions

Poison on tap in Bangladesh

This content was published on Mar 20, 2003 Wells contaminated with arsenic have put tens of millions of people at risk of poisoning. Nagaskanda is one of villages where the SRC is active. It’s rural community in the picturesque district of Faridpur, some 70km west of the capital, Dhaka. Rivers, canals, ponds and paddy fields criss-cross the plains. Bright saris worn by local…

Cluster: Science

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

Cluster: Science

More

Prized Alpine area being “built to death”

More

Technology triumphs over nature at Zurich zoo

More

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

More

Butterflies get new lease of life

More

Water falls under global summit spotlight

More

Swiss launch International Year of Freshwater

More

Poison on tap in Bangladesh

Popular Stories

Most Discussed