Emerging Environmental Security Issues

- Monthly Reports -

The purpose of this study is to assess worldwide environmental-related issues in order to identify and analyze events that might trigger future international environmental treaties, conventions, or protocols and/or modifications to the existing ones.

Your views on these items and/or your suggestions of additional items are most welcome; please email Elizabeth Florescu at millennium-project@igc.org.

The Millennium Project defines environmental security as environmental viability for life support, with three sub-elements:
· preventing or repairing military damage to the environment,
· preventing or responding to environmentally caused conflicts, and
· protecting the environment due to its inherent moral value.

For an organization of the items in cathegories around the structure of this definition, please see:
- ES-scanning-10.pdf for items identified between August 2002 and June 2010, or
- ES-2006-08.pdf (includes potential military implications) for items identified between July 2006-June 2008
- ES-2008-09.pdf (includes potential military implications) for items identified between July 2008-June 2009
- ES-2009-10.pdf (includes potential military implications) for items identified between July 2009-June 2010 .

For a complete version of the monthly reports with Military Implications, see the Army Environmental Policy Institute web page http://www.aepi.army.mil/reports/

This webpage lists the items identified since January 2006. For the 2002-2005 items, please see the links below or the webpage es-scann-2005.html.
Following are the items organized by the months they were identified -- updated monthly.

2010
July 2010
June 2010
May 2010
April 2010
March 2010
February 2010
January 2010

2009
December 2009
November 2009
October 2009
September 2009
August 2009
July 2009
June 2009
May 2009
April 2009
March 2009
February 2009
January 2009

2008
December 2008
November 2008
October 2008
September 2008
July-August 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008

2007
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007

2006
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006

Items identifed over 2002-2005:

2005
December 2005
November 2005
October 2005
September 2005
August 2005
July 2005
June 2005
May 2005
April 2005
March 2005
February 2005
January 2005

2004
December 2004
November 2004
October 2004
September 2004
August 2004
July 2004
June 2004
May 2004
April 2004
March 2004
February 2004
January 2004

2003
December 2003
November 2003
October 2003
August-September 2003
July 2003
June 2003
May 2003
April 2003
March 2003
February 2003
January 2003

2002
December 2002
November 2002
October 2002
September 2002
August 2002

July 2010

China is Now the Largest Energy Consumer in the World
The International Energy Agency has announced that China’s energy consumption is now the highest in the world; its energy consumption has doubled since 2000. IEA notes that China’s per capita consumption is one-third of the OECD countries’ average, and credits China’s government for its efforts in reducing energy intensity and becoming a global leader in renewable energy technologies. Meantime, the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency report No growth in total global CO2 emissions in 2009 notes that OECD countries reduced their greenhouse gas emission by 7% during 2009. This reduction has been offset by increases from China and India. CO2 emissions per capita in China increased from 2.2 tons in 1990, to 6.1 tons in 2009, while, in the same time period, the 15 EU nations decreased from 9.1 tons to 7.9 tons and the U.S. decreased from 19.5 tons to 17.2 tons. Considering the rising Chinese public discontent over pollution and an estimated $25 trillion cost to clean up environmental damage associated with the country’s rapid industrialization, China’s government is increasingly concerned by the interdependence between economic and security issues. Therefore, in its 2011-2015 state plan, 39% of the performance indicators for government officials focus on “green” issues, up from 3% in the previous plan.
Sources:
China overtakes the United States to become world’s largest energy consumer
http://www.iea.org/index_info.asp?id=1479
Global carbon emissions steady for first time since 1992
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jul/01/emissions-recession
No growth in total global CO2 emissions in 2009
http://www.pbl.nl/en/publications/2010/No-growth-in-total-global-CO2-emissions-in-2009.html
Climate change biggest restriction on China's development –economist
http://www.alertnet.org/db/an_art/60714/2010/06/9-162342-1.htm

China Applies for Seabed Mining Permit in Search for New Mineral Resources
China has filed the first application with the International Seabed Authority for deep seabed mining in international waters to search for valuable metals such as copper, nickel, cobalt, gold and silver. This application for mining of sulfides in the southwest Indian Ocean at depths of more than 5,000 feet below the surface is expected to be heard April 2011. If successful, many more applications are expected to follow from China and other countries. Environmental experts are already expressing concerns about the potentially major consequences that deep-sea mining could have on the marine ecosystem. [Related item: The Race for Natural Resources a Potential Impediment for Peace in June 2010 environmental security report.] [New estimates show large resources may be possible in Afghanistan.]
Apart from these relatively common metals, the world could experience shortages of rare earth minerals needed for renewable energy and information technologies as soon as 2012. China produced more than 97% of the world’s rare earth oxides in 2009, and controls about 50% of the globe’s known reserves. Recently it announced a 72% cut in its exports of rare earths for the second half of 2010. In order to decreasing its dependence on foreign minerals, the U.S. is considering reviving the domestic rare earths mining industry, most probably beginning with the Mountain Pass CA mine that plans to increase mining and processing to 20,000 tons of rare earths by 2012, from the current 2,000 tons a year.
Sources:
Rush On for ‘Rare Earths’ as U.S. Firms Seek to Counter Chinese Monopoly
http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2010/07/23/23greenwire-rush-on-for-rare-earths-as-us-firms-seek-to-co-58814.html
Deep-sea mining adds to fears of marine pollution
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/deepsea-mining-adds-to-fears-of-marine-pollution-2016292.html

EU Parliament Adopts Restrictions on Nanoproducts
The European Parliament reached agreement that “nano-sized ingredients and food from nanotech processes should be subject to novel foods regulations,” and called for a moratorium until specifically-designed risk assessments verify their safety. The action was welcomed by the European Environmental Bureau, Europe’s largest federation of environmental citizens’ organizations. [Related item: EU Restrictions on Nanofoods Expected to Pass in July, in June 2010 environmental security report.]
Sources:
MEPs call for ban on food from cloned animals
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/expert/infopress_page/067-77912-186-07-28-911-20100706IPR77911-05-07-2010-2010-false/default_en.htm
European Environmental Bureau welcomes European Parliament's vote on nanofoods
http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=17069.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29

The Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment to the UNECE Espoo Convention Entered into Force on July 11, 2010
The Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment to the UNECE Espoo Convention sets the legal framework for better integration of environmental and health assessments, as well as public participation in decisionmaking at the earliest stage of projects and programs. It ensures that environmental protection and health concerns are an integral part of sustainable development. The SEA Protocol entered into force on July 11, 2010. [Related item: Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in May 2003 environmental security report]
Source:
Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment (Kyiv, 2003)
http://www.unece.org/env/eia/sea_protocol.htm

UN Official Calls to “Securitize the Ground” as part of Human Security
At the Third Annual Caux Forum for Human Security, held July 9-16, 2010, in Caux, Switzerland, Luc Gnacadja, the Executive Secretary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), underlining the links between climate change and conflict, called for a “decisive policy change in the way we perceive the drylands and address the issues of its people in order to avoid environmentally induced conflicts.” To this end, he suggested the “securitize the ground” concept, in order to create a wider global political awareness of the social, environmental, and economic consequences of desertification, land degradation, and drought. Securitizing the ground is defined in the reference.
Source:
The Third Annual Caux Forum for Human Security. 9-16 July 2010, Caux Switzerland
Grounding security (Soil security a prerequisite for human security). Luc Gnacadja speech
http://www.unccd.int/publicinfo/docs/lghumansecurity.pdf

Ecuador to Join the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
President Rafael Correa of Ecuador announced the accession to the UN Law of the Sea, pending endorsement by the National Assembly. Ecuador is one of the 16 countries that neither signed nor ratified the Law of the Sea Convention, although it claimed a 200 nautical mile sovereignty zone even before the concept of the Exclusive Economic Zone was created by the Convention. By joining the UNCLOS, Ecuador’s claim to the 200-mile zone and the air space above will become official, and also opens the opportunity for eventual claims of extension.
Source:
Ecuador anuncia adhesión a la Convemar
http://andes.info.ec/politica/ecuador-anuncia-adhesion-a-la-convemar-23938.html (Spanish language)

Coal-fired Power Plants under Fire
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is contemplating introducing rules to reduce environmental effects of coal-fired power plants as part of its steps on regulating greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, a new rule for reducing the emissions of mercury from coal-fired power plants is to be issued November 2011 with enforcement three years later. It is estimated that this will force about 20% of U.S. coal-fired electric generation capacity to retire by 2015. Similarly, in Australia, the Greens are advocating 100% replacement of coal with renewable energy sources such as sun, wind, and wave.
Sources:
Analysis: Toxic Fish Could Help Obama Hit 2020 Climate Goals
http://planetark.org/wen/58929
Senator Milne said this could be achieved by 2030 with the right preparation and infrastructure. Greens say coal must go
http://www.smh.com.au/federal-election/climate/greens-say-coal-must-go-20100724-10pmh.html

Technological Advances with Environmental Security Implications

New Optical Link Facilitates Exploration of the Underwater Environment
Engineers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution have developed an optical modem system which allows data and command communication with an autonomous undersea research vehicle without the need for tethering with bulky cables. The system demonstrated error-free transmissions at 1 megabit per second at a range of more than 100 meters.
Source:
Revolutionary Communications System Promises New Generation of Untethered, Undersea Vehicles
http://www.physorg.com/news197133272.html

New Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) Give Greatly Improved CO2 Storage
Researchers from UCLA and Seoul’s Soongsil University report development of several new MOF materials with greatly improved capability for CO2 capture and storage.
Sources:
World records by UCLA chemists, Korean colleagues enhance ability to capture CO2
http://newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/world-records-by-ucla-chemists-163439.aspx
Ultra-High Porosity in Metal-Organic Frameworks
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/science.1192160v1

New Detection and Cleanup Techniques
Graphene-based Composite Removes Arsenic from Drinking Water
Researchers at Pohang University of Science and Technology in Pohang, Republic of Korea, claim creation of a new magnetite composite, based on reduced graphene oxide (RGO), which absorbs arsenic when dispersed in water, and can then be removed with a magnet. Compared to present methods, the highly efficient new material can be used in continuous-flow systems for longer periods.
Sources:
Graphene soaks up arsenic
http://physicsworld.com/cws/article/news/43162
Water-Dispersible Magnetite-Reduced Graphene Oxide Composites for Arsenic Removal
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/nn1008897

New Catalyst Enables Water Decontamination by Visible Light
Scientists at the Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science in Shenyang, China, have announced a catalytic water purification technique using visible light rather than UV. The catalyst is made from a grid of titanium oxide fibers impregnated with nitrogen, augmented with palladium nanoparticles. The bactericidal action continues for up to 24 hours after light is removed. Professor Shang has stated that this new technique is both more energy-efficient and more effective than previous UV photocatalysts and will also kill some of the toughest microbes such as spores.
Sources:
Nanoparticles and light can purify water
http://www.scidev.net/en/news/nanoparticles-and-light-can-purify-water.html
Memory antibacterial effect from photoelectron transfer between nanoparticles and visible light photocatalyst
http://www.rsc.org/publishing/journals/JM/article.asp?doi=b917239d

Adding Flocculation Agents to Runoff Filter Socks Improves Performance
Scientists from the Agricultural Research Service’s Animal and Natural Resources Institute in Beltsville MD, and researchers from Filtrexx International, say they improved on the performance of filter socks used to partially remove contaminants from storm water runoff from construction sites and other disturbed earth sites. Adding flocculation agents to the compost inside the socks improved reduction percentages of contaminants by up to one-third, including reducing E. coli and motor oil by 99%.
Source:
'Super socks' help stem pollution runoff
http://www.physorg.com/news199099635.html

Increasing Energy Efficiency Technologies
Adding Graphene to Lithium-Ion Batteries Dramatically Reduces Recharge Time
DOE’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Vorbeck Materials Corp. of Jessup MD, and Professor Ilhan Aksay of Princeton University collaborated in developing a new technology incorporating graphene into lithium-ion batteries, thereby reducing their recharge times by factors from 10 to 30.
Source:
Battery research could lead to shorter recharge time for cell phones
http://www.physorg.com/news198309365.html

New Solar-Powered Process Converts Atmospheric CO2 to Solid Carbon
Professor Stuart Licht of the Department of Chemistry and Solar Institute at George Washington University and collaborators report the STEP (Solar Thermal Electrochemical Photo) process, which uses solar radiation both to heat a molten lithium carbonate electrolyte that splits the CO2 into free oxygen and solid carbon that is formed at the cathode, and to provide energy for the electrolysis.
Sources:
New solar-powered process removes CO2 from the air and stores it as solid carbon
http://www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=17198.php
A New Solar Carbon Capture Process: Solar Thermal Electrochemical Photo (STEP) Carbon Capture
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jz100829s

Updates on Previously Identified Issues

Updates of the Rome Statute Include Amendments on the Crime of Aggression and Expansion of Criminalizing the Use of Certain Weapons in Non-international Conflicts
The first Review Conference on the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) took place in Kampala, Uganda, May 31‑June 11, 2010. The Conference reached agreement on the definition of the crime of aggression and the framework for the Court’s jurisdiction over this type of crime. In principle, a crime of aggression is committed by a leader who plans or executes an “act of aggression” that constitutes “by its character, gravity and scale” a “manifest violation of the Charter of the United Nations,” while an “act of aggression” is the use of armed force in a manner inconsistent with the U.N. Charter, including any of the acts stipulated in UN General Assembly Resolution 3314, which are listed in new Article 8 bis. The activation of the Court’s jurisdiction is pending agreement of two–thirds of States Parties, which cannot be taken before January 1, 2017 and one year after the ratification or acceptance of the amendments by 30 states parties, whichever is later.
The criminalization of the use of certain weapons in non-international conflicts is added under Article 8, paragraph 2, e) and includes: poison, poisoned weapons, asphyxiating, poisonous or other gases and all analogous liquids, materials or devices, as well as the use of bullets that expand or flatten in the body. The amendment will enter into force for each State Party one year after depositing the instruments of ratification or acceptance of the amendment. [Related item: Changes to War Crimes Proposed for the International Criminal Court in November 2009 environmental security report.]
The Conference also adopted the Kampala Declaration, reaffirming states’ commitment to the Rome Statute and its full implementation, as well as its universality and integrity.
Sources:
Review Conference of the Rome Statute
http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/?mod=review
States Parties Approve New Crimes for International Criminal Court. ASIL Volume 14, Issue 16
http://www.asil.org/files/insight100622pdf.pdf

Progress on International Environmental Governance
The First Meeting of the Consultative Group of Ministers or High-Level Representatives on Broader International Environmental Governance Reform was held from July 7-9, 2010 in Nairobi, Kenya. The Consultative Group is formed of delegates from 59 countries. Using the original 24 points proposed by UNEP, the group identified nine options for further consideration. While there is general agreement that there are gaps in the current environmental governance system, views differ about potential solutions. Some countries favor creating a global policy organization with universal membership to manage the global environmental agenda, while others advocate a new specialized UN agency on the environment, or argue for an umbrella organization on sustainability. However, there is general support for other broad reforms, such as an encompassing global information network, establishing a tracking system on environmental finance, and enhancing UNEP presence within existing country offices. The Group agreed to a roadmap for its work through the 2011 Governing Council. The second meeting is tentatively scheduled for late November 2010 in Helsinki, Finland. [Related item: UNEP Conference Furthers Environmental Governance in February 2009 environmental security report.]
Sources:
First Meeting of the Consultative Group, Nairobi 7-9 July 2010
http://www.unep.org/environmentalgovernance/Introduction/GCfeb2010/tabid/4556/language/en-US/Default.aspx
The Co-Chairs' Summary and Roadmap
http://www.unep.org/environmentalgovernance/Introduction/GCfeb2010/tabid/4556/language/en-US/Default.aspx

High cancer rates in Fallujah, Iraq; New Study Raises Questions on Environmental Damage from Bombardments
A paper by visiting professor Dr Chris Busby at the University of Ulster and colleagues reports a four-fold increase in all cancers and a 12-fold increase in childhood cancer in under-14s from a survey in Fallujah, Iraq which was heavily bombarded in 2004. The study showed that infant mortality in the city is more than four times higher than in Jordan and eight times higher than in Kuwait. There is a 38-fold increase in leukemia, and a ten-fold increase in female breast cancer. The changes cannot be ascribed to any specific cause, but the authors raise the possibility of uranium-tainted weapons being involved. [Related item: New Legal Proceeding over Allegations of Use of Illegal Weapons in Iraq in May 2010 environmental security report.]
Sources:
Toxic legacy of US assault on Fallujah 'worse than Hiroshima'
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/toxic-legacy-of-us-assault-on-fallujah-worse-than-hiroshima-2034065.html
Cancer, Infant Mortality and Birth Sex-Ratio in Fallujah, Iraq 2005–2009
http://www.scribd.com/doc/34158205/Cancer-Infant-Mortality-and-Birth-Sex-Ratio-in-Fallujah-Iraq-2005–2009

Artillery Training Charges Pose Environmental Asbestos Threat
The Australian Department of Defence has launched an investigation into the possible exposure of troops to white chrysotile asbestos from a broken dummy charge bag used in a kit for 105mm howitzer training, imported from the U.S.
Source:
Artillery drills spark asbestos fears
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/06/29/2939489.htm?section=justin

“Public Interest” Environmental Suits Increasing
Reportedly, in the past twenty years, tens of thousands of public interest lawsuits have been filed against the Indian government and corporations on grounds, among others, that large development projects threaten livelihoods, land, or the environment. These suits have led to landmark rulings on education, the environment, and human rights (PILs can relate to any public issue, not just the environment), but their volume has burdened the judicial system. Therefore, in an effort to reduce the caseload, the Indian government has introduced new directives, requiring higher standards of proof and sanctioning the petitioner if a project was delayed by a public interest litigation that is later dismissed. Note: similar public interest legal provisions as those in India are also included in jurisprudence in South Africa, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. [Related item: Environmental Courts and Tribunals Are Rapidly Increasing Around the World in April 2010 environmental security report, as well as above item on European SEA in this report.]
Source:
Activists in India cry foul over new rules regarding public interest litigation
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/25/AR2010072502773.html

Study Indicts Swimming Pool Disinfectants for Toxic Effects from Byproducts
According to Science Daily, research by Professor Michael Plewa of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and colleagues has linked the application of disinfectants in recreational pools to previously published adverse health outcomes such as asthma, bladder cancer, and DNA damage: “negative outcomes can occur when disinfection byproducts form reactions with organic matter [e.g., sweat, hair, sunscreen] in pool water”. The scientists recommend that disinfectants containing bromine be avoided.
Source:
Recreational Pool Disinfectants Linked to Health Problems
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100721133213.htm
Genotoxicity of Water Concentrates from Recreational Pools after Various Disinfection Methods
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es903593w

Climate Change
Scientific Evidence and Natural Disasters
Mass bleaching of coral reefs has been reported throughout Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific. The damage so far has been the worst since 1997/1998 when high ocean temperatures killed an estimated 16% of the world’s reefs, but with ocean temperatures reaching record levels and combined with the end of an El Niño episode, scientists warn that even more damage could come. While reefs can often recover from bleaching, it could take corals between 10 and 70 years to recover from bleaching events of such magnitude. Also, a recent study showed that rising temperatures slow the speed of coral growth. In the Red Sea, coral growth declined by a third over the past 12 years, and scientists warned that coral there would cease growing entirely by 2070 if warming continues.
Meantime, worldwide phytoplankton levels decreased 40% since the 1950s, reveal Canadian and U.S. scientists in a study published in the journal Nature. They say that the likely cause is global warming, which increases difficulty for plant plankton to get vital nutrients. The most dramatic changes are noted in the Arctic, southern, and equatorial Atlantic and equatorial Pacific oceans, while the Indian Ocean is not showing a decline.

Food and Water Security
Water Issues between Nepal, India, and Bangladesh, a paper by the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, notes that the largely agrarian characteristics of the countries in the region and their volatile relations make the region highly prone to water related crises. The paper concludes that water issues are essentially a product of the political relations in the region and points to the benefits of developing joint water management schemes, such as information sharing mechanisms, disaster preparation, and maintenance of a specific quality of water, which, in addition to resolving water issues, would also enhance regional stability. Meantime, tensions between India and Pakistan are growing, with Pakistan filing a case with the international arbitration court to stop the construction of a hydroelectric dam in India in May.
The UN calls upon the international community to help the more than 10 million hungry people across Africa’s drought-stricken Sahel region. The hardest hit is Niger, where more than 7 million people — almost 50% of the population — is suffering from lack of food.

Migration
Advocating for Safe Movement as a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Pastoralists in the Horn and East Africa, a new report by the Security Mobility Initiative, finds increasing levels of migration and conflict over often scarce resources. According to the report, vulnerability, a lack of preparedness, and appropriate, timely and relevant responses to natural disasters left millions in need of humanitarian assistance. The report recommends urgent actions to help pastoralists cope with the growing impacts of climate change, for example, to facilitate safe passage across borders in the Horn and East Africa region. In June, the European Commission adopted a €20 million humanitarian financial package to support 12 million people affected by drought in the Greater Horn of Africa in developing resilience to drought and adapting to climate change.
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) assesses the extent to which Northern Nigerian households migrate in response to weather-related variability and shocks. Its discussion paper, Migratory responses to agricultural risk in Northern Nigeria, finds that households use migration as a risk management strategy. The author underscores the importance of understanding how climate affects migration decisions in order to better target resources to cope with climate change.

Adaptation
The World Bank Institute has published a series of multimedia learning modules on Climate Adaptation for Water, Agriculture, and Natural Resource Management. The modules address issues including rehabilitating degraded watersheds; innovative cultivation strategies; legal aspects of water use; and public-private partnerships in irrigation management. The modules are available at: http://vle.worldbank.org/moodle/course/view.php?id=402

Computer Modeling and Scenarios
Forum for the Future (FF) with support from the British Department of International Development (DFID) has developed four scenarios exploring how climate change would transform low-income countries over the next 20 years. The study warns that unless strong and urgent action is taken, climate change would reverse years of work reducing poverty in the developing world. In addition, shortages of food and natural resources and climate change impacts could lead many nations to question the Western model of economic development and democracy. The study stresses that the impacts of climate change must be factored into development decisions to ensure they continue to yield benefits in the long-term.
The Chalmers Climate Calculator is a simple climate model for online use, developed by Chalmers University of Technology. The model shows potential impacts on global temperature rise under different CO2 emissions scenarios shaped by reductions’ timeframes and scales, climate sensitivity, and the net aerosol forcing in year 2005. The model also allows visualizing the different impacts of emission cuts by Annex I and Non-Annex I countries, as well as the role of deforestation. The global model is accessible at: www.chalmers.se/ee/ccc , while the model considering Annex I grouping and deforestation is available at www.chalmers.se/ee/ccc2 .
Similarly, an interactive climate map from Google shows potential future impacts of a 4ºC global temperature rise, illustrating rising water levels and reduced crop yields in different parts of the world. The map is continuously updated as new data become available. It is available at: http://www.fco.gov.uk/google-earth-4degrees.kml (requires Google Earth installed.)

Post-Copenhagen Negotiations
The World Investment Report 2010 by UNCTAD notes that current national and international policy frameworks do not target private sector and transnational corporation contributions sufficiently and effectively, and underlines the importance of integrating international investment policies into the negotiations and design of the new post-2012 regime. The report proposes a global partnership to synergize investment and climate change mitigation for promoting sustainable development. One of the components of the proposal is setting up an international low-carbon technical assistance center (L-TAC).
Environmental and economic effects of the Copenhagen pledges and more ambitious emission reduction targets, a report by Germany’s Federal Environment Agency (UBA), notes that the emission reduction targets of the world’s major CO2 emitters under the Copenhagen Accord are not yet sufficient to limit global warming to 2ºC. Meantime, it shows that economic costs in terms of reduced GDP compared to baseline GDP in 2020 are no higher than 0.25%, assuming that emission allowances are traded globally. For the EU, the impact on GDP between 30% CO2 reduction (instead of 20%) by 2020 compared to 1990 levels would be marginal.
Climate Stabilization Targets: Emissions, Concentrations, and Impacts Over Decades to Millennia by the National Research Council today assesses the levels of CO2 reduction that would be necessary to stabilize climate at less than 2ºC average global warming. It notes that efforts are needed imminently for a rapid decline to less than 80% of current emissions by mid-century.
Sources:
Coral reefs suffer mass bleaching
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/7896403/Coral-reefs-suffer-mass-bleaching.html
Plankton, base of ocean food web, in big decline
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100728/ap_on_sc/us_sci_declining_plankton
Water Issues between Nepal, India & Bangladesh. IPCS paper
http://www.ipcs.org/pdf_file/issue/SR95.pdf
UN humanitarian chief: 10 million in Africa's drought-stricken Sahel hungry, need help
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5jeg5Eoxjn-ivdeZ-vjPDaLa_RTNA
Security in Mobility Launch: Key Note Address: Mr. Mark Bowden, HC for Somalia
http://ochaonline.un.org/OchaLinkClick.aspx?link=ocha&docId=1165384
Greater Horn of Africa: EU Commission allocates € 20 million to support 12 million victims of recurrent droughts
http://europa-eu-un.org/articles/en/article_9879_en.htm
Migratory Responses to Agricultural Risk in Northern Nigeria. IFPRI Discussion Paper 01007
http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/ifpridp01007.pdf
World Investment Report 2010
http://www.unctad.org/Templates/WebFlyer.asp?intItemID=5535&lang=1
The Future Climate for Development
http://www.forumforthefuture.org/projects/the-future-climate-for-development
Low carbon, high hopes
http://blogs.dfid.gov.uk/2010/07/low-carbon-high-hopes/
World Investment Report 2010
http://www.unctad.org/Templates/WebFlyer.asp?intItemID=5535&lang=1
Environmental and economic effects of the Copenhagen pledges and more ambitious emission reduction targets
http://www.uba.de/uba-info-medien/3998.html
Study Warns that Decisions Made Today About Carbon Emissions Will Have Consequences "In the Coming Centuries and Millennia"
http://www.wwfblogs.org/climate/content/nrc-climatereport-16july2010

Nanotechnology Safety Issues

EC Publishes Report on Definition of Nanomaterials For Regulatory Purposes
Responding to a request of the European Parliament, the EC Joint Research Centre (JRC) published a reference report, Considerations on a definition of nanomaterial for regulatory purposes. According to Nanowerk News, "The report discusses possible elements of a definition aiming at reducing ambiguity and confusion for regulators, industry, and the general public. It recommends that the specific term 'particulate nanomaterial' should be employed in legislation to avoid inconsistencies with other definitions and that size should be used as the only defining property." Meantime, the European Commission has requested that the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) provide advice on the essential elements of a science-based working definition of “nanomaterials.” Part of this process is a public consultation on the preliminary version, in which stakeholders are invited to submit comments and proposals.
Sources:
Considerations on a definition of nanomaterial for regulatory purposes
http://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/bitstream/111111111/14270/1/jrc-refreport-definition-nanomaterial-eur24403en.pdf
European Commission publishes reference report on definition of nanomaterials for regulatory purposes
http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=17008.php
Document: Scientific Basis for the Definition of the Term “Nanomaterial
http://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/emerging/docs/scenihr_o_030.pdf
Public consultation on scientific basis for a definition of the term 'nanomaterial'
http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=17175.php

Study Raises Doubts on PEN Nano Consumer Products Inventory (CPI)
A recent study, published in Nanotechnology Law & Business, of the Consumer Products Inventory (CPI) prepared by the Wilson Center/Pew Trusts' Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies came to the conclusion that the CPI has substantive deficiencies that call the validity of claims associated with the CPI into question. It also recommends a commitment of resources at the governmental level to produce and maintain a consumer product inventory.
Source:
Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies – Consumer Product Inventory Evaluated
Nanotechnology Law & Business (Volume 7, Issue 2)
http://www.nanolabweb.com/index.cfm/action/main.default.viewArticle/articleID/330/CFID/4996510/CFTOKEN/43195139/index.html (abstract; subscription or purchase required for full text)

GAO Tells EPA It Should Expand Nanomaterials Info and Regulatory Efforts
A new GAO report, Nanotechnology: Nanomaterials Are Widely Used in Commerce, but EPA Faces Challenges in Regulating Risk, says EPA should proceed with previously announced plans to increase the information the agency has on nanomaterials and expand its oversight of them. The EPA has said it agrees, and concurred with the GAO recommendations.
Sources:
Nanotechnology: Nanomaterials Are Widely Used in Commerce, but EPA Faces Challenges in Regulating Risk
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-10-549
EPA Should Expand Efforts to Get Data On, Regulate Nanomaterials, GAO Says in Report
http://www.merid.org/nanodev/more.php?articleID=2708

New EU NanoSustain Project Aims for Sustainable Solutions for Nanotechnology
The NanoSustain is a consortium comprising 12 partners from 8 different countries. The objective of the NanoSustain project is to develop innovative solutions for the sustainable design, use, recycling and final treatment of nanotechnology-based products, based on hazard characterization and life-cycle assessment (LCA). “This will be achieved by comprehensive data gathering and generation of relevant missing data, as well as their evaluation and validation for specific nano-products or product groups in relation to their human health and environmental hazards and possible impacts that may occur during after-production stages.”
Sources:
New EU-funded project to develop sustainable solutions for nanotechnology-based products based on hazard characterization
http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=17326.php
NanoSustain Project
http://www.nanosustain.eu/

New Model Predicts Nanoparticle Cellular Toxicity
Enrico Burello and Andrew Worth of the EC's Joint Research Centre in Ispra, Italy have developed a new theoretical model that predicts which materials will make nanoparticles that could damage living cells. The model matches available electronic energy levels in the nanoparticle structure with the oxidation potentials of reactions that would either remove antioxidants from cells or generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) like hydrogen peroxide or superoxide ions. The researchers are trying to add factors besides oxidative stress.
Source:
Predicting Nanoparticle Toxicity
http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2010/July/26071001.asp

German Paint Association Issues Nanomaterials Workplace Guidance
The German Paint and Printing Ink Association published a guideline document to inform its members on the responsible handling of nanoscale materials at the workplace.
Sources:
German Paint and Printing Ink Association publishes guidance for workplace handling nanomaterials
http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=17345.php
Guidance for the handling of nano-objects at the workplace
http://www.lackindustrie.de/Default2.asp?cmd=get_dwnld&docnr=127627&file=Nanoleitfaden+englisch%2Epdf

Scientific Review on Using Nanomaterials in Construction Materials
Prof. Pedro J. Alvarez at Rice University and colleagues compiled a report listing current uses of nanomaterials in various construction applications and highlighting potential and promising future uses. They also outline benefits, exposure scenarios, and impact mitigation measures.
Sources:
Nanomaterials in the construction industry and resulting health and safety issues
http://www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=17138.php
Nanomaterials in the Construction Industry: A Review of Their Applications and Environmental Health and Safety Considerations
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/nn100866w

Study Analyzes Stakeholder Preferences in Regulating Nanotechnology
According to Meridian Nanotechnology and Development News, a recent analysis conducted by Steffen Foss Hansen, a postdoctorate student at the Technical Univ. of Denmark, used Multicriteria Mapping (MCM) to study why some nanotechnology regulatory options, such as bans, moratoriums, and voluntary measures, are deemed to be either acceptable or unacceptable to various stakeholders in the United States. His findings are quoted as saying, "[A]dopting an incremental approach and implementing a new regulatory framework have been evaluated as the best options whereas a complete ban and no additional regulation of nanotechnology were the least favorable."
Sources:
Stakeholder Preferences in Regulating Nanotechnology
http://www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=17337.php
Multicriteria mapping of stakeholder preferences in regulating nanotechnology
http://www.springerlink.com/content/x82lt46t86514361/

What Can Nanotechnology Learn from Biotechnology? book
What Can Nanotechnology Learn from Biotechnology? is a collection of papers by experts--proponents and opponents--reviewing the social, environmental, ethical, and regulatory issues of nanotechnology by comparison to biotechnology controversies, mainly in agricultural and food-related applications.
Sources:
In the footsteps of biotech
http://www.nature.com/nnano/journal/v5/n7/full/nnano.2010.136.html (Subscription or purchase required)
What Can Nanotechnology Learn From Biotechnology?
http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/bookdescription.cws_home/713890/description#description

Webinars on Nanotech Regulation Offered
The Keller Heckman law firm is offering a webinar series Nanotechnology Today 2010, focusing on state regulation of nanotechnology in the absence of national regulation, the impact of nanomaterial regulation in Europe and North America, environmental applications of nanotechnology, and benefits and risk communication for nanomaterials. The series will comprises four sessions, in July, September, October, and November, and can be purchased for either live on-line viewing or three post-session on-demand viewings of each event.
Source:
Nanotechnology Today 2010 webinar
http://www.khlaw.com/showevent.aspx?Show=3789

Nanotechnology Conference to Be Held in Korea in August
The Nano Korea 2010 Symposium, "Nanotechnology for Green World", will be held in Seoul 17-20 August, concurrently with the 10th IEEE International Conference on Nanotechnology. More than 10,000 visitors from about 40 countries are expected to attend.
Source:
Nano Korea 2010
http://www.nanokorea.or.kr/Eng/

Reports and Information Suggested for Review

New Website Addresses Conflict-sensitive Conservation
While most of the discourse is around environmental protection in case of conflict, a new website is addressing conflict-sensitive conservation (CSC) in order to prevent conservation activities from exacerbating conflict or impeding peacebuilding. Since many of the world’s biodiversity hotspots are located in socially and/or politically unstable zones, conservation organizations have to “adopt conflict-sensitivity”. IISD, one of the project’s founding organizations, notes that conservation activities could exacerbate conflict situations by restricting populations’ access to key livelihood resources; introducing new or additional economic burdens or risks; and/or causing unequal distribution of benefits. The CSC website offers a portal for understanding the links between conservation and conflict in order to reduce their potential negative backlash, while also suggesting best practices and ideas for improving situations.
Sources:
Conflict-Sensitive Conservation. MEA Bulletin Issue No. 97, Thursday, 29 July 2010
http://www.iisd.ca/mea-l/meabulletin97.pdf
Conflict-Sensitive Conservation website
http://www.csconservation.org/

Measuring Progress in Conflict Environments: A Metrics Framework
Measuring Progress in Conflict Environments (MPICE): A Metrics Framework is “a hierarchical metrics system of outcome-based goals, indicators, and measures, useful to indications of trends toward the achievement of stabilization goals over time”. The approach shows a different way to measure conflict, based on outcomes in terms of success or failure results of strategies and projects aimed to strengthen stability and build a self-sustaining peace, instead of assessing traditional output such as the number of schools built, miles of roads paved, or numbers of police trained. MPICE provides a “system of metrics that can assist in formulating policy and implementing strategic and operational plans to transform conflict and bring stability to war-torn societies” by establishing “realistic goals, bringing adequate resources and authorities to bear”. The framework is aimed at analyzing the peace progress during stabilization and reconstruction in order to measure the drivers of violent conflict that prevent indigenous institutions from exiting the conflict peacefully. The MPICE system was tested in Afghanistan and Sudan, and it is currently being applied to crisis cases and will be applied to future ones, in order to improve the approach. It was developed by a consortium of organizations working in development, security, and policy.
Source:
Measuring Progress in Conflict Environments
http://www.usip.org/resources/measuring-progress-in-conflict-environments-mpice-0

Repository of Multilateral Environmental Agreements
Multilateral Environmental Agreements: State of Affairs and Developments 2010, edited by Philip Drost, Senior Legal Counsel at the Directorate International Affairs, Netherlands Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment, is a repository of the texts of the most important global Multilateral Environmental Agreements, “including the most recent texts of Rules of Procedure, Financial Rules and Compliance Procedures.” The chapter “Year Ahead” outlines the key negotiating issues for the forthcoming year.
Source:
Multilateral Environmental Agreements. State of Affairs and Developments 2010
http://www.isbs.com/partnumber.asp?cid=28591&pnid=326458

New Reports on Sustainability and Climate Change
The MIT Sloan School of Management has produced its Special Report, The Business of Sustainability -Findings and Insights from the First Annual Business of Sustainability Survey and the Global Thought Leader’s Research Project, assessing how leading organizations are responding to sustainability-related business forces.
Informing an Effective Response to Climate Change, a new report by the National Research Council, “examines the types of information systems and communication tools needed to ensure that national, state, and local decision makers and the public base climate change policies and personal choices for responding on the best available science.” Among other conclusions, it calls for a systematic framework to effectively address challenges posed by climate change and for improved decision-taking and evaluation. The report is part of the America’s Climate Choices suite of studies.
Sources:
The Business of Sustainability
http://sloanreview.mit.edu/special-report/the-business-of-sustainability/
TheBusiness of Sustainability -Findings from the first annual survey and interview project
http://www.mitsmr-ezine.com./busofsustainability/2009#pg1
Informing an Effective Response to Climate Change
http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12784

June 2010

NASA Scientist Warns of Possible Severe Solar EMPs in 2013
Dr Richard Fisher, the director of NASA’s Heliophysics Division, has warned in an interview that the coincidence of the sun’s magnetic energy and sunspot cycles in 2013 could produce devastating electromagnetic pulses (EMPs), disabling large portions of the electricity grid. The National Academy of Sciences made a similar forecast two years ago.
Source:
NASA warns solar flares from 'huge space storm' will cause devastation
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/space/7819201/Nasa-warns-solar-flares-from-huge-space-storm-will-cause-devastation.html

OSCE is Enhancing Environmental Security in Central Asia
The OSCE continued its commitment to further environmental security in Central Asia during a meeting held June 23, 2010, among the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Kazakhstan’s Secretary of State and Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, and other senior officials. In addition to exploring ways to improve environmental security in the region, they also discussed the related security issues in Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan. Following the meetings Saudabayev said: “The Kazakh OSCE Chairmanship is committed to preventing escalation of tensions in Kyrgyzstan, and is ready to help the country with post-conflict rehabilitation. The OSCE is working together with the international community to help Kyrgyzstan.” The next day’s high-level international conference on disarmament in Central Asia and the Caspian region, held also under the auspices of the OSCE, expanded the discussions to potential strategies for making Central Asia a zone free of weapons of mass destruction (including nuclear), strengthening nuclear security in Central Asian states (counter transit of nuclear materials by terrorists), safe transportation of energy resources, and the Caspian Sea border delimitation disputes. These issues will be further discussed at an informal meeting of OSCE Foreign Ministers in Almaty, July 16-17, 2010. [Related items: First EU-Central Asia Security Forum Included Environmental Security in September 2008, ENVSEC to Expand Environmental Co-operation in South Caucasus, in March 2009 environmental security reports.]
Sources:
OSCE Chairperson welcomes Turkmenistan’s role in promoting stability in Central Asia
http://www.osce.org/cio/item_1_44791.html
Turkmenistan Weekly Roundup
http://www.eurasianet.org/node/61437

G8 and G20 Integrate Security and Environmental Issues in Development
The G8 meeting held in Muskoka, Canada, declared that: “We must also ensure that the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, terrorism and organized crime, as well as many other challenges faced by states to address their security vulnerabilities, including climate change, remain at the forefront of public policy.” The G8 reiterated the goal of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions at least 50% by 2050, with developed countries reducing in aggregate by at least 80% compared to 1990 or more recent years.
The G8 was followed by the first Summit of the G20 in its capacity as the premier forum for international economic cooperation. The G20 addressed cooperation strategies for finding global solutions to transnational problems, such as the effects of climate change, food and energy security. A Working Group on Development was established to suggest a development strategy to be adopted at the Seoul Summit to be held November 11-12, 2010. However, critics say that the Toronto Declaration was watered down, not containing specific commitments to clean energy and phase-out subsidies of fossil fuels.
Sources:
G8 Muskoka Declaration Recovery and New Beginnings
http://g8.gc.ca/g8-summit/summit-documents/g8-muskoka-declaration-recovery-and-new-beginnings/
G-20 Summit website
http://g20.gc.ca/toronto-summit
The Toronto Declaration
http://www.g20.org/Documents/g20_declaration_en.pdf
G20 summit drops clean-energy pledge
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/331848,summit-drops-clean-energy-pledge.html

Preparations for a Legally Binding Global Instrument on Mercury Advance
The First Meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to Prepare a Global Legally Binding Instrument on Mercury was held from June 7-11, 2010 in Stockholm, Sweden, attended by over 400 participants, representing governments, UN agencies, and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations. This first meeting consisted of initial exchanges of views on key elements of a convention, with the most important outcome being the request to the Secretariat for significant intersessional work, including the “elements of a comprehensive and suitable approach” to a legally binding instrument, which will be a basis for negotiations at the next meeting to be held January 24-28, 2011, in Chiba, Japan. [Related items: UNEP Conference Furthers Environmental Governance in February 2009, and EU Legislation Banning Mercury Exports in Effect in 2011 in October 2008 environmental security reports.]
Sources:
First Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to Prepare a Global Legally Binding Instrument on Mercury (INC1)
http://www.iisd.ca/mercury/inc1/

Technological Advances with Environmental Security Implications

Elements of Prototype Tsunami Prediction System Tested
Reportedly, a team from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena CA has “successfully demonstrated for the first time elements of a prototype tsunami prediction system that quickly and accurately assesses large earthquakes and estimates the size of resulting tsunamis.” A key element in the new system’s performance is its taking into account the characteristics of the continental shelf near the epicenter.
Source:
NASA Demonstrates Tsunami Prediction System
http://www.physorg.com/news195755113.html

New Detection and Cleanup Techniques
New Catalyst Removes Nitrite and Nitrate from Drinking Water
Jitendra Kumar Chinthaginjala of the University of Twente, Netherlands, has developed a catalyst structure that can efficiently remove hazardous nitrite and nitrate, in combination with hydrogen, from drinking water, and turn it into harmless nitrogen. The system consists of nanoparticles of palladium or platinum attached to extremely fine threads of carbon, with the spaces between the threads allowing the nitrite and nitrate to come into good contact with the surface of the nanoparticles.
Source:
University of Twente Develops Catalysts For Clean Drinking Water
http://www.utwente.nl/news/ut-ontwikkelt-katalysatoren-voor-schoon-drinkwater

Silicon-on-insulator Microring Resonator Provides High Sensitivity Gas Detection
According to an article in Nanowerk News, INTEC, imec’s associated laboratory at Ghent University in Belgium, has developed a technique using coated SOI microring resonators with films of 3.5 nm ZnO nanocrystals to achieve optical sensing of gaseous ethanol. Ethanol vapor concentrations as low as 100 ppm have been detected. The devices can be modified for the detection of other gases.
Source:
Optical ethanol vapor sensor shows potential of SOI-based integrated gas sensors
http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=16809.php

Increasing Energy Efficiency Technologies
Nanowire Solar Cells Have Prospect of Higher Efficiency
Researchers at the Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands are working on nanowire-based solar cells, which, when combined with proper mirror systems, might reach an efficiency as high as 65%, at a cost of less than $0.50/watt.
Source:
Towards nanowire solar cells with a 65-percent efficiency
http://w3.tue.nl/en/services/daz/alumni/news/news_article/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=9746&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=12152&cHash=8c268b0cfc

Solar-chargeable Lamp Provides Low-Cost Illumination
A group of scientists from the Risø National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy, in Denmark, has developed a low-cost (perhaps about $4) plastic lamp, rechargeable from the sun.
Sources:
Low-cost solar solution could empower off-grid poor
http://www.scidev.net/en/news/low-cost-solar-solution-could-empower-off-grid-poor.html
Manufacture, integration and demonstration of polymer solar cells in a lamp for the Lighting Africa initiative
http://www.rsc.org/Publishing/Journals/EE/article.asp?doi=b918441d

Updates on Previously Identified Issues

International Renewable Energy Agency Statute Enters into Force on 8 July 2010
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Statute has received its 25th ratification and therefore IRENA will become a full-fledged international organization on 8 July 2010. Helen Pelosse, IRENA Interim Director General, underlined that IRENA’s ratification process was the fastest ever for such a process. IRENA’s objective is to promote a swift transition towards sustainable use of renewable energy. By the end of June 2010, a total of 144 countries and the European Union have signed IRENA’s mandate, and 26 countries have ratified it. [Related item: New International Renewable Energy Agency Opens in January, in December 2008 environmental security report]
Source:
IRENA’s statute enters into force
http://www.irena.org/news/Description.aspx?News_ID=19&mnu=nws

International Body to Monitor Biodiversity Destruction
The Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) will be an international body to monitor and curb the destruction of biodiversity. It is modeled on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which helped raise climate change on the international and national agendas and trigger changes. The establishment of the new body was agreed to by governments meeting in Busan, South Korea, and has to be approved by the UN General Assembly’s 65th session, which opens in September, and then presented for endorsement by environment ministers attending the UNEP Governing Council/Global Ministerial scheduled to be held in February 2011, in Nairobi, Kenya. [Related item: New Mechanisms for Enforcing Biosafety and Biological Diversity Treaties in May 2008 environmental security report.]
Meantime, UNEP released the first issue in its new Policy Series on Ecosystem Management, “Integrated Solutions for Biodiversity, Climate Change and Poverty.” It highlights, inter alia, the importance of biodiversity in adaptation to climate change and the need for a new strategy to increase engagement of business leaders to improve biodiversity protection.
Sources:
Governments Give Green Light to International Body on Biodiversity
http://ictsd.org/i/news/biores/77860/
Summary of the third ad hoc intergovernmental and multi-stakeholder meeting on an intergovernmental science-policy platform on biodiversity and ecosystem services 7-11 June 2010
http://www.iisd.ca/ymb/biodiv/ipbes3/html/ymbvol158num11e.html
Integrated Solutions for Biodiversity, Climate Change and Poverty--UNEP Press Release: http://www.unep.org/ecosystemmanagement/Policy/UNEPPOLICYSERIESBLOG/tabid/4564/language/en-US/Default.aspx
Integrated Solutions for Biodiversity, Climate Change and Poverty--The Policy Brief
http://www.unep.org/policyseries/Sustainable_intergrated_Solutions.pdf

The Race for Natural Resources a Potential Impediment for Peace
Afghanistan’s natural resources have become more prominent in the media due to the recent discovery of previously unknown mineral deposits, such as copper, iron ore, lithium, and gold. However, concerns increase that the race for rare minerals could exacerbate conflict in vulnerable countries rich in those resources, such as the current case in the Congo. [Related item: Monopoly over Rare Earth Elements Raises Security and Environmental Concerns in January 2010 environmental security report.]
Sources:
World’s Mining Companies Covet Afghan Riches
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/18/world/asia/18mines.html?ref=world
Next for Afghanistan, the Curse of Plenty?
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/20/weekinreview/20mcneil.html
Death by Gadget
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/27/opinion/27kristof.html

EU Expert Group Suggests Action to Secure 14 Critical Raw Materials
An EU expert group has presented a final report identifying 14 raw materials as “critical” for EU industries, and suggesting that the EU take diplomatic steps to ensure that its companies gain easier access to them in the future. The 14 materials are antimony, beryllium, cobalt, fluorspar, gallium, germanium, graphite, indium, magnesium, niobium, platinum group metals, rare earths, tantalum and tungsten.
Sources:
Defining critical raw materials
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/raw-materials/critical/index_en.htm
Meridian Nanotechnology and Development News 6/18
http://www.merid.org/nanodev/more.php?articleID=2691
EU to step up raw materials 'diplomacy'
http://www.euractiv.com/en/sustainability/eu-step-up-raw-materials-diplomacy-news-495397

British Group Outlines Plan for Zero Emissions by 2030
The Centre of Alternative Technology (CAT) in Wales has outlined a series of measures that could be taken to bring UK emissions down to zero by 2030. They involve a combination of electrification, insulation, and a massive scaling up of offshore wind.
Sources:
ZeroCarbonBritain2030
http://www.zcb2030.org/
Zero carbon Britain: how to get there in 10 steps
http://www.theecologist.co.uk/News/news_analysis/513525/zero_carbon_britain_how_to_get_there_in_10_steps.html

Energy Security Central to China’s Energy Plan
Although China is one of the world leaders in renewable energy production, its energy plan is still heavily relying on the more traditional energy sources of fossil fuels. While the benefits of renewable resources do include some relief for environmental issues like climate change, the focus of the Chinese energy plans seems to be energy security. Chinese energy legislation is expected to be approved in the fall.
Sources:
Security Tops the Environment in China’s Energy Plan
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/18/business/global/18yuan.html
Security tops climate in China
http://www.telegram.com/article/20100620/NEWS/6200594/1002/BUSINESS

Study Shows Deforestation Brings Malaria Epidemics
A study based on data collected in Brazil’s Amazon forests region revealed a direct link between deforestation and the increasing incidence of malaria. The analysis shows that for the period August 1997‑August 2001, a 4.2% change in deforestation can be associated with a 48% increase of malaria incidence.
Sources:
Olson SH, Gangnon R, Silveira GA, Patz JA. Deforestation and malaria in Mâncio Lima county, Brazil. Emerg Infect Dis 2010, 16:1108–15. doi: 10.3201/eid1607.091785
http://www.cdc.gov/eid/content/16/7/1108.htm
Cleared forests lead to rise in malaria in Brazil
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65F61720100617

Increasing Advocacy for BPA Restrictions
France has adopted legislation banning baby bottles containing bisphenol A (BPA), although the opposition parties demanded a larger spectrum ban. Some other European countries, as well as Canada, have regulations restricting or requiring precautionary use of BPA. In view of an upcoming assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (Efsa), to be published in July, a group of experts (40 organizations and 19 academics) endorsed a letter supporting Efsa’s decision to review a larger number of studies addressing potential hazards of BPA use in consumer products, including non-industry-funded papers. Over 130 studies conducted in the past ten years revealed that even low levels of BPA could cause serious health problems. [Related item: Concerns Increasing for BPA Bans and Phthalates in October 2008 environmental; security report.]
Source:
A group of 60 scientists backed by environmental, health
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/use-of-bpa-must-be-limited-say-scientists-2007841.html
French lawmakers ban baby bottle chemical
http://www.physorg.com/news196513736.html

Toxic Substances Control Act Up for Revision
The Safe Chemicals Act of 2010 has been introduced in Congress to replace the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976. The new law would include size, size distribution, shape, and surface structure in the definition of a chemical’s “substance characteristic”, raising the question of the effect new provisions would have on products containing nanomaterials.
Source:
Taking the NanoPulse -- Toxic Substance Meets Poison Thinking
http://www.industryweek.com/articles/taking_the_nanopulse_--_toxic_substance_meets_poison_thinking_22034.aspx?Page=2?ShowAll=1

Climate Change
Scientific Evidence and Natural Disasters
May 2010 was the 303rd consecutive month that was hotter than the 20th century global average for that month, according to NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center. The combined global land and ocean surface temperature for May was 59.84ºF (15.46ºC), which was 1.24ºF (0.69ºC) above the 20th century average of 58.6ºF (14.8ºC).
The Web-based climate policy assessment system ‘Climate Action Tracker’ (www.climateactiontracker.org) shows that present developments and actions pledged globally “give virtually no chance to limit global mean temperature increase to below 2ºC by the end of the century. …[and] give us a virtual certainty of exceeding 1.5°C, with global warming very likely exceeding 2°C and a more than 50% chance of exceeding 3°C by 2100”

Food and Water Security
According to the annual OECD and FAO joint report, food prices might increase drastically over the next ten years, with forecasts for wheat and coarse grain prices to rise between 15% and 40% (in real terms, adjusted for inflation, average levels during the 1997-2006 period—the decade before the price spike of 2007-08); vegetable oils are expected to be more than 40% higher and dairy prices are projected to be 16-45% higher. Much of the increase will be generated by growing demand from emerging markets and for biofuel production.
A ‘water security risk index’, compiled by British-based risk consultancy Maplecroft, found African and Asian nations had the most vulnerable supplies, judged by factors including access to drinking water, per capita demand and dependence on rivers that first flow through other nations. Somalia, where just 30% of the population has clean drinking water, is in the most precarious situation, followed by Mauritania, Sudan, Niger, Iraq, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Egypt, Turkmenistan and Syria.
At the High Level International Conference on the Midterm Comprehensive Review of the Implementation of the International Decade for Action “Water for Life” 2005-2015, from 8-10 June 2010, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, participants reviewed the progress during the first five years. The Dushanbe Declaration on Water, which includes a number of conclusions and recommendations, will be submitted to the UN General Assembly. The review highlights the importance of, among others: building resilience and reducing vulnerabilities to extreme events; enhancing hydrologic, hydrogeologic and meteorological data collection, assessment and dissemination capabilities; and sustained and predictable financial assistance and technology transfer to developing countries.
“Vision 2030: The resilience of water supply and sanitation in the face of climate change” is a collection of papers in preparation released by the WHO together with the UK Department for International Development, including a “full technical report, as well as detailed reports on climate change and technology projections, and a review of resilience and adaptive capacity, including a series of technology-by-technology fact sheets.”

Computer Modeling
An International Conference on Post-Kyoto Climate Change Mitigation Modeling gathered about 450 people — experts in modeling as well as students — to introduce developments of greenhouse gas reduction modeling and foster international cooperation and networking for improving GHG reduction analysis models. It was agreed that the models should factor in new developments in technical innovation, changes in lifestyle, and energy security and energy systems.
Military and security experts participating at a conference organized by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography’s new Center for Environment and National Security agreed that the Defense Department has to negotiate directly with climate modelers to get the future forecasts it needs. NOAA’s next-generation climate models are expected to incorporate knowledge of the social sciences, agriculture, and marine ecosystems, and highlight not only potential changes, but also which might be the plausible consequences. It was also highlighted that there is a gap between the way scientific data is presented and the real needs of the defense organizations.

Adaptation
The Environment Council of the EU, which met on 11 June 2010 in Luxembourg, adopted conclusions on water scarcity, drought, and adaptation to climate change, as well as on preparing forests for climate change. The Council stressed inter-linkages of water scarcity and drought with climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation, and the importance of exchanging experience and best practices with other partners. The Council also supported the development of a European drought observatory which is tasked to contribute to drought forecasting, assessment and monitoring as well as to the exchange of best practices on this issue.
The first World Congress on Cities and Adaptation to Climate Change was held May 28-30, 2010, in Bonn, Germany, under the theme “Resilient Cities 2010”. During the Congress, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the FAO co-organized a session on “Ensuring food security through adaptation”, where participants discussed adaptation approaches for achieving food security including: diversifying and adapting local and traditional food; securing watershed management; and adapting supply-demand linkages for adequate food supply and processing. At the end of the Congress, members of the Mayors Adaptation Forum signed the Bonn Declaration of Mayors. The Declaration recognizes the failure of the UNFCCC COP 15 to deliver a strong and comprehensive post-2012 climate agreement and identifies ten action points, such as to prioritize local level adaptation strategies that support local sustainable development.

Post-Copenhagen Negotiations
The Bonn Climate Change Talks took place between May 31 and June 11, 2010 in Bonn, Germany, attended by approximately 2,900 participants, representing governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, academia, the private sector and the media. Critics say that not much was achieved for advancing the negotiations for the next phase. The request of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) and many other parties for a technical paper by the Secretariat on options for limiting global average temperature increase to 1.5°C and 2°C from pre-industrial levels, was opposed by Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar. The final text of the meeting mentions that industrialized countries should aim to cut greenhouse gases 25‑40% by 2020 but it does not set a year when that comparison should start (scientists say the base line should be 1990, while the United States has argued for 2005.)
Meantime, the IEA reports that fossil fuel consumption subsidies amounted to $557 billion in 2008, a considerable increase from $342 billion in 2007. Considering a baseline in which subsidy rates remain unchanged, IEA forecasts and models indicate that phaseout between 2011 and 2020 would need to: cut primary global energy demand by 5.8% by 2020; cut global oil demand by 6.5 mb/d in 2020, predominately in the transport sector; reduce CO2 emissions by 6.9% by 2020 – or 2.4 GT of CO2. It notes that both the Copenhagen Accord and the G20 subsidies are important to meet warming targets. If the Copenhagen Accord pledges were fully implemented, then emissions would be reduced by 70% of what is needed to be on track to meet the 2ºC target by 2020. Additionally, if the G20 subsidy commitment were to be fully implemented, it would reduce emissions by more than 30% of what is needed to be on track to meet the 2ºC target by 2020.
Sources:
May 2010 was warmest on record: U.S. government data
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65E63F20100616
Climate Action Tracker
www.climateactiontracker.org
Food prices to rise by up to 40% over next decade, UN report warns
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/jun/15/food-prices-rise-un-report
Water Security Risk Index 2010
http://maplecroft.com/about/news/water-security.html
Dushanbe Meeting website
http://waterconference2010.tj
Vision 2030: The resilience of water supply and sanitation in the face of climate change:
http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/publications/9789241598422_cdrom/en/index.html
The international forum on GHG reduction analysis models
http://www.korea.net/news.do?mode=detail&guid=47926
Defense Experts Want More Explicit Climate Models
http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2010/06/24/24climatewire-defense-experts-want-more-explicit-climate-m-35887.html
World Congress on Cities and Adaptation to Climate Change website
http://resilient-cities.iclei.org/bonn2010/home/
Summary of the Bonn Climate Change Talks: 31 May - 11 June 2010
http://www.iisd.ca/download/pdf/enb12472e.pdf
Energy Subsidies: Getting the Prices Right
http://www.iea.org/files/energy_subsidies.pdf

Nanotechnology Safety Issues
German Body Advises against Nanosilver in Consumer Products
The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), of the German Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMELV), is advising against the use of nanoscale silver ions in consumer products until a definitive safety assessment is available.
Sources:
Nanosilver has no place in food, textiles or cosmetics
http://www.bfr.bund.de/cd/50960
Nanosilver Has No Place in Food, Textiles or Cosmetics
http://www.bfr.bund.de/cd/50960

French Group Opens Public Web Site on Nanotechnology
The Citizen Alliance on the ChallEnges of Nanotechnologies (CACEN) (in French "Alliance Citoyenne sur les Enjeux des Nanotechnologies": ACEN) has opened a new (French language) website <nano.acen-cacen.org> where citizens can find and share information, questions, and analyses about societal issues raised by nanotechnologies.
Source:
ACEN launches collaborative website on societal issues raised by nanotechnology
http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=16756.php
Web site: http://nano.acen-cacen.org

National Nanotech Regulation Experts Discuss Emerging Issues
An interview with three key figures on emerging issues in nanotechnology regulation in the U.S. presents an overview of the nanotech-regulations situation in the U.S., notes that interest in evaluating the potential health and environmental risks of nanotechnology is growing, and reveals a high consensus that reasonable nanotech-regulations would be beneficial for the industry as well as for society. The article is the result of interview with Dr. Jeff Wong, Chief Scientist at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC); Bill Gulledge, Managing Director of the American Chemistry Counsel (ACC)’s Chemical Products & Technology Division and Chair of the ACC Nanotechnology Panel; and Tom Jacob, former DuPont Manager of Government Affairs for the Western Region and currently of T.R. Jacobs & Associates, LLP.
Source:
National leaders sound off on emerging nanotechnology regulation
http://www.plantservices.com/articles/2010/06NanotechnologyRegulation.html?page=full

EU Restrictions on Nanofoods Expected to Pass in July
The Committee on Environment, Health and Consumer Protection of the European Parliament has voted (42-2-3) in favor of excluding products containing nanoparticles from the EU list of novel foods allowed on the market. The action also included a declaration that food produced from nanotechnology processes must undergo risk assessment before being approved for use and must be labeled on packaging. A final plenary vote on the measure is expected to take place in the European Parliament in July.
Source:
U.S. should follow Europe and put the brakes on nanotech food and other products
http://www.grist.org/article/food-opinion-US-should-follow-Europe-and-put-the-brakes-on-nanotech-food

May 2010

The Oil Spill Likely to Initiate International Regulations Discussions and Accelerate Alternative Energy Developments
The British Petroleum (BP) oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has alerted the world to the need for better regulatory environments, safety systems and response capacity, and the need to accelerate efforts for alternative sources of energy. It could also fuel disputes between oil corporations and local populations such as those in Peru, Ecuador, and Nigeria. Given the international implications of the environmental consequences of dangerous oil offshore exploration and polluting oil sands, as well as the fact that most operating companies are foreign and/or multinational corporations, international regulations (beyond national criminal penalties) are likely to be created.
Sources:
BP Risks Big Fines and Loss of Major U.S. Contracts
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703630304575270822261954614.html
A Proxy War in Peru
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/05/19/a_proxy_war_in_peru
Nigeria: Delta Communities Cry Out Over Oil Spillage
http://allafrica.com/stories/201006010104.html
Lawyers lining up for class-action suits over oil spill
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/16/AR2010051603254.html
BP Oil Spill Could Happen Anywhere: Norway
http://planetark.org/wen/57879

Computer-Designed Genome Creates First “Artificial Cell”
Researchers at the J. Craig Venter Institute announced the successful construction of the bacterial cell Mycoplasma mycoides JCVI-syn1.0, the first synthetic cell designed in a computer and self-replicating, controlled only by the synthetic genome. Since the applications could vary from great improvements to the human condition to new forms of bioweapons, President Obama assigned the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues to assess the potential opportunities as well as risks (such as environmental and security) triggered by the new achievement. Meanwhile, the FBI Biological Sciences Outreach Program launched an initiative aimed at educating scientists on the potential security threats posed by synthetic biology. [Related item: New Technologies Need New Regulations Systems in March 2009 and other items on this issue in previous environmental security reports.]
Sources:
First Self-Replicating Synthetic Bacterial Cell
http://www.jcvi.org/cms/press/press-releases/full-text/article/first-self-replicating-synthetic-bacterial-cell-constructed-by-j-craig-venter-institute-researcher/
Artificial life? Synthetic genes 'boot up' cell
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE64J5RY20100526
NBICS and generation of synthetic organisms
http://politicsofhealth.org/wol/2010-05-30.htm
You may soon be visited by an FBI agent, or a scientist acting on behalf of one. Here's why
http://www.the-scientist.com/article/display/57355/

Technological Advances with Environmental Security Implications

New Detection and Cleanup Techniques

Chemical Vapor Deposition Creates Nano Filters, Catalyst Scaffolds
According to a story in Nanowerk News, an international group of researchers, led by Robert Vajtai at Rice Univ., has developed a technique that uses chemical vapor deposition to form carbon nanotube membranes that "could find wide application as extra-fine air filters", removing "up to 99 percent of particulates with diameters of less than [1000 nm]", and "as scaffolds for catalysts that speed chemical reactions."
Sources:
Scientists build better catalyst with nanotube membranes
http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=15986.php
Three-Dimensional Carbon Nanotube Scaffolds as Particulate Filters and Catalyst Support Membranes
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/nn100150x

New Nature-based Filter Allows Utilization of Gray Water
Prof. Robert D. Berghage of the Pennsylvania State Univ. and associates have developed a filter that converts gray water (from sinks, showers, and other non-pathogenic sources) to a form suitable for irrigation and similar uses. According to an item in physorg.com, the filter "consists of two plastic pipes filled with layers of porous rocks, soil, crumbs from discarded tires, composted cow manure and peat moss. Vegetables and other plants are planted in holes along the sides of the pipes. The pipes stand in a basin with still more plants -- papyrus and horsetail reed -- whose roots support microbes that remove pollutants."
Source:
Love that dirty water: Scientists find low-tech way to recycle H2O
http://www.physorg.com/news193945696.html

Increasing Energy Efficiency Technologies

Inexpensive Metal Catalyst for Hydrogen Generation from Water
Researchers with DOE's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the Univ. of California, Berkeley, have discovered an inexpensive metal catalyst that can effectively generate hydrogen from water. The proton reduction catalyst is based on a molybdenum-oxo metal complex that is about 70 times cheaper than platinum, today’s most widely used metal catalyst for splitting the water molecule, according to Dr. Hemamala Karunadasa, who also states “In addition, our catalyst does not require organic additives, and can operate in neutral water, even if it is dirty, and can operate in sea water". At present, however, the process requires an excessive expenditure of electrical energy.
Sources:
Berkeley Scientists Discover Inexpensive Metal Catalyst for Generating Hydrogen from Water
http://newscenter.lbl.gov/news-releases/2010/04/30/inexpensive-catalyst-for-generating-hydrogen-from-water/
Catalyst Brings Cheap Hydrogen Fuel Closer to Reality
http://news.sciencemag.org/sciencenow/2010/04/catalyst-brings-cheap-hydrogen-f.html
A molecular molybdenum-oxo catalyst for generating hydrogen from water
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v464/n7293/full/nature08969.html

New Structure Almost Doubles Solar Cell Efficiency
Researchers Kui-Qing Peng of Beijing Normal University, and Shuit-Tong Lee of the City Univ. of Hong Kong have developed a silicon solar cell with a unique and robust geometry of nanoholes having diameters of about 500-600 nm, achieving a power conversion efficiency of 9.5%, almost double the just over 5% efficiency of other current designs.
Sources:
Silicon nanohole solar cells aim to make photovoltaics cost-competitive
http://www.physorg.com/news192447083.html
High-Performance Silicon Nanohole Solar Cells
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ja910082y

Updates on Previously Identified Issues

Climate Change
Scientific Evidence and Natural Disasters
Scientists have found that the upper 700m of the ocean has warmed significantly between 1993 and 2008 – the period covered by the study – and slightly faster than IPCC estimates. NASA scientists observed that 80-90% of the increased warming ends up in the ocean, with a double effect on potential sea level rise: from expansion of water volume, as well as diminishing capacity to absorb CO2 and therefore further stimulating the effects of global warming. The research was conducted by an international team of scientists from NOAA, NASA, the Met Office Hadley Centre in the United Kingdom, the University of Hamburg in Germany and the Meteorological Research Institute in Japan, and published in the report Robust Warming of the Global Upper Ocean. Meantime, oceans are more acidic “than they have ever been for at least 20 million years,” according to a report by the European Science Foundation. It reveals that seas have already become 30% more acidic in the past 200 years as the oceans absorbed about a third of the CO2 emissions from human activities since the Industrial Revolution and if current trends continue, they could be 150% more acidic by 2100 than they were in pre-industrial times.

Food and Water Security
UNEP warns in the “Green Economy Report: A preview” brochure that 30% of fish stocks have already been collapsed (i.e. less than 10% of their former potential yield) and virtually all commercial fisheries risk running out by 2050. The lives of some 520 million people are financially linked to fisheries today. While the entire value of fish caught is only $85 billion, $27 billion are spent on government subsidies, mostly in rich countries, leading to overexploitation. In “the Yearbook 2010” released earlier this year, UNEP warned that overexploitation, pollution, and rising temperatures threaten 63% of the world’s assessed fisheries stocks. It also warns that governance arrangements, population growth, increasing living standards, over-exploitation, declining water quality, and climate change will cause water scarcity to emerge as a challenge to governments by 2030.
An Israeli consortium unveiled the world’s largest reverse osmosis desalination plant in the coastal city of Hadera. The plant will supply 127 million m3 of desalinated water a year, representing about 20% of Israel’s yearly household consumption and is the third in a series of five desalination plants being built over the next few years that will eventually supply Israel with about 750 million m3 annually for addressing the country’s water shortage. While other Middle East countries have bigger desalination plants, those use thermal-based technology that requires more energy and is less environment-friendly.
Several Arab countries are looking into using technologies for increasing their agricultural land. An Abu Dhabi soil survey found that with adequate investment in the right technologies, over 200,000 hectares of land could be reformed for agricultural use, while Qatar and Kuwait are trying to increase domestic agricultural yields through mycorrhizae—the use of selected types of fungus that enhance the growth of plant roots in arid areas. In a matter of 18 months, the institute managed to convert 4,000 m2 of "hyper-saline waste-land” in Qatar’s southern Dukhan area into a productive land for vegetables and crops production. Similar projects are going on in Kuwait, India, Oman, and the UAE.

Health
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), a member of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), has announced the launch of a $4.4 million research project to build a climate model that can predict outbreaks of infectious disease in Africa. The research is being undertaken in Ghana, Malawi and Senegal, ILRI working with 11 partners and researchers to integrate data from climate modeling and disease forecasting systems in order to develop a capacity to predict the likelihood of epidemics six months in advance of an outbreak.

Melting Glaciers and Sea Ice
A team of scientists led by University of Leeds estimates that net loss of floating sea ice and ice shelves in the last decade is 7,420 km3. While melting of floating sea ice and ice shelves do not add directly to sea level rise, it unblocks the way for more land ice to slide and melt into the sea; as well as decreasing the reflection of sunlight, it is warming the local area, further increasing melting and salinity dilution which expands sea volume a bit. They estimate that if all the polar ice melted, sea levels would rise by about 70 meters.

Computer Modeling and Scenarios
Prof Dirk Helbing of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich has outlined a plan for a “Living Earth Simulator” that would use economic, environmental, and health data to create a model of the entire planet in real time. The project would gather detailed data about the planet and human activities, use it to simulate the behavior of whole political, social, and economic systems, and then make predictions to prevent crises from occurring. He also envisions ‘situation rooms’ from which global leaders could manage crises as they were going on.

Adaptation
The third edition of Global Biodiversity Outlook (GBO-3) highlights that the linked challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change must be addressed with equal priority and in close coordination. It confirms that the world has failed to meet its target to achieve a significant reduction in the rate of biodiversity loss by 2010. While listing climate change as one of the five principal pressures that drive biodiversity loss, the report also points out opportunities to address the biodiversity crisis while contributing to other social objectives, including the fight against climate change. It outlines a possible new strategy for reducing biodiversity loss, including addressing the underlying causes of its indirect drivers, such as patterns of consumption, the impacts of increased trade and demographic change, and ending harmful subsidies. The report was produced by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the UNEP’s World Conservation Monitoring Centre and is one of the key outputs of the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity.
A UN HABITAT conference on Promoting Green Building Rating in Africa was held May 4-6, 2010, in Nairobi, Kenya, with participants from 20 African countries. It adopted the Nairobi Declaration on Green Building for Africa, which sets a framework for strengthening the ability of cities to adapt to climate change by making use of local and naturally available energies and materials, and calls for establishing an African Network of Green Building Councils.

Post-Copenhagen Negotiations
The second round of negotiations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change began in Bonn, Germany, on May 31 and is scheduled to conclude on June 11. The meeting brings together representatives from 182 countries. A report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that world energy consumption would rise 49% by 2035, to 739 quadrillion BTU in 2035 from 495 quadrillion BTU in 2007, led by developing nations such as China and India, whose part of total world energy consumption will grow from about 20% to 30% over the projection period, while the U.S. share would fall from 21% to about 16% over the same period.

Sources:
Ocean Stored Significant Warming Over Last 16 Years
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2010/20100519_ocean.html
Europe's scientists call for more effort in tackling rising ocean acidity
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-05/esf-esc051810.php
"Double trouble" in acidic, warming oceans – study
http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-48634120100519
UNEP Green Economy Report: A Preview
http://www.unep.ch/etb/publications/Green Economy/UNEP_Rio20PrepCom_GERPreview_06May10_FINAL.pdf
Israel Opens Largest Desalination Plant Of Its Kind
http://planetark.org/wen/58036
Gulf Looks To Science To Turn Desert To Farmland
http://planetark.org/wen/58059
US$4.4 million awarded for research to build a climate model able to predict outbreaks of infectious disease in Africa
http://www.ilri.org/ilrinews/index.php/archives/1838
Global Floating Ice In "Constant Retreat": Study
http://planetark.org/wen/58216
The FuturIcT Knowledge Accelerator
http://www.futurict.ethz.ch/FuturIcT
GBO-3 Website
http://gbo3.cbd.int
Conference Green Building
http://www.unhabitat.org/categories.asp?catid=640
Climate Talks Open in Bonn
http://www.iisd.ca/climate/sb32/
Under Current Policies
http://www.eia.doe.gov/neic/press/press343.html

Recommendations for Strengthening the Convention on Biological Diversity
The 14th meeting of the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice and the 3rd meeting of the CBD Working Group on Review of Implementation of the Convention adopted several recommendations to be considered by the Convention’s review conference be held in October 2010, in Nagoya, Japan. The recommendations include a Strategic Plan for the period 2011-2020 to halt (or reduce the rate of) biodiversity loss (although some argue that 2050 would be a more realistic timeline.) Debates continue on the legal nature and institutional aspects of a possible biodiversity technology initiative, as well as the role of intellectual property rights in technology transfer. It was also agreed that the COP invite the UN General Assembly to consider declaring 2011-2020 the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity. [Related item: New Measures to Continue the Fight against Biodiversity Loss in March 2010 environmental security report.]
Source:
Summary of the Third Meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-Ended Working Group on Review of Implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity
http://www.iisd.ca/biodiv/wgri3/

The Competition for Rare Earth Metals Set to Continue
As green technology and energy are taking off, the competition for rare metals that are needed for the energy generation and storage equipment is increasing. Although rare earth metals are relatively abundant in the Earth’s crust, their extraction is difficult and environmentally polluting. Presently, over 90% of these minerals are mined in China, who increasingly wants to keep more for its own industry and allegedly expressed intentions to reduce or even stop the export of some of these resources. Meantime, although some of these materials could be retrieved from recycling used electronics, electronic waste is exported for salvage to countries in Asia and Africa. Although mines are planned in California, Australia, Canada, and Greenland, setting them up, meeting environmental standards, and workforce cost might delay exploitation. [Related item: Monopoly over Rare Earth Elements Raises Security and Environmental Concerns in January 2010 environmental security report.]
Source:
Why China holds 'rare' cards in the race to go green
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8689547.stm

Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty Review Conference Adopted Document for Reducing Nuclear Threat
The Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty five-yearly review conference unanimously approved a final document setting out a number of measures to reduce nuclear risk, based on the three pillars of the treaty: disarmament, non-proliferation, and promoting peaceful atomic energy. It includes, inter alia, a commitment by the five nuclear powers to expedite nuclear disarmament efforts and reduce the role of atomic weapons in their military policies; a conference scheduled for 2012 on establishing a Middle East zone free of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction; and resuming India and Pakistan peace talks in July. The conference took place May 3-28, 2010 at UN Headquarters in New York, attended by representatives of the accord’s 189 member nations. [Related items: Advancements on Denuclearization in April 2010 and other items on this issue in previous environmental security reports.] Meantime, Chad became the 100th nation ratifying the Additional Protocol giving IAEA enhanced access to information on its nuclear activity.
Sources:
2010 NPT Review Conference
http://www.un.org/en/conf/npt/2010/
Nuclear Conference Approves Limited Nonproliferation Measures
http://gsn.nti.org/gsn/nw_20100601_1163.php
PM's Office: Israel won't comply with NPT resolution
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3895780,00.html
Chad becomes 100th nation to give UN nuclear inspectors greater access
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=34697&Cr=nuclear&Cr1

New Legal Proceeding over Allegations of Use of Illegal Weapons in Iraq
The UK Ministry of Defence began investigations over allegations that Britain was complicit in the use of chemical weapons in the 2004 attack against Fallujah, Iraq. The increased number of child deformities, miscarriages, and cancers might be linked to the alleged use of weapons including white phosphorus, a modern equivalent of napalm, and depleted uranium by the coalition forces. Affected Iraqi families initiated legal actions against the UK Government for breaching international law, war crimes, and failing to intervene to prevent a war crime. [Related items: UN Mission Assessment of Gaza Conflict Included Environmental Impacts in September 2009, and Changes to War Crimes Proposed for the International Criminal Court in November 2009 environmental security reports.]
Source:
Army to be sued for war crimes over its role in Fallujah attacks
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/army-to-be-sued-for-war-crimes-over-its-role-in-fallujah-attacks-1961475.html

New EU Regulations for Increasing Energy Efficiency and Reducing Emissions European Commission to Strengthen Bio-Waste Management
The European Commission has published a strategy for improve bio-waste management and help meet the targets set by the Landfill Directive 1999/31/EC that requires Member States to reduce the amount of biodegradable waste that they landfill to 35% of 1995 levels by 2016. The Commission’s strategy aims to reduce bio-waste environmental impact while also taking advantage of its potential as a renewable source of energy and recycled materials, as well as reducing the production of methane (a GHG 25 times more potent than CO2). The Commission estimates that bio-waste is accounting for 88 million tons of municipal waste each year in Europe, while about 2% of the EU’s overall renewable energy target could be met if all bio-waste was turned into energy. To support Member States, the EU will provide specific guidance, standards, and indicators for bio-waste prevention with possible future binding targets. [Related item: European Union to Consider Regulations for Curbing Biowaste in June 2009 environmental security report.]
Sources:
New Commission strategy aims to get even more from bio-waste
http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/10/578&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
New Commission strategy aims to get even more from bio-waste
http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/10/578&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

Only Very Low-Energy Buildings to Be Built in EU after 2020
The new EU energy efficiency legislation for buildings requires all Member States to alter their building codes so that all new buildings meet high energy-saving standards from the end of 2020 if private, and two years earlier if public constructions, while existing buildings will have to be upgraded where possible. The directive is part of the wider 20/20/20 EU energy efficiency legislative package.
Source:
New energy labels for household appliances; low-energy buildings from 2020
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/expert/infopress_page/051-74642-137-05-21-909-20100517IPR74641-17-05-2010-2010-false/default_en.htm

North American Proposal to Phase Down HFC's
The EPA has announced that Canada and Mexico have joined the US in proposing to expand the scope of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The proposal would phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are a significant and rapidly growing contributor to climate change, and lists four possible substitute refrigerants. Note: previous proposals were opposed by China, India, and several Arab countries; see relevant item: New Decisions Adopted for Strengthening the Montreal Protocol in November 2009 environmental security report.
Source:
Recent International Developments in Saving the Ozone Layer
http://www.epa.gov/ozone/intpol/mpagreement.html

Russia Suggests Opening New Transportation Corridor via the Arctic
Russia is suggesting the opening of a new transport corridor from Europe to Southeast Asia, via the Arctic region. One of Russia’s largest shipping companies, Sovkomflot, intends to send a tanker from Murmansk to Southeast Asia in November to validate the new waterway. In addition to being much shorter, the new pirate-free route is also safer. If the plan proves viable, Russia will set up the administrative infrastructure to manage navigation across the Arctic, such as small maintenance ports. [Related items: Arctic Debates Continue in March 2010 and other items on this issue in previous environmental security reports.]
Source:
Arctic shipping route is safer
http://english.ruvr.ru/2010/05/26/8505969.html

Nanotechnology Safety Issues

Five-Year European Study of the Needs and Opportunities for Nanotech R/D
A report on GENNESYS (Grand European Initiative on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology using Neutron- and Synchrotron Radiation Sources), a five-year European-wide study of the needs and opportunities for coordinating future R/D in nano science and technology, has been published. The 500-page report is the result of the collaborative work of more than 600 experts, and, according to Meridian Nanotechnology and Development News, "assesses the state of nanomaterials science and technology, highlights future challenges and research needs, and pinpoints the areas of research that will most benefit from joint research strategies with synchrotron radiation and neutron sources."
Sources:
GENNESYS White Paper
http://www.merid.org/nanodev/more.php?articleID=2589

ILO Booklet on Workplace Hazards
According to Meridian Nanotechnology and Development News, the International Labour Organization has published a new booklet, Emerging risks and new patterns of prevention in a changing world of work, that summarizes key new occupational safety and health issues, including those related to technological innovations such as nanotechnology and biotechnology.
Source:
Focus on new emerging hazards in a changing world of work
http://www.ilo.org/global/About_the_ILO/Media_and_public_information/Press_releases/lang--en/WCMS_126383/index.htm

ObservatoryNANO 2nd Annual Report on Ethical and Societal Aspects of Nanotechnology
Meridian Nanotechnology and Development News reports that the ObservatoryNANO project has published a report on nanobioethics that includes discussions of the ethical, legal and societal aspects of nanotech for health, medicine, nanobiotechnology, nanotech for agrifood, and on nanotechnology and animal testing.
Sources:
ObservatoryNano 2nd Annual Report on Ethical and Societal Aspects of Nanotechnology
http://www.merid.org/nanodev/more.php?articleID=2584
Nanobioethics. ObservatoryNano 2nd Annual Report on Ethical and Societal Aspects of Nanotechnology
http://www.observatorynano.eu/project/catalogue/4NB/

Policy Framework for Addressing Nanomaterial Risks in California
The Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment at the Univ. of California, San Francisco, has developed a draft set of policy recommendations to address the potential health risk for the state of California from nanomaterials and nanotechnology: "A Nanotechnology Policy Framework: Policy Recommendations for Addressing Potential Health Risks from Nanomaterials in California". The report presents "an overview of nanotechnology materials and their potential exposures and human health risks, and proposes a selection of policy options for addressing potential hazards and risks from nanotechnology."
Sources:
Nanotechnology policy framework for addressing nanomaterial risks in California
http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=16113.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29
"A Nanotechnology Policy Framework: Policy Recommendations for Addressing Potential Health Risks from Nanomaterials in California"
http://www.prhe.ucsf.edu/prhe/nanoreportDRAFT.pdf

OECD Publishes Three Reports on Nanotech Safety and Regulation
Report of the Workshop on Risk Assessment of Manufactured Nanomaterials in a Regulatory Context presents critical issues specific for risk assessment of nanomaterials in a regulatory context and identifies approaches for risk assessment based on the current state of knowledge. Presentations included Risk Assessment Case Studies on nano-TiO2, nano-Ag and Carbon Nanotubes.
Report of the Questionnaire on Regulatory Regimes on Manufactured Nanomaterials summarizes objectives and activities covered by each piece of legislation; features for consideration when amending or drafting legislation for regulatory oversight
OECD Programme on the Safety of Manufactured Nanomaterials 2009-2012: Operational Plans of the Projects aims to ensure that the approach to hazard, exposure and risk assessment is of a high, science-based, and internationally harmonized standard
Sources:
Report of the Workshop on Risk Assessment of Manufactured Nanomaterials in a Regulatory Context
Report of the Questionnaire on Regulatory Regimes on Manufactured Nanomaterials
OECD Programme on the Safety of Manufactured Nanomaterials 2009-2012: Operational Plans of the Projects
http://www.oecd.org/department/0,3355,en_2649_34365_1_1_1_1_1,00.html

Water Management Is the Main Aspect of Water Security Issues
Water Security: Global, regional and local challenges published by the Institute for Public Policy Research is a policy brief examining the management of trans-boundary water resources. Analyzing the global policy framework in place for addressing water insecurity, it evaluates and makes recommendations for various policy alternatives to strengthen the framework. Similarly, the Water Security: War or Peace? reportargues that a failure of politics rather than scarcity per se is a likely cause of “water war.” Noting that transboundary water is generally managed peacefully, the paper suggests disconnecting water and national security discourses and rather associating water with cooperative attitudes. The paper also highlights that the capacity to adapt to scarcity tends to be underestimated.
Sources:
Water Security: Global, regional and local challenges, by Patricia Wouters, Institute for Public Policy Research, May 2010,
Wouters, P., Water Security: Global, regional and local challenges.
http://www.ippr.org.uk/publicationsandreports/publication.asp?id=749
Thomas Lawfield, Water Security: War or Peace?, Peace & Conflict Monitor (May 03, 2010),
http://www.monitor.upeace.org/innerpg.cfm?id_article=715

A New Approach to Environmental Crime
Eco-Crime and Justice: Essays on Environmental Crime is a collection of four essays detailing the multidisciplinary application of criminology to environmental harm. The papers examine how environmental crimes, including illegal wildlife trade, timber trafficking, and hazardous waste dumping, represent some of the fastest growing, most profitable, and poorly enforced illegal activities perpetrated by both international corporations and organized crime. Claiming that states and territories’ very existence is threatened by climate change and that environmental harm disproportionately afflicts developing nations, the poor, and minorities, the essays demand a new perspective. The approach proposed, called eco-global criminology, proposes integrating local wisdom with expert solutions to these borderless ailments, using tailored policing based on multilateral treaties and law enforcement.
Sources:
Eco-Crime and Justice: Essays on Environmental Crime, edited by Kristiina Kangaspunta and Ineke Haen Marshall, UNICRI
http://www.freedomfromfearmagazine.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=243:eco-crime-and-justice-essays-on-environmental-crime&catid=46:frontpage-books&Itemid=180

April 2010

The Chaos Caused by the Volcanic Eruption in Iceland Revealed Lack of a Global Framework to Deal with Large-Scale Air Traffic Disturbances
The total or partial closure of 313 European airports (75% of the European airport network) in the period April 15-21 due to the ash cloud following the eruption of Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano affected over 100,000 flights, 10 million passengers, and loss of €2.5 billion ($3.31 billion). The concurrent decision-making chaos exposed the lack of an adequate international framework and coordination strategy to deal with such large-scale disruptions (natural or manmade). The event might lead to new EU agreements such as the “Single European Sky” project, establishment of a single air network management solution, harmonization of all aviation-related national regulations, and eventually the creation of a global response strategy. The number and scale of air traffic disruptions could increase due to a combination of increasing travel and the larger scale of unexpected natural (and/or manmade) events as climate change continues.
Sources:
Europe scales down response to ash cloud
http://euobserver.com/9/29892/?rk=1
The impact of the volcanic ash cloud crisis on the air transport industry. Information Note to the Commission. SEC(2010) 533
http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/kallas/headlines/news/2010/04/doc/information_note_volcano_crisis.pdf
Will Global Warming Make Iceland's Volcanoes Angry?
http://news.discovery.com/earth/will-global-warming-make-icelands-volcanoes-angry.html

International Legal Frameworks Needed for Cybersecurity
After land, sea, air, and space, cyberspace became the “fifth battlespace” on the agenda of security experts. The next ‘Pearl Harbor’ is likely to be a cyberattack, says CIA director Leon Panetta. The disruption of critical infrastructure such as water or electricity by cyberattacks in an IT-dependent world calls for exceptional strategies. “A new legal and policy framework is needed for addressing cybersecurity challenges”, noted Lt. General Keith A. Alexander, nominee to head the Pentagon’s new CyberCommand in testimony before the U.S. Congress, April 15, 2010. Some experts identify three levels of severity for cybersecurity: cybercrime, cyberespionage and reconnaissance, and cyber-leveraged war. There are documented massive cyberespionage schemes such as the one managed from China against several countries (including India and Pakistan). Additionally, electromagnetic pulses could be used for destroying critical infrastructure (see item International Standards Needed to Reduce Hi-tech SIMAD Threats in May 2009 environmental security report.)
Efforts to improve managing cyber-leveraged war, so that damage is contained and reduced, include NATO’s recent gathering of top cyber-minds to address the evolution of conflict in an Internet-dependent world, and National Security Agency and other cyber security experts' participation in the Cyber Defense Exercise (CDX) hosted by Lockheed Martin - Greenbelt (for the eighth year). The European Commission will conduct a feasibility study for creating a body that would assess trends in cybercrime across the EU and facilitate harmonization of related legislation among the different legal systems of the 27 EU countries (while the EU states have yet to ratify the Convention on Cybercrime adopted in 2001). In the meantime, there are proposals to include in the WEEE directive (for waste electrical and electronic equipment) provisions to facilitate protection of data stored on discarded devices.
Sources:
NATO's cyber-brains gaze at the future of war
http://www.spacewar.com/reports/NATOs_cyber-brains_gaze_at_the_future_of_war_999.html
Shadows in the Cloud: An investigation into cyber espionage 2.0
http://www.infowar-monitor.net/2010/04/shadows-in-the-cloud-an-investigation-into-cyber-espionage-2-0-2/
LockMart Supports National Security Agency's 2010 Cyber Defense Exercise
http://www.spacewar.com/reports/LockMart_Supports_National_Security_Agency_2010_Cyber_Defense_Exercise_999.html
EU to set up anti-cybercrime body
http://euobserver.com/9/29946/?rk=1

Proliferation of Sensors in and on Oceans Requires an International Legal Framework, but Might Affect Freedom to Conduct Ocean Research
The Argo Project is an array of 3,255 (as of March 23, 2010) free-floating seawater quality monitoring devices supported by 46 nations. It operates in the framework of WMO (World Meteorological Organization) Integrated Global Observing Systems since 2007, and contributes to the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) with Guidelines adopted in June 2008. There are controversies over information collection systems and sometimes violations of exclusive economic zones. The results of these controversies might determine the evolution of the debate among scientists and diplomats over freedom of conducting oceanic research. Deploying new technologies on the high seas is sometimes seen as conflicting with regulations protecting coastal states’ sovereign rights. The 43rd session of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Executive Council meeting in June is expected to address issues of relevance to the “soft-law guidelines or codes of conduct” and the legal regulations affecting the scientific work of several environmental early warning systems.
Sources:
Climate Change and Guidelines for Argo Profiling Float Deployment on the High Seas http://www.asil.org/insights100408.cfm
IOC/EC-XLIII 43rd Session of IOC Executive Council, 8 - 16 June 2010, Paris, France http://www.ioc-unesco.org/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewEventRecord&eventID=521

Draft International Standards for Measuring Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Cities
The Draft International Standard for Determining Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Cities is setting a common framework for calculating the emission amounts of greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6). The computation is done on a per capita basis, allowing comparison and analysis among cities. Measurements are now completed for more than 40 cities, with the aim of completing it for all world cities. The Draft was launched by UNEP, UN-HABITAT, and the World Bank. It is now open for public comment.
Sources:
Cities Get Common Standard for Measuring Greenhouse Gas Emissions http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=617&ArticleID=6508&l=en&t=long
Draft International Standard for Determining Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Cities http://www.unep.org/urban_environment/PDFs/InternationalStd-GHG.pdf
UN-HABITAT Annual Reporthttp://www.unhabitat.org/pmss/listItemDetails.aspx?publicationID=2938
Executive Order 13514—Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-24518.pdf

Environmental Courts and Tribunals Are Rapidly Increasing Around the World
According to an international study by the World Resources Institute (WRI), there are about 350 environmental courts in 41 countries. About half of them were created over the last five years, increasing public access to environment-specialized legal systems. The increasing number of courts dedicated to environmental issues should lead to accelerated changes in environmental lawsuits, creating precedents around the world. It reinforces the trends toward improved enforcement and applications of the “polluter pays” principle.
Surces:
Environmental Courts Becoming More Popular Worldwide, but Steps Needed for Improvement http://www.wri.org/press/2010/04/news-release-environmental-courts-becoming-more-popular-worldwide-steps-needed-improve
Creating and Improving Environmental Courts and Tribunals http://www.accessinitiative.org/resource/greening-justice

Morocco Adopts First National Earth Charter in the Arab World and Africa
The National Charter for Environment and Sustainable Development adopted by the Kingdom of Morocco represents the first such commitment in Africa and the Arab World. The Charter sets a framework for future regulations for natural resources, the environment, and sustainability policy. It was launched at the celebration of Earth Day’s 40th anniversary, April 22, 2010.
Source:
Morocco's National Earth Charter a First for the Arab World http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/apr2010/2010-04-22-01.html
Morocco Announces National Earth Charter for 40th Anniversary of Earth Day http://earthday.net/blog/2010/03/19/morocco-announces-national-earth-charter-for-40th-anniversary-of-earth-day/

Technological Advances with Environmental Security Implications

Increasing Energy Efficiency and Green Technologies

Genetically Modified Virus Claimed to Separate Hydrogen from Water
Scientists at MIT have used a genetically modified virus to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, similar to photosynthesis.
Sources:
MIT researchers harness viruses to split water http://web.mit.edu/press/2010/virus-water.html
MIT Trains Viruses to Split Water, Make Stored Solar Power http://www.dailytech.com/MIT+Trains+Viruses+to+Split+Water+Make+Stored+Solar+Power/article18119.htm

Fiber Bundles Claimed Safe for Hydrogen Storage and Cuts Costs and Weight
Israeli scientists working for C. En Ltd. in Geneva claim that their new hydrogen-filled capillary fiber bundles provide safe storage of hydrogen for less than half the space and weight of tanks installed in existing hydrogen cars. A unit containing 4 million of the hair-thin capillaries will store enough gas for 400 km of auto travel, according to the researchers.
Sources:
Hydrogen still in the eco-car race http://www.physorg.com/news190778451.html
C.En Company http://www.cenh2go.com/

Fiber-based Solar Cells Decrease Cost and Double Output
Wake Forest University’s Center for Nanotechnology and Molecular Materials has announced a new technology that inexpensively produces solar cells with double the power output of other designs. The cells are based on microscopic plastic optical fibers, enhanced with red dye or other absorbent. This raises the prospect of shipping the untreated cells to less developed areas for finishing with dye from pokeberries, which thrive under sub-optimal conditions, and where costs for such a processing facility would be low. The technology has been licensed to FiberCell Inc. in Winston-Salem NC.
Sources:
A brighter idea. Wake Forest receives patent for new fiber solar cells http://www.wfu.edu/wowf/2010/20100407.solar.php
Red dye from pokeberries holds secret to affordable solar power http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=15962.php

New Materials May Be Solar Cell Breakthrough
Two technologies developed by Prof. Benoît Marsan and colleagues at the Chemistry Dept. of the Université du Québec à Montréal may allow commercialization of the Grätzel dye-synthesized solar cell, a promising design based on the principle of photosynthesis, but whose application has been blocked by having a corrosive, opaque electrolyte and an expensive platinum electrode. Prof. Marsan's variant uses a newly formulated transparent and neutral electrolyte and an electrode coated with relatively inexpensive cobalt sulphide.
Sources:
Researchers solve two 20-year old problems that could transform solar cell technology
http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=15659.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29CoS Supersedes Pt as Efficient Electrocatalyst for Triiodide Reduction in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ja905970y
An organic redox electrolyte to rival triiodide/iodide in dye-sensitized solar cells http://www.nature.com/nchem/journal/v2/n5/abs/nchem.610.html

Landslide-Predicting Sensors to Be Developed
Dr. Kirk Martinez, from Southampton University’s School of Electronics and Computer Science, and Prof. Jane Hart, of the School of Geography, are continuing to develop fist-sized sensors that will monitor such soil parameters as light, conductivity, tilt, temperature, and movement, and transmit the data by radio, enabling the prediction of imminent landslides.
Source:
New sensors to predict landslides http://www.soton.ac.uk/mediacentre/news/2010/apr/10_40.shtml

Plastic Waste Yields Porous Paving for Walks and Drives
Civil and Environmental Engineering Prof. Naji Khoury of Temple Univ. has developed a technique for turning plastic bottle waste and coarse aggregate into a cement-like material, Plastisoil™, that he says is both cheaper and more energy-sparing than concrete or asphalt and that also has the advantage of being porous, so that rainwater drains through it. It also, of course, disposes of plastic bottles (30,000 per ton).
Source:
Cement-like creation could help the environment http://www.physorg.com/news190999420.html

Nanoporous Alumina Membranes Useful for EHS Applications
A paper with senior author Dr. Roger Narayan, of the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, Univ. of North Carolina and NC State University, reports the use of atomic layer deposition onto nanoporous alumina membranes to produce a material for use in a variety of medical and environmental health applications; e.g., water purification using a zinc-oxide-coated membrane able to neutralize E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
Sources:
Incorporating biofunctionality into nanomaterials for medical, health devices http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=15441.php
Atomic layer deposition-based functionalization of materials for medical and environmental health applications http://rsta.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/368/1917/2033

Updates on Previously Identified Issues

Advancements on Denuclearization
The new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) signed by the U.S. and Russia (together holding more than 90% of the world’s nuclear weapons) requires each to reduce their strategic nuclear arsenal to 1,550 deployed warheads (from the present 2,200-weapon limit) and to 800 launchers within seven years. The Treaty will enter into force after being approved by the two countries’ legislatures. Critics note that the treaty doesn’t address the disposal of the nuclear material contained in the weapons. Also, the newly released U.S. Nuclear Posture Review aims to reduce the role of nuclear weapons in the U.S. national security strategy. A two-day nuclear security summit held in Washington DC, gathering leaders of 47 nations, addressed measures to secure vulnerable nuclear materials by 2014 and avoid nuclear terrorism.
Egypt plans to increase pressure for beginning negotiations before 2012 for establishing a nuclear weapon-free Middle East. The Malaysian Strategic Trade Bill vigorously enforces legislation concerning illicit trafficking of WMD materials or technology. Meanwhile, in India, the proposed law limiting the liability to foreign nuclear power companies in the event of an accident triggers worries over potential lax safety standards and nuclear disaster. [Related item: Australia to Propose Panel to Advance Work for the NPT Review in 2010 in June 2008 and other similar items in previous environmental security reports.]
Sources:
New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) http://www.state.gov/t/vci/trty/126118.htm
Nuclear Posture Review http://www.defense.gov/npr/
Nuke-Free Middle East Needed to Resolve Iran Dispute, Egypt Asserts http://gsn.nti.org/gsn/nw_20100428_9811.php
Malaysia Pledges to Carry Out WMD Smuggling Penalties http://gsn.nti.org/gsn/nw_20100415_4276.php
Controversial Indian law on nuclear liability spells disaster – activists http://www.alertnet.org/db/an_art/55867/2010/03/14-111827-1.htm

New Measures for Protecting the Marine Environment
The UK government has created the world's largest marine reserve (545,000 sq km) around the Chagos Islands, regarded as one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems.
The sixth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Nairobi Convention for the Protection, Management and Development of the Marine and Coastal Environment of the Western Indian Ocean adopted a 25-year program of action for efficient management of the marine and coastal environment in the larger Eastern and Southern African region, as well as a Protocol to the Convention considering new emerging issues, such as climate change and the need for an ecosystem-based management approach. [Related item: New Measure to Enforce Maritime Environmental Protection in March 2010 environmental security report.]
Sources:
UK sets up Chagos Islands marine reserve http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8599125.stm
Ministers Launch Rejuvenated Nairobi Convention to Protect the Western Indian Ocean's Environment
http://www.unep.org/environmentalgovernance/News/Press-Release/tabid/427/language/en-US/Default.aspx?DocumentID=620&ArticleID=6521&Lang=en

Genetic Patenting and GMO Face New Challenges
A National Research Council study on the impacts of GM crops on economic and environmental security found that at least nine species of weeds in the U.S. have developed resistance to glyphosate since the introduction of GM crops in 1996. Glyphosate is a major component in commercial herbicides and GM crops are designed to tolerate it. Insufficiently diverse farming practices and excessive reliance on a single technology could undermine the economic and environmental benefits of GMOs use. In the U.S., GM crops account for more than 80% of soybeans, corn, and cotton.
The first U.S. federal ruling declaring patents on genes invalid concerns the BRCA 1 and 2 genes (related to breast and ovarian cancers), and was made on the grounds that it is “a valuable scientific achievement … but …not …something for which they are entitled to a patent”. Approximately 2,000 human genes (20% of the human genome) are currently covered by patents, including those associated with certain degenerative disorders and cancers. The ruling may have broad implications for the validity of gene patents in general, including patents on GMOs. [Related item: International Biodiversity Meetings Make Decisions and Tougher Systems to Control GMO Suggested in March 2006 environmental security report.]
Sources:
Gene Patents Ruled Invalid http://www.technologyreview.com/blog/editors/24986/
Impact of Genetically Engineered Crops on Farm Sustainability in the United States http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12804

India Further Loosens Already Lax Rules on Waste Importing
Illegal waste shipping to India might worsen due to new amendments made by the Ministry of Environment and Forests to the Hazardous Wastes Rules. While previous rules allowed only ‘recyclers’ to bring in certain waste, the new amendments will also allow ‘traders’ to do so, making control and enforcement potentially more difficult. This could be an additional factor increasing India’s pollution; threatening its already precarious environment, health conditions, and falling water tables. [Related items: Hazardous Waste Disposal of Increasing Concern in September 2009 and other previous environmental security reports.]
Sources:
Is India a global trash can? http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Is-India-a-global-trash-can-/articleshow/5851954.cms
Got hazardous waste? Send it to India http://www.livemint.com/2010/04/25233450/Got-hazardous-waste-Send-it-t.html

Russia and Norway Agree on Maritime Delimitation of Disputed Arctic Territory
Norway and Russia reached agreement over the borders and use of a disputed territory of 175,000 square kilometers (108,740 sq miles) of Arctic shelf, concluding some 40 years of negotiations. The joint declaration signed on April 27, 2010 stipulates the maritime delimitation lines and creates cooperation opportunities for exploitation of the area’s rich natural resources. Some further technical details need to be worked out until the final treaty, which then will need to be ratified by the two countries’ parliaments. The agreement might also represent an important step forward in the multilateral negotiations concerning the Arctic territories. [Related items: Arctic Debates Continue in March 2010 and other items on this issue in previous environmental security reports.]
Sources:
Russia-Norway pact defuses Arctic tension http://euobserver.com/9/29958/?rk=1
Norway, Russia Strike Deal to Divide Arctic Undersea Territory http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/norway-russia-strike-deal-to-divide-arctic-undersea-territory/404939.html

Climate Change

Scientific Evidence and Natural Disasters
In March 2010, the combined global land and ocean surface temperature was the highest since record keeping began in 1880, according to NOAA and confirmed by NASA. NOAA found the combined global land and ocean average surface temperature 1.39ºF (0.77ºC) above the 20th century average, while NASA found the March combined average global land-surface air temperature a record 1.9ºF (1.05ºC) above the 20th century average.
Climate change and man-made CO2 emissions are changing ocean chemistry and marine ecosystems, reveal new studies. Ocean Acidification: A National Strategy to Meet the Challenges of a Changing Ocean by the National Research Council, warns that the level of ocean acidity is increasing at an unprecedented rate and since the ocean absorbs approximately a third of CO2 emissions, unless man-made CO2 emissions are substantially curbed or controlled by technological means, the ocean will continue to become more acidic. Meantime, global warming is changing oceans salinity, making some regions saltier, while other are getting fresher, according to research conducted by the Australian government’s research agency CSIRO Wealth from Oceans Flagship using data gathered by the global network of 3,200 Argo buoys.

Food and Water Security
Arab countries do not disclose enough information on their water out of concern that transparency could fuel unnecessary public concern and unrest,” noted Hosny Khordagui, Regional Program Director of the UNDP Water Governance Programme for Arab States http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LDE6300FO.htm. According to the UNDP’s Arab Human Development Report, people in the Middle East and North Africa have access to an average of only 1,000 cubic meters of water a year, one-seventh the worldwide rate, which by 2025 might be further reduced to 460 cubic meters due to high population growth and the effects of climate change. Arable land is also expected to shrink due to climate change, further jeopardizing poor farmers’ livelihood and pushing people to move to overcrowded cities.
The worst drought in at least 50 years in southern China left tens of millions of people short of water and fuels disputes with countries that share the Mekong River, especially Thailand, over the role of Chinese dams in decreasing river flows. Some argue that more dams in China could help mitigate the Mekong’s seasonal variations by storing or releasing water as necessary.

Health
To celebrate World Health Day on April 7th, WHO and the Commonwealth Secretariat released publications that underline the linkages between urban health and climate change. “Why Urban Health Matters” notes that urban areas concentrate both emitters of greenhouse gases and people at risk from climate change impacts such as heat waves, water scarcity, increasing levels of air pollution, or rising sea levels. A discussion paper by the Commonwealth Secretariat, “The State of the Cities: Why, and how, the Commonwealth must address the challenge of sustainable urbanization”, stresses that climate change and slum-based poverty are exacerbated by today’s urban growth.

Melting Glaciers
Andean glaciers in Latin America lost more than 40% of their surface area between 1956 and 2006, according to a study to be published by Ecuadorean glaciologist Bolivar Cáceres.
In Europe, almost 90% of Austrian glaciers shrank in 2009, some by as much as 46 meters (150 feet), reports the Austrian Alpine Association.

Migration
WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran announced that WFP will step up its support to address the intense droughts in Niger, which are escalating the humanitarian crisis and are contributing to mass migration from rural to urban areas as well as to neighboring countries. In Southern Niger, the food crisis is estimated to be affecting 7.8 million people.
The flooding and landslides in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, killed over 200 people and greatly affected the impoverished communities. In response, authorities ordered the eviction of thousands of poor people from the favellas, despite their opposition and threats of revolt.

Adaptation
At the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR) Second Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), held April 14-16, 2010, in Nairobi, Kenya, African Ministers adopted the Programme of Action for the Implementation of the Africa Regional Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction (2006–2015) and a Ministerial Declaration. The Programme aims to mainstream risk reduction management and climate change adaptation as an integral part of sustainable development. The Ministerial Declaration calls on the AU Summit to make disaster risk reduction and adaptation to climate change a national education priority through integration into the educational system. The 2010 Economic Report on Africa, “Promoting High-level Sustainable Growth to Reduce Unemployment in Africa” warns that conflicts in the region will probably increase due to diminishing resources, and emphasizes the need for Africa to develop adaptation and mitigation strategies. Noting that the costs of adaptation and mitigation are beyond the means of African countries, the report calls on the international community to increase help for financing these strategies.
At the 16th summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), held April 8-9, 2010, in Hanoi, Viet Nam, under the theme “Towards the ASEAN Community: from vision to action”, the leaders released a joint statement calling for a legally binding global pact on climate change and urged richer nations to provide them with ‘scaled-up’ financial help to combat climate change. The development of an ASEAN action plan to better understand and respond to climate change is also considered.

Post-Copenhagen Negotiations
The first round of UN climate change negotiations since the Copenhagen conference was held in Bonn, April 9-11, 2010, with the main objective to agree on the organization and methods of work for 2010. More than 1,700 delegates attended from 175 countries. In order to advance the negotiations towards a treaty in Mexico, it was decided that, in addition to the negotiating sessions already scheduled for 2010, two additional meetings would be held of at least one week each, to take place between the 32nd session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC or FCCC) Convention subsidiary bodies—May 31-June 11, 2010, and the UN Climate Change Conference in Mexico— November 29-December 10, 2010.
In an effort to get developing countries on board for an international global warming deal, the U.S. State Department announced that countries opposing the Copenhagen accord will be denied climate change assistance from the promised $30 billion climate aid fund.
Sources:
Global Temperatures Last Month Broke Heat Records for March
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/apr2010/2010-04-16-01.html
CO2 Emissions Causing Ocean Acidification to Progress at Unprecedented Rate
http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=12904
Oceans' Saltiness Reaching Extremes
http://news.discovery.com/earth/oceans-saltier-salinity-warming.html
Arab states urged to be open on water scarcity
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LDE6300FO.htm
Countries Blame China, Not Nature, for Water Shortage
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/02/world/asia/02drought.html?ref=world
World Health Day Website
http://www.who.int/world-health-day/2010/en/index.html
Why Urban Health Matters
http://www.who.int/world-health-day/2010/media/whd2010background.pdf
The State of the Cities
http://www.thecommonwealth.org/document/222182/the_state_of_the_cities.htm
Scientists investigate Ecuador's receding glaciers
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8629527.stm
WFP Steps Up Response to Growing Food Crisis in Niger
http://www.wfp.org/news/news-release/wfp-steps-response-growing-food-crisis-niger
Rio slum dwellers face forced eviction after landslides
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/apr/11/rio-brazil-slum-forced-evictions
African ministers adopt the extended Programme of Action
http://www.unisdr.org/news/v.php?id=13655
16th ASEAN Summit Website
http://asean2010.vn/asean_en/news/46
UNFCCC Parties Agree on Additional Meeting Sessions Before COP 16
http://climate-l.org/2010/04/12/unfccc-parties-agree-on-additional-meeting-sessions-before-cop-16/
US denies climate aid to countries opposing Copenhagen accord
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/apr/09/us-climate-aid

Global Climate Change Situation Room in Gimcheon, South Korea
The initial set of Bata collective intelligence software for the Global Climate Change Situation Room is planned to be installed in Gimcheon, South Korea during the last week in June. Initial staff training was conducted this month. International expert discussion groups are being established on climate science, energy, green technology, and policy integration to feed information to and be fed questions from the Situation Room. The Bata software development platform is available for viewing at http://www.new.webserver9.com/manage/node. Updates and improvements are ongoing. [Related item: Gimcheon, South Korea to Create a Global Climate Change Situation Room in August 2009 environmental security report]
Source:
Global Climate Change Situation Room – Bata software development platform http://www.new.webserver9.com/manage/node

Nanotechnology Safety Issues

Health Canada Seeks Comments on Nanomaterials Definition
Health Canada has developed an interim policy statement that establishes a working definition for nanomaterials, in order to provide a basis for applying current legislation and regulations to nanotechnology products. They are seeking informal feedback from international stakeholders; comments will be accepted until 31 August 2010.
Source: Interim Policy Statement on Health Canada's Working Definition for Nanomaterials
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/sr-sr/consult/_2010/nanomater/index-eng.php

First Sri Lankan Information Portal for Nanotechnology
The Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology Pvt. Ltd (SLINTEC) has announced the launch of the first Sri Lankan information portal for nanotechnology, <www.susnanotec.lk>, an interactive site that will act as an information hub for nanotechnology research in Sri Lanka. According to the announcement, "The purpose of the website [is] creating awareness on nanotechnology amongst students, educate potential investors and clients on the research being done, enable the government to measure the performance of funding, provide a forum for scientists to share their thoughts, attract potential human resources, satisfy public curiosity and aid business sector decision makers in their planning and evaluation of nanotechnology."
Source:
Pyxle Develops Nano-Based Information Portal for Sri Lanka
http://www.azonano.com/news.asp?newsID=16657 8.8.3

Two New Reports on Nanotech EHS
Two presentations from the German FramingNano Workshop in March 2010 are available:
• Key regulatory developments in the field of nanotechnology (24 slides), Dr. Hans-Jürgen Klockner, German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) (http://www.framingnano.eu/images/stories/german-workshop/3.pdf)
• Nanoscale Materials: a new challenge for toxicology (11 slides), Andreas Falk, BioNanoNet Forschungsgesellschaft mbH (http://www.framingnano.eu/images/stories/german-workshop/5.pdf)

Conference on The Global Regulation Of Nanotech to Be Held
A Conference On The Global Regulation Of Nanotechnologies will be held at the Northeastern Univ. School of Law in Boston MA on May 7-8, 2010. The announcement states its objectives: "…determining what is the applicable law, domestically and internationally, exploring what the regulatory framework should be, [and] proposing governance models to achieve stakeholders’ objective".
Source:
Global Regulation Of Nanotechnologies conference website http://www.northeastern.edu/law/academics/conferences/nano-conference/index.html

Reports and Information Suggested for Review

World Bank Development Indicators Database Available Free
The World Bank has made freely available online < http://data.worldbank.org/ > its databases of more than 2,000 indicators from countries around the world, many with historical data for 50 years. This includes a large section on the environment.
Source:
WDI http://data.worldbank.org/

Report Suggests New Approach to Technology Assessment
Reinventing Technology Assessment: A 21st Century Model, a report by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, looks at closing the gap between the rhetoric of “engaging the public” in S&T debate and practice. It provides a comprehensive overview of participatory technology assessment (pTA) and applications in the EU and U.S., and recommends creation of “an institutional network that can integrate public engagement into future technology assessment activities.”
Source:
Reinventing Technology Assessment: A 21st Century Model http://www.wilsoncenter.org/index.cfm?topic_id=1414&fuseaction=topics.event_summary&event_id=605820

Reports addressing the Link between Climate Change and Conflict
'Human Securitising' the Climate Security Debate, by Lorraine Elliott, is a working paper of the Asia Security Initiative Policy Series. It assesses the connection between climate change and national, regional and international security from a human security point of view. The recommendations basically advocate pro-active rather than reactive strategies based on vulnerability vs. risk and adaptation and social resilience vs. mitigation. In order to avoid conflict, scarce resource management should include equity provisions regarding those most vulnerable to environmental scarcities.
Climate Conflict: How Global Warming Threatens Security and What to Do about it, by Jeffrey Mazo from the IISS Environmental Security and Science Policy, provides a view of how climate changes affects security from a historical perspective. It points out that the most vulnerable countries are not necessarily the fragile states or those most affected physically by the effects of climate change, but those that fail to overcome cultural, social, political, and economic barriers to successful adaptation to a changing climate.
Sources:
'Human Securitising' the Climate Security Debate http://www.rsis.edu.sg/NTS/resources/research_papers/MacArthur_working_paper_Lorraine%20Elliott.pdf
Climate Conflict: how global warming threatens security and what to do about it - Launch http://www.iiss.org/whats-new/iiss-podcasts/adelphi-webcasts/climate-conflict/
Climate conflict: how global warming threatens security and what to do about it http://sustainablesecurity.org/article/climate-conflict-how-global-warming-threatens-security-and-what-do-about-it

March 2010

UN Panel Meeting on World Water Day to Discuss How to Avoid Water Wars
The UN General Assembly held a high-level dialogue on World Water Day with three panels on: water related to the Millennium Development Goals; water, climate change and disasters; and water and peace and security. Since potential water wars could be triggered by combinations of climate change, population growth, rapid urbanization, and increasing inequalities between those who could and could not cope with water scarcity, several participants suggested that greater efforts by the international community to promote dialogues for equitable and sustainable use and management of transboundary rivers, lakes and aquifers are needed. It was also suggested that water issues be included on the agenda of the next session of the Conference of Parties (COP16) of the UNFCCC, to be held in Mexico at the end of the year, and that 2012 be declared the International Year of Water Diplomacy.
More people now die from contaminated and polluted water than from all forms of violence, including wars, notes the UNEP report, Sick Water? Some two million tons of waste, estimated to equal two or more billion tons of wastewater, is being discharged daily into rivers and seas, harming key ecosystems and human health. The report underlines the need for global and comprehensive water-related regulations and enforcement mechanisms, including international standards and guidelines for water and ecosystem quality management.
Sources:
Sustainable Management of Water Resources
http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2010/ga10925.doc.htm
World Water Day Website:
http://www.unwater.org
Time to Cure Global Tide of Sick Water
http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=617&ArticleID=6504&l=en

Nanomaterials Guidelines Adopted by 53 African Countries
Representatives of 53 African governments attending the African regional meeting on Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management adopted a non-binding resolution on handling manufactured nanomaterials. The resolution calls for: 1) a ban on shipment of wastes containing nanomaterials to countries that lack capacity for adequately managing them; 2) the establishment and implementation of legal frameworks for the safe production, use, transport, and disposal of nanomaterials; 3) a health assessment of people exposed to nanomaterials; 4) the establishment of partnerships for capacity building related to nanotechnology. In the preamble to the International Conference on Chemical Management focusing on nanotechnologies and manufactured nanomaterials, to be held in 2012, the delegates suggested that the report should address all the aspects relative to nanotechnology and safe handling of nanomaterials throughout their life cycles and application of the ‘no data, no market’ principle prior to commercialization. [Related items: Nanotechnology Safely Issues in the monthly environmental security reports.]
Sources:
African Resolution Urges Nations Worldwide to Ensure Safe Handling of Nanomaterials
http://www.merid.org/nanodev/more.php?id=2459
CIEL welcomes and supports African resolution on nanomaterials
http://www.ciel.org/Chemicals/African_Nano_17Feb10.html

UN Economic Commission for Europe Adopts Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Regulations
The UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) adopted the first international technical regulation on safety for fully electric and hybrid cars, within the 1958 UNECE framework. The Regulation will ensure that cars with a high voltage electric power train, such as hybrid and fully electric vehicles, are as safe as conventional cars. These standards on manufacturing and marketing are expected to increase sales and will apply not only in the EU, but in a number of other markets, such as South Korea, Japan, and Russia. Mutual recognition of approvals among contracting parties of the 1958 agreement will be possible as soon as the Regulation is applied.
Sources:
Car safety: European Commission welcomes international agreement on electric and hybrid cars
http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/10/260&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

Iran and Qatar Sign Environmental MOU
Qatar and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding regarding preservation of the environment. The agreement covers managing green reserves and various flora and fauna aspects, as well as the environmental management of coastal areas, desertification control, and know-how exchange. Qatar has already undertaken several environmental projects, including a green convention center in Doha and an agreement between the Doha Bank and UNESCO to "Green the Middle East". [Related item: Jordan Armed Forces Upgrade, Part of Global Warming Debate in the February 2010 environmental security report.]
Sources:
Iran and Qatar Align to Help the Environment
http://www.greenprophet.com/2010/02/28/17972/qatar-iran-environment

Thailand, Other Asian Countries, May Tighten Environmental Regulations
A Thai court has sided with the country’s growing green movement and suspended $12 billion in industrial investments until their environmental impacts can be properly assessed. The government hopes to set up a new environmental monitoring agency within five months to quickly assess and approve new projects. Environmental activists have similarly increased their pressures in Indonesia, Vietnam, and China over the past few years. [Related item: International Lawsuits for Environmental Crime Proliferate in January 2010 environmental security report.]
Sources:
Thailand Tightens Environmental Regulation
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704182004575056421383885014.html

Technological Advances with Environmental Security Implications

Desalination Reverse Osmosis Improved by Ion Concentration Polarization
Sung Jae Kim and Prof. Jongyoon Han of MIT’s Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and colleagues in Korea, have developed a new technique – ion concentration polarization – which promises to avoid two of reverse osmosis's problems: large power consumption and membrane fouling. The system is based on using microfluidics fabrication methods to produce microscopic filtration cells that could be assembled into an array with 1,600 units on an 8-inch-diameter wafer, capable of producing about 15 liters of water per hour. Since the system removes only salts and larger particles, it may need to be supplemented by a conventional filtration component (e.g. charcoal) for certain types of pollutants.
Sources:
A system that's worth its salt: New approach to water desalination could lead to small, portable units
http://www.physorg.com/news188399888.html
Direct seawater desalination by ion concentration polarization
http://www.nature.com/nnano/journal/vaop/ncurrent/abs/nnano.2010.34.html

New Detection and Cleanup Techniques

New Polymer Fights Both Biological and Chemical Toxins.
A team led by Dr. Alan Russell of the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Univ. of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, claims synthesis of a single, multifunctional polymer material that can decontaminate both biological and chemical toxins, such as are used in weapons. According to an announcement, it comprises a “polyurethane fiber mesh containing enzymes that lead to the production of bromine or iodine, which kill bacteria, as well as chemicals that generate compounds that detoxify organophosphate nerve agents.”
Sources:
Multifunctional polymer neutralizes both biological and chemical weapons
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-03/uops-mpn031810.php Project Developing Sensors for Engineered Nanoparticles
According to Nanowerk News, Prof. Omowunmi Sadik, director of SUNY's Binghamton University Center for Advanced Sensors and Environmental Systems, is leading research on developing sensors that will detect and identify engineered nanoparticles. This should advance understanding of the risks associated with the environmental release and transformation of these particles, as well as naturally occurring cell particles.
Sources:
Chemist monitors nanotechnology's environmental impact
http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=15415.php New Material Will Aid Radioactive Cleanup
Mercouri Kanatzidis, at the Argonne National Laboratory, and Nan Ding, a chemist at Northwestern University, report developing a new material, composed of metal sulfides, that binds radioactive cesium isotope ions to sulfur atoms inside its crystalline structure, giving it the ability to aid clean-up at radioactively contaminated sites.
Sources:
Snag radioactive waste like a Venus flytrap
http://futurity.org/science-technology/snag-radioactive-waste-like-a-venus-flytrap/
Selective incarceration of caesium ions by Venus flytrap action of a flexible framework sulfide
http://www.nature.com/nchem/journal/vaop/ncurrent/abs/nchem.519.html Genetically Engineered Tobacco Plant May Clear Polluted Water
Dr. Pascal M.W. Drake from the Centre for Infection at St. George's University of London and his team claim success in genetically engineering a strain of tobacco that produces an antibody to microcystin-LR (MC-LR), an environmental toxin pollutant produced by a species of cyanobacteria that makes water unsafe for human use. The authors claim that this plant could serve as a major tool for helping keep water sources safe to use, especially in developing nations.
Sources:
Genetically engineered tobacco plant cleans up environmental toxin
http://www.physorg.com/news186660152.html
Generation of transgenic plants expressing antibodies to the environmental pollutant microcystin-LR
http://www.fasebj.org/cgi/content/abstract/24/3/882?maxtoshow=&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=tobacco&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&volume=24&issue=3&resourcetype=HWCIT

Increasing Energy Efficiency Technologies

Advances in Generating Electricity from the Body
The Parametric Frequency Increased Generators (PFIGs) developed by researchers of the Univ. of Michigan’s Engineering Research Center for Wireless Integrated Microsystems are reported to be able to generate 0.5 milliwatts from typical vibrations in the human body. Both piezoelectric and electromagnetic induction types have been tested and are claimed to be more efficient than previous devices with vibrations that are non-periodic and occur at low frequencies. [Related item: “Energy Harvesting” Offers Possibilities for Environment-sparing Power in December 2009 environmental security report.]
Sources:
Mini generators make energy from random ambient vibrations
http://www.physorg.com/news188569711.html

Biofuels Production from Sunlight and CO2
Prof. David Wendell and colleagues at the Univ. of Cincinnati describe a design for foam loaded with natural (e.g. algal) enzymes that produce sugars from sunlight and carbon dioxide. The sugars can then be converted into biofuels. The process is more efficient than the natural one since all the incoming solar energy is used for the conversion, without part being diverted to support a living organism.
Meantime, Joule Biotechnologies, Inc. of Cambridge, MA announced arrangements for building its first pilot plant, in Leander TX, for developing and testing its continuous process system that uses genetically engineered organisms to directly convert sunlight and CO2 into ethanol or other fuels. It claims that its lab-scale ethanol tests have already reached productivity rates exceeding 6,000 gallons/acre/year.
Sources:
Frogs, Foam and Fuel: Researchers Convert Solar Energy to Sugars
http://www.physorg.com/news187951045.html
Joule Biotechnologies Secures Pilot Site for Renewable Solar Fuel
http://joulebio.com/news/2010/joule-biotechnologies-secures-pilot-site-renewable-solar-fuel

New Developments in Hydrogen Production
Several new techniques have been added to the published set of tools for economical production of hydrogen; e.g. as input to fuel cells. Sun Catalytix of Cambridge, MA has been awarded $4 million through ARPA-E for work on its artificial photosynthesis based on a cobalt-phosphate catalyst that converts water and carbon dioxide into hydrogen and oxygen. The laboratory of Prof. Craig Hill at Emory Univ. has announced the fastest homogeneous carbon-free molecular water oxidation catalyst (WOC) yet created, based on cobalt. Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison geologist and crystal specialist Huifang Xu and colleagues have designed “a simple and cost-effective technology for direct water splitting that may generate hydrogen fuels by scavenging waste energy, such as noise or stray vibrations from the environment”, according to the developers. The new piezoelectric device uses zinc oxide and barium titanate nanofibers placed in water. Dr. Di Zhang, of Shanghai Jiao-Tong University, and collaborators have embedded a nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide catalyst in a complex physical structure modeled on natural plant leaves’ micro-architecture to produce, “enhanced light-harvesting and photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activities”.
Sources:
Catalyst could power homes on a bottle of water, produce hydrogen on-site (w/ Video)
http://www.physorg.com/news187031401.html
Water oxidation advance boosts potential for solar fuel
http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=15268.php
Scavenging energy waste to turn water into hydrogen fuel
http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=15264.php
Nanotechnology artificial leaves for hydrogen production
http://www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=15381.php
Light Harvesting: Artificial Inorganic Leafs for Efficient Photochemical Hydrogen Production Inspired by Natural Photosynthesis (Adv. Mater. 9/2010)
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/123301807/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0 (Requires cookie download permission.)

Carbon Nanotubes Yield Threefold Increase in Thermocell Efficiency
Dr. Ray Baughman, director of the Alan G. MacDiarmid NanoTech Institute at the Univ. of Texas at Dallas, and an international team of collaborators, report a way to use carbon nanotubes in large thermocells to generate electricity from heat at about 60% of the cost per watt of existing solar cells. [Related item: Quantum Dots Offer New Possibilities for Energy from Waste Heat in November 2009 environmental security report.]
Sources:
Nanotube Thermocells Hold Promise as Energy Source
http://www.physorg.com/news186409698.html
Harvesting Waste Thermal Energy Using a Carbon-Nanotube-Based Thermo-Electrochemical Cell
http://www.me.gatech.edu/nest/images/nl903267n.pdf

Updates on Previously Identified Issues

New Measure to Enforce Maritime Environmental Protection
The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 60th session held March 22-26, 2010, made further steps to strengthen maritime environmental regulations, such as:

adopted amendments to the MARPOL Convention to formally establish a North American Emission Control Area in which emissions of sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter from ships will be subject to more stringent controls than the limits that apply globally—expected to enter into force on August 1, 2011
adopted a new MARPOL regulation to protect the Antarctic from pollution by heavy grade oils—expected to enter into force on August 1, 2011
worked on developing guidelines related to safe and environmentally sound ship recycling, and agreed on the need to develop guidance concerning the recycling of flag-less and non-Party ships by Parties to the Convention—progress to be reported to MEPC 61
agreed that the discharge requirements for the Wider Caribbean Region Special Area under MARPOL Annex V Regulations for the prevention of pollution by garbage from ships are to take effect on May 1, 2011
prepared draft text on mandatory requirements for the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for new vessels and on the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) for all ships in operation; but negotiations continue on details, including target dates and reduction rates
in order to advance work on measures to regulate and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping, the Committee decided to establish an intersessional Working Group on technical and operational measures to increase the energy efficiency of ships and an Expert Group to assess the impact of various market-based instruments for international maritime transport—both to report to the MEPC 61st session, to be held in September 2010.

[Related items: Tougher Global Limits Imposed on Air Pollution from Large Ships in October 2008 and other previous environmental security reports.]
Source:
IMO environment Committee makes progress. MEPC – 60th session: 22-26 March, 2010
http://www.imo.org/Newsroom/mainframe.asp?topic_id=1859&doc_id=12724

European Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators to Become Operational in March 2011
The new European Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) will complement and coordinate the work of National Regulatory Authorities, supporting the liberalization of the energy markets and the creation of European network rules. While encouraging international cooperation and integration to achieve energy security and combat climate change, the agency might restrict national policymaking, as its decisions will be binding. Its tasks involve advancing green energy development policies (potentially including a European ‘supergrid’.) The Agency will open in March 2011, in Ljubljana, Slovenia. [Related item: European Climate and Energy Package Formally Adopted in April 2009 environmental security report.]
Sources:
European energy agency could form super-regulator
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/mar/29/european-commission-energy-regulator
Ljubljana designated as seat of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators
http://www.eumonitor.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=141533&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0

New UN Satellite Standards to Help in Natural Disaster Situations
The UN International Telecommunication Union (ITU) approved a set of new recommendations for radio-communication standards for satellite services in case of natural disasters. They refer to radio frequencies that can be used by both fixed-satellite service (FSS) and mobile-satellite service (MSS) systems for facilitating emergency and disaster relief operations. The ITU calls on the international community, policymakers, and service providers to further enhance efforts for developing robust and comprehensive systems for early warning, relief, and mitigation in case of emergencies and disasters at international, regional, and national levels. [Related item: Increased Use of Space Technology for Monitoring Environmental Events in September 2008 environmental security report.]
Sources:
New ITU standards enhance satellite communications for emergencies
http://www.itu.int/newsroom/press_releases/2010/13.html

Dialogues for Creating a Northeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone
Representatives of the Japanese and Republic of Korea parliaments held the first in a series of regional parliamentary dialogues for creating a Northeast Asian Nuclear Weapons-Free Zone. The joint declaration calls on the governments of the Republic of Korea and Japan to advance the proposal at the May 2010 Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference. The subject was also informally discussed by the Parliamentarians for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament (PNND) with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and with government officials of Japan, Korea, and the United States. [Related item: Entire Southern Hemisphere Covered by Nuclear-Free Zone Treaties in August 2009 environmental security report.]
In the meantime, Australia and Japan submitted a proposal for the NPT Review Conference containing 16 nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation measures for achieving a world without nuclear weapons and a successful outcome at the NPT review conference. [Related item: Australia to Propose Panel to Advance Work for the NPT Review in 2010 in June 2008 and other similar items in previous environmental security reports.]
Sources:
Joint Statement by Parliamentarians of Japan and the Republic of Korea toward the Denuclearization of Northeast Asia
http://www.gsinstitute.org/pnnd/docs/02_28_10_Japan-ROK_Statement.pdf
Treaty on the Northeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (tentative translation)
http://www.gsinstitute.org/pnnd/docs/NEA-NWFZ.pdf
Australia, Japan Submit Disarmament Proposals For NPT Review Conference
http://gsn.nti.org/gsn/nw_20100324_4743.php

New Measures to Continue the Fight against Biodiversity Loss
The summit of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) decided to include several reptiles and amphibians in its endangered species trade list—some species of iguanas, an entire genus of tree frogs from Central America, and Kaiser’s newt salamander from Iran. In the meantime, the EU, admitting to have missed the target of stopping biodiversity loss by the end of 2010, decided to set two new targets: a mid-term one that all species loss within the EU be ended by 2020, and a long-term target to protect and restore all ecosystems by 2050 to prevent future losses. [Related item: International Year of Biodiversity is 2010 and Convention on Biological Diversity COP10 to Meet in Japan This Year in January 2010 environmental security report.]
Sources:
More terrestrial fauna placed under CITES
http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=617&ArticleID=6506&l=en
'We failed' on species extinction, admits EU
http://euobserver.com/9/29685/?rk=1

Two New Pesticides Added to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Watch List
Endosulfan and azinphos-methyl were added to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade watch list by the Chemical Review Committee. Endosulfan is a persistent organic pollutant (POP), while azinphos-methyl is derived from nerve agents developed during World War II. Both pesticides have been linked to reproductive and developmental damage in humans and animals. [Related item: New Compounds Considered under the Stockholm and Rotterdam Conventions in October 2008.]
Sources:
New Chemicals Recommended for Listing Under the Rotterdam Convention
http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=617&ArticleID=6503&l=en

Factors to Consider in Establishing and Operating Marine Protected Areas
Although the number of marine protected areas increased over the past years, the world is still far from the commitment that by 2012, 10%-30% of waters will be protected. Scientists now warn that in order for the protection to be efficient, marine protected areas, which currently limit fishing in 1.6% of the waters claimed by countries, need to be located in the right spots. [Related items: World Database on Marine Protected Areas in June 2009 and “Roving” Marine Protected Areas as Climate Change Affects Migration in March 2008.]
Sources:
Placement of marine reserves is key. Focusing on the heaviest-fished areas can help meet conservation goals
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/56511/title/Placement_of_marine_reserves_is_key

Arctic Debates Continue
As foreign ministers of five Arctic states—Canada, Denmark, Norway, Russia and the U.S.—met in Chelsea, Quebec, on March 29, 2010, states member of the Arctic Council that were left out of the talks (Iceland, Sweden, and Finland) along with various northern aboriginal groups publicly expressed their frustration. Although the outcomes of the meeting were not available at the time of this writing, there are speculations that in view of some military strategies calling for measures to ensure that the Arctic remains free of nuclear weapons, Canada might declare the Northwest Passage a nuclear-free-zone.
The Russian Security Council announced that over the next 10-15 years, Russia might face serious national security problems as melting permafrost—that covers roughly 60% of Russian land—could jeopardize important infrastructure, including pipelines, railways, roads, and several urban areas. [Related items: Arctic Opens to International Commercial Use in January 2010 and other items on this issue in previous environmental security reports.]
Sources:
Canada's 'Arctic Summit' highlights global tensions, competing interests
http://www.canada.com/news/Canada-Arctic-Summit-highlights-global-tensions-competing-interests/2736963/story.html
Medvedev says that Russia must push its claim to Arctic resources
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/100317/world/eu_russia_arctic_claim
National security challenged by Arctic climate change. BarentsObserver, 2010-03-23
http://www.barentsobserver.com/national-security-challenged-by-arctic-climate-change.4762526-58932.html
Arms Control Advocates Call for Nuke-Free Arctic Zone
http://gsn.nti.org/gsn/nw_20100310_5264.php

Climate Change

Scientific Evidence and Natural Disasters
Global temperatures have risen steadily since the 1970s, reveals the ‘Current GISS Global Surface Temperature Analysis’ by the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS). Comparing the global surface and ocean temperature changes, researchers conclude that global temperature continued to rise at a rate of 0.15-0.20ºC per decade, despite large year-to-year fluctuations associated with the El Niño-La Niña cycle.
Australia’s temperatures rose 0.7ºC (0.4ºF) over the past 50 years, with warming occurring across the country, with the last decade being the hottest on record, reveals the “State of The Climate" report by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). The report also shows that sea levels rose 7-10 millimeters (0.3-0.4 inches) per year around Australia’s north and west, while rainfall patterns varied sharply among regions. The past southern hemisphere summer was 0.2ºC (0.32ºF) warmer than the previous high in 1997-1998, reaching an average of about 29.6ºC (85.3ºF).
Severe droughts affecting some East and Southeast Asian countries caused water levels of rivers and reservoirs to drop at dangerous levels. China’s State Commission of Disaster Relief announced that the worst drought in Southwest China in 60 years is affecting 51 million people and is having a devastating effect on regional power supply and farming. In the Philippines, what seems to be the worst drought since 1998 affects 23 provinces. In Vietnam, drought dried up riverbeds and aggravated saline water intrusion into coastal areas, threatening the country’s southern Mekong Delta. Thai Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation announced that nearly 4 million people in some 36 out of Thailand’s 76 provinces have been affected by drought since November.
CO2 levels rose to a median 393.71 parts per million in the first two weeks of March, from 393.17 ppm in the same period of 2009, and the increase seems accelerating, reveal new measures at Norway’s Zeppelin station on the Arctic Svalbard archipelago. Similarly, a 2009 study of the ocean off Africa indicated CO2 levels in the atmosphere were at their highest in 2.1 million years.

Food and Water Security
The multiple crises in the Arab world, exacerbated by the effects of climate change, might increase the number of emergency situations, requiring food and water distribution to millions of people, warned officials attending the third conference of humanitarian organisations in the member states of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC). Similarly, the UNEP report “Environment Outlook for the Arab Region: Environment for Development and Human Well-being,” compiled at the request of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment, outlines the multiple challenges facing the Arab region, ranging from climate change and food insecurity to decreasing water availability and unemployment. Highlighting that the region is one of the most water-scarce in the world, the report notes that biofuels and food security are key emerging and intertwined challenges facing the region. The region is predicted to be among the hardest hit by the potential direct and indirect climate change impacts, including: loss of coastal zones; more severe droughts and desertification; increased groundwater salinity; and a surge in epidemics and infectious diseases.
Experts warn that unless swift action is taken to improve water management, Lebanon might lack freshwater by 2015, due to the interplay of several factors, including: the 1975-1990 civil war and years of political unrest, water rights disputes with Israel, weak water management, and inappropriate infrastructure, exacerbated by a growing population. Additionally, some transboundary rivers are not exploited due to their strategic locations—such as the Nahr al-Kabeer and Orontes shared by Lebanon and Syria, and the Wazzani and Hasbani shared with Israel.
The report “An Overview of the Food Security Situation in Eastern Africa” by the UN Economic Commission for Africa’s (UNECA) Sub-Regional Office for Eastern Africa (SRO-EA) is an assessment of food security-related initiatives, plans, and strategies in the SRO-EA mandate area. Describing the status of food security in six specific Eastern African countries (Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo), it concludes that East Africa is the sub-region in Africa most affected by food insecurity. Recommendations include: increase investments in the agricultural sector to at least 10% of national budget; promote domestic and regional trade of agricultural products; and implement targeted input subsidies programs to enhance production and productivity.

Health
The WHO and UNDP has launched the first global project on public health adaptation to climate change. It involves a series of pilot projects that will seek to increase the adaptive capacity of national health system institutions. The projects will be undertaken by Ministries of Health and other relevant national partners in Barbados, Bhutan, China, Fiji, Kenya, Jordan and Uzbekistan, with varying foci. The project in China, for example, will focus on strengthening early warning and response systems to extreme heat in urban settings.

Melting Glaciers
A new study reveals that Greenland ice loss is happening faster than anticipated and spreading along the northwest coast, with acceleration likely since late 2005. The research is based on results from a combination of satellite [Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE)] and by GPS measurements. They estimate the mass loss equivalent to be about 0.02 inch of global sea-level rise per year.
The Arctic melt might cost from $2.4 trillion to $24 trillion by 2050, due to rising sea levels, floods, and heat waves, according to the report “Arctic Treasure, Global Assets Melting Away” by the Pew Environment Group. It is estimated that the loss of Arctic sea ice and snow cover has already cost the world about $61 billion to $371 billion annually.

Rising Sea Level
A tiny island in the Bay of Bengal, known as New Moore Island to the Indians and South Talpatti Island to the Bangladeshis, claimed for years by both countries, has disappeared beneath the rising sea, says the Indian School of Oceanographic Studies in Calcutta. Studies reveal that sea levels in this part of the Bay of Bengal have risen much faster over the past decade than in the previous 15 years. Therefore, it is likely that other islands in the Sundarbans delta region will be covered by the sea, forcing large numbers of people to move.

Adaptation
The number of people around the world needing humanitarian assistance due to natural catastrophes triggered by climate change might increase from 250 million today to more than 375 million, by 2015. Therefore, the British Government announced that it would recommend a doubling of the UN relief funds budget from the current $500 million to $1 billion, along with a reconsideration of the entire system.
The UNDP released a report titled “Screening Tools and Guidelines to Support the Mainstreaming of Climate Change Adaptation into Development Assistance – A Stocktaking Report” which summarizes existing tools and good practices from a range of organizations to guide development practitioners in their climate change mainstreaming efforts. The report provides a comparative overview of existing tools and guidelines, explores the components and entry points of the mainstreaming process, and presents definitions of key climate change

Post-Copenhagen Negotiations
On March 9, 2010, China and India formally announced at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change that they agree to be listed as parties to the Copenhagen accord. India specifically stipulates that the accord is not legally binding, but serves as a negotiating framework for a post-Kyoto treaty. There is increased agreement that it is unlikely that a treaty will be signed at the Mexico meeting in 2010, but rather hopes for it to happen at the December 2011 meeting to be held in South Africa.
Sources:
Current GISS Global Surface Temperature Analysis
http://data.giss.nasa.gov/gistemp/paper/gistemp2010_draft0319.pdf
Global cooling is bunk, draft NASA study finds
http://wwwp.dailyclimate.org/tdc-newsroom/2010/03/global-cooling-is-bunk-draft-nasa-study-finds
Australia '0.7 degrees warmer over past 50 years'
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gSMhzJlxY-feCKAbLpnD0sZy3G1Q
Droughts bring severe damage to some Asian countries
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/articles/20100327120018/Article/index_html
CO2 at new highs despite economic slowdown
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62E2KJ20100315
The Environment Outlook for the Arab Region
http://www.unep.org/dewa/westasia/eoar/
Lebanon's liquid treasure is just trickling away
http://www.france24.com/en/20100321-lebanons-liquid-treasure-just-trickling-away
An Overview of the Food Security Situation in Eastern Africa:
http://uneca.org/eca_programmes/srdc/ea/meetings/srcm2010/Food%20Security%20OVERVIEW.pdf
WHO and UNDP launch new project for Health adaptation to climate change
http://www.who.int/globalchange/news/climate_change_adaptation/en/index.html
Spread of ice mass loss into northwest Greenland observed by GRACE and GPS
http://www.agu.org/pubs/crossref/2010/2010GL042460.shtml
Arctic Melt To Cost Up To $24 Trillion By 2050: Report
http://planetark.org/enviro-news/item/56999
Disputed Bay of Bengal island 'vanishes' say scientists
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8584665.stm
UN faces problems coping with natural disasters, minister warns
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/mar/28/un-disasters-policy
Global Futures. New project to identify best approaches to improve agriculture in developing countries
http://www.ifpri.org/pressrelease/global-futures?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Ifpriupdate+%28IFPRI+Website+Update%29
India and China to be Listed in Chapeau of Copenhagen Accord
http://climate-l.org/2010/03/10/india-and-china-to-be-listed-in-chapeau-of-copenhagen-accord/

Nanotechnology Safety Issues

Review of US National Nanotechnology Initiative
The President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) discussed a review of the US National Nanotechnology Initiative Program Report in a meeting on March 12. The webcast of the meeting is archived a thttp://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ostp/pcast/meetings ; the nanotech portion is at 5:30 into the recording.
Sources:
President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, March 12, 2010 meeting
http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ostp/pcast
webcast: http://www.tvworldwide.com/events/pcast/100312/

Comments Solicited on Proposed UN Nanotech Safety Report
According to Meridian Nanotechnology and Development News, "The United Nations' (UN) Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), a policy framework to promote chemical safety around the world, has developed an outline for a report focusing on nanotechnologies and manufactured nanomaterials including, in particular, issues of relevance to developing countries and countries with economies in transition… Comments are invited and may be submitted until May 1, 2010. The final report will be submitted at the first meeting of the Open ended Working Group, in 2011, and at the third session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management.”
Souces:
Report on Nanotechnologies and Manufactured Nanomaterials
http://www.merid.org/nanodev/more.php?articleID=2481&search=%2Fnanodev%2Farchive.php%3FdoSearch%3D1%26items%3D20%26q%3DSAICM%26sortField%3DPosted%26submit%3DSearch&scorePrecent=73
Nanotechnology and manufactured nanomaterials (resolution II/4 E) (report request)
http://www.saicm.org/index.php?menuid=9&pageid=425&submenuheader=

UK Nanotechnologies Strategy: Small Technologies, Great Opportunities report
The UK government published Nanotechnologies Strategy: Small Technologies, Great Opportunities, a comprehensive overview of all aspects related to regulations, standardization, policies, and strategies for advancement of nanotechnology in a safe and economically sound way. According to Meridian Nanotechnology and Development News, "The overall aims of the strategy are as follows: 1. Transparent, integrated, responsible and skilled nanotechnologies industry with good links to, and support from Government; 2. Better understanding of the risks associated with the use of, and exposure to, nanomaterials, and enough people with the right skills to assess them; 3. Better informed policies and regulations relating to nanomaterials and nanotechnologies; and, 4. Well-informed public and stakeholders and a leading position on nanotechnologies for the UK on the world stage."
Sources:
UK Nanotechnologies Strategy: Small Technologies, Great Opportunities
http://interactive.bis.gov.uk/nano/
UK Nanotechnologies Strategy; Small Technologies, Great Opportunities
http://bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/corporate/docs/n/10-825-nanotechnologies-strategy
The UK Nanotechnologies Strategy – disappointing (commentary article by Dr. Andrew Maynard of PEN)
http://2020science.org/2010/03/18/the-uk-nanotechnologies-strategy-disappointing/

Guide for Unbound Nanoparticles in Occupational Settings Made Available
According to Meridian Nanotechnology and Development News, ASTM International offers for purchase its Standard Guide for Handling Unbound Engineered Nanoscale Particles in Occupational Settings, which, in addition to providing handling principles and techniques, describes actions that can be taken to minimize human exposure to the particles.
Sources:
ASTM E2535 - 07 Standard Guide for Handling Unbound Engineered Nanoscale Particles in Occupational Settings
http://www.astm.org/Standards/E2535.htm
Standard Guide for Handling Unbound Engineered Nanoscale Particles in Occupational Settings
http://www.merid.org/nanodev/more.php?articleID=2496&search=%2Fnanodev%2Farchive.php%3FdoSearch%3D1%26items%3D20%26q%3DASTM%2Bunbound%26sortField%3DPosted%26submit%3DSearch&scorePrecent=100

Governing Uncertainty: Environmental Regulation in the Age of Nanotechnology
Governing Uncertainty: Environmental Regulation in the Age of Nanotechnology, according to a review, "makes a significant contribution to the issues it sets out to address, namely how government confronts conditions of acute uncertainty about environmental and health risks, and how, given such uncertainty, government structures its regulatory policy," And, Meridian Nanotechnology and Development News says, "it addresses the dilemma faced by governments wanting to satisfy the desire for scientific innovation while also taking into account the direct and indirect effects of such emerging technologies."
Sources:
Environmental Regulation in the Age of Nanotechnology
http://www.earthscan.co.uk/?tabid=102261
Environmental Regulation in the Age of Nanotechnology
http://www.rffpress-earthscan-usa.com/Books/BookDetail.aspx?productID=236827
Governing Uncertainty: Environmental Regulation in the Age of Nanotechnology
http://www.merid.org/nanodev/more.php?articleID=2508&search=%2Fnanodev%2Farchive.php%3FdoSearch%3D1%26items%3D20%26q%3Duncertainty%26sortField%3DPosted%26submit%3DSearch&scorePrecent=10

New Book on Nanotechnology and Ethics
Nanoethics Group announced the release of a new book, What Is Nanotechnology and Why Does It Matter?: From Science to Ethics, published by Wiley-Blackwell and resulting from a collaboration between ethicists and nanotechnology scientists. The book comprises three units. Unit 1 — What is Nanotechnology; Unit 2 — Risk, Regulation, and Fairness— risk, precaution, regulation, equity, and access. Unit 3 —Ethical and Social Implications— urgent issues: environment, military, privacy, medicine, and enhancement.
Sources:
Collaboration between ethicists and nanotechnology scientists reveals unique synergies and insights
http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=15191.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%2

Final FramingNano Governance Platform Now Available
The final version of the FramingNano Governance Platform [See European FramingNano Governance Platform Draft Now Available in the January 2010 issue of these reports] is now available. According to Nanowerk News, it, "describes a heuristic process of how current and future challenges in nanotechnology governance can be identified, assessed and decided on, and proposes a number of structural elements to achieve this", among them, " governance and regulation of nanotechnologies must be considered a dynamic affair which needs to be continuously adapted", and, "the relevant stakeholders and the interested public have to be meaningfully included in the definition of commonly accepted principles, criteria and values to be used for the assessment of these changes.[Same as previous on this issue] Given the close collaboration between EU and U.S. nanotech experts and the high level of the Governance Platform, it is likely that it will set the stage for an international regulatory framework for responsible nanotech development. Military personnel concerned with nanotech regulation policy should review this [possibly revised] document for potential guidelines and collaboration.
Sources:
FramingNano report on current and future challenges in nanotechnology governance
http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=14269.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29FramingNano Project: A multistakeholder dialogue platform framing the responsible development of Nanosciences & Nanotechnologies
http://www.innovationsgesellschaft.ch/media/archive2/publikationen/FramingNano_Complete_Final_Report.pdf

ENPRA (Engineered NanoParticle Risk Assessment) Newsletter Available
The first ENPRA Newsletter is now available. ENPRA (Engineered NanoParticle Risk Assessment) is a major new EU FP7 project to develop and implement a novel integrated approach for engineered nanoparticle risk assessment. According to the Newsletter, the approach, "uses in vitro, in vivo and in silico models to assess the hazard of ENP and then combines the results with an assessment of workplace and consumer exposure of these materials for a rigorous final assessment of the potential health risk."
Sources:
European project for Engineered NanoParticle Risk Assessment publishes first newsletter
http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=15139.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29ENPRA Newsletter
http://www.enpra.eu/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=x1ipU9U4IPI%3d&tabid=78&mid=435

"Nano Meets Macro: Social Perspectives on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology"
According to the announcement, "This book explores the enormous diversity in social perspectives on the emergence of nanotechnologies. The diversity is structured by applying five broad categories: Philosophy, governance, science, representations and arts."
Sources:
Nano Meets Macro: Social Perspectives on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
http://www.researchandmarkets.com/product/8aa2c4/nano_meets_macro_social_perStudy Shows Nano Damage Differs by Medium, Target Kingdom
Research by Prof. Pu-Chun Ke of Clemson Univ. indicates that the biological damage from carbon nanoparticles varies both with the state of the particles (pristine vs. well-functionalized fullerene) and whether the target cells are plant or mammalian, reports a story in nanowerk.com.
Sources:
Nanotoxicology - mammalian and plant cells respond differently to fullerenes
http://www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=15231.php

New Technique Allows Study of Nanoparticles in Embryos
Prof. David Cramb of the Univ. of Calgary Chemistry Dept. and colleagues report development of a methodology to measure various aspects of nanoparticles in the blood stream of chicken embryos. This will allow measurement and understanding of nanoparticle uptake into embryonic tissues, to aid in bioaccumulation studies involving embryos.
Sources:
Vigilance needed in nanotechnology
http://www.physorg.com/news186839917.html
Measuring properties of nanoparticles in embryonic blood vessels: Towards a physicochemical basis for nanotoxicity
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6TFN-4YCG05D-1&_user=10&_coverDate=02%2F12%2F2010&_alid=1233416266&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_cdi=5231&_sort=r&_docanchor=&view=c&_ct=4&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=885fe697f75d566b4bc79ca84701d2ef

Paper Examines "Nanotechnology: Safe By Design?"
As summarized by Meridian Nanotechnology and Development News, this paper discusses the idea that the safety aspects of nano products can be ensured by proper design, pointing out the difficulties of identifying the specific physical and chemical properties that produce the distinct sets of beneficial or adverse effects, and manipulating those properties to produce the final product objective.
Sources:
Examining the Holy Grail of Nanotechnology: Safe By Design
http://www.azonano.com/details.asp?ArticleId=2508

"Greener Nanotechnology" Conference to be Held in June
The Safer Nanomaterials and Nanomanufacturing Initiative's 5th annual conference, GN10: Reducing principles to practice will be held June 16-18, 2010 in Portland, Oregon. According to the Conference announcement, it "will feature the latest developments in the design and production of greener nanomaterials, discuss and debate how to move the technology forward while developing environmentally sound products and processes, and focus on a few critical developments that will determine whether the U.S. will be a leader or a follower in this critical field."
Sources:
5th Annual Greener Nanoscience Conference & Program Review. Reducing principles to practice
http://oregonstate.edu/conferences/greenernano/

Conference on Nanotech and Sustainable Energy to Be Held
There will be a "Nanotechnology for Sustainable Energy" conference, July 4-9, 2010, at the Universitätszentrum Obergurgl, Austria. The conference announcement states, "Topical areas covered by this conference are those where Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (N&N) will, or may, have an impact on the development of a sustainable energy system, including environmental aspects. The conference includes both basic science of relevance for energy/environmental technology and more application oriented research. The objective is to gather experts in the respective fields at one conference, with the aim to make both an inventory and exposure of the state-of-the-art N&N based energy research, technologies and opportunities."
Souces:
Nanotechnology for Sustainable Energy conference
http://www.esf.org/index.php?id=6489

Nanotech Agriculture and Water Conferences to Be Held In Cairo
The 2010 NanoAgri and NanoAqua Conferences will be held in Cairo April 11-12, 2010 to review current developments in applications of nanotechnology to agriculture and water management. They will both feature discussions on environmental health and safety issues.
Sources:
NanoAgri 2010 Conference
http://www.merid.org/nanodev/more.php?articleID=2453&search=%2Fnanodev%2Farchive.php%3FdoSearch%3D1%26items%3D20%26q%3Dcairo%2BNanoAgri%26sortField%3DPosted%26submit%3DSearch&scorePrecent=100

February 2010

The Convention on Cluster Munitions Enters into Force on August 1, 2010
The Convention on Cluster Munitions received the 30th ratification and thus will enter into force on August 1, 2010, two years after its adoption in May 2008. The Convention bans the use, production, and transfer of cluster munitions, and sets deadlines for stockpile destruction and clearance of contaminated land, as well as prescribing responsibilities towards affected communities. The Oslo process, based on close collaboration among governments, civil society (led by the Cluster Munitions Coalition), the International Committee of the Red Cross, as well as UN agencies, set a precedent on how a “coalition of the willing” can successfully lead to international regulations. As of February 16, 2010, 30 countries ratified and 104 signed the convention. The first meeting of States Parties is scheduled for November, to be held in Lao People’s Democratic Republic. [Related item: The Cluster Munitions Treaty Signed by 94 Nations in December 2008 environmental security report.]
Sources:
Cluster bomb ban treaty reaches 30th ratification milestone
http://www.stopclustermunitions.org/news/?id=2040
The Convention on Cluster Munitions
http://www.clusterconvention.org/

First Joint Meeting of the Main Conventions on Hazardous Chemicals to Improve International Environmental Governance
The first simultaneous extraordinary meeting of the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions (ExCOPs) to foster synergies among the three main conventions addressing hazardous chemicals and waste was held in Bali, Indonesia, February 22-24, 2010. The synchronization includes all main aspects, ranging from joint activities, management, and services, to budget cycles and audits, as well as a review mechanism and follow-up work on enhancing coordination and cooperation among the three conventions. The negotiations’ results are stipulated in the omnibus decision simultaneously adopted at the final plenary by the COPs of all three Conventions. This could be a test case for improved global environmental governance by increasing coherence in decisionmaking and monitoring at international, regional, and national levels. Reform of the international system of environmental governance was further discussed as a key theme at the 11th Special Session of the UNEP Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum (GCSS-11/GMEF), held February 24–26 (the outcomes were not yet available at the time of this writing.) [Related item: UNEP Governing Council/Global Ministerial Forum Makes Progress on Global Environmental Governance in February 2007 environmental security report.]
Sources:
UN launches global campaign to strengthen synergies in chemicals and waste management
http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=612&ArticleID=6466&l=en&t=long
Simultaneous Extraordinary Meeting of the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions (ExCOPs), and Eleventh Special Session of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Governing Council/ Global Ministerial Environment Forum (GCSS-11/GMEF)
http://www.iisd.ca/unepgc/unepss11/

Biosafety Protocol Advances
The second meeting of the Friends of the Co-Chairs on liability and redress in the context of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, held February 8-12, 2010, in Putrajaya, Malaysia, focused on international rules and procedures for damage resulting from transboundary movements of living modified organisms (LMOs), including a supplementary protocol on liability and redress, civil liability, and capacity-building measures. Although not concluding a supplementary protocol, significant progress was made on several of the most contentious issues, including the elaboration of a legally binding provision on civil liability. Outstanding issues include language, terminology, and financial security. The first drafts of the supplementary protocol include a provision for exemptions in case of acts of God or force majeure, and war or civil unrest, and parties’ right to provide other exemptions or mitigations in their domestic law, as necessary. The negotiations will continue in June 2010, so that the supplementary protocol can be adopted at the 5th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP/MOP5) to the Biosafety Protocol, to be held in October 2010 in Nagoya, Japan. Reviews, if necessary, would be at five years (after its coming into force.) Note: UNEP Year Book 2010 remarks that biodiversity changes due to human activities in the past 50 years were the most significant in human history. The IUCN Red List shows that 17,291 species out of 47,677 assessed are under threat: 21% of mammals, 70% of plants, 37% of freshwater fish, 35% of invertebrates, 30% of amphibians, and 12% of birds.
Sources:
Summary of the Second Meeting of the Group of Friends of the Co-Chairs on Liability and Redress in the Context of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, 8–12 February 2010
http://www.iisd.ca/vol09/enb09495e.html
COP-MOP 5
http://www.cbd.int/mop5/
UNEP Year Book 2010
http://www.unep.org/yearbook/2010

Jordan Armed Forces Upgrade, Part of Global Warming Debate
Jordan is the only developing country that included upgrading military energy efficiency in its greenhouse emissions reduction plan submitted to the UN as per the Copenhagen agreement. The government in Amman stated that its armed forces would seek to upgrade equipment and use energy saving technologies by 2020.
Source:
Jordan enlists army in climate fight
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE61H0TH20100219?type=marketsNews

Joint Afro-Arab Strategy for Addressing Agricultural Development and Food Security
At the Joint Afro-Arab Ministerial Meeting on Agricultural Development and Food Security, held February 14-16, 2010, in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, delegates agreed on an action plan to guide their collaboration in agriculture and food security, including climate change-related elements. The action plan includes a section on transboundary and environmental challenges, proposing mitigation and adaptation tools such as: implementation of international and regional environmental conventions and initiatives, development of a common position in international negotiations; creation of joint mechanisms and networks to coordinate and monitor climate change and other environmental issues; and strengthening the institutions dealing with environmental protection and climate change issues.
Sources:
African Union Press Release
http://www.africa-union.org/root/au/Conferences/2010/feb/afroarab/Afro%20Arab%20PR%203.doc
Background Document on the Status and Prospects of Agricultural Development and Food Security in Africa and the Arab World
http://www.africa-union.org/root/ua/Conferences/2010/SA/fev/14-16fev/doc/Official%20Final_Summary_of_The_Study%20_%2029%20Sept%20.doc

Technological Advances with Environmental Security Implications

New Liquid Spray Glass Offers Rugged Surface Protection
A new spray-on liquid glass produces a water-resistant 100 nm-thick coating claimed to be environmentally harmless and easily wiped clean. Reportedly, it is “transparent, non-toxic, and can protect virtually any surface against almost any damage from hazards such as water, UV radiation, dirt, heat, and bacterial infections”, and is also flexible and breathable. The spray is being marketed by Nanopool GmbH of Hülzweiler-Schwalbach, Germany.
Sources:
Spray-on liquid glass is about to revolutionize almost everything
http://www.physorg.com/news184310039.html
Liquid Glass is probably the world’s most versatile new technology?
http://www.nanopool.eu/couk/index.htmMicrocantilevers Provide Ultrasensitive Detection
A tuned-microcantilever-based chemical sensor that is far more sensitive than current devices has been developed by a team led by Panos Datskos, of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Nanosystems & Structures Group. The researchers believe that the technology could be incorporated into a handheld instrument and therefore could be used for environmental assessment.
Source:
Novel sensor exploits traditional weakness of nano-devices
http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=14813.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29

Increasing Energy Efficiency Technologies

New Wearable Energy Charger Technologies
A wearable electrocardiograph energy-harvesting device, which provides tens of microwatts of energy per square centimeter, was developed by two R&D organizations, Holst Centre of Eindhoven, Netherlands, and IMEC of Leuven, Belgium. Reportedly, they combined a thermal harvester, matched specifically to a human body, with a large reduction in the power consumption of the driven wearable electronics. The system was able to charge two 2.4 v. batteries, can be easily integrated into fabrics, and can be well protected against damage. It earned the inventors the 2009 European Frost & Sullivan Award for Technology Innovation.
A technology for dye-based solar cells developed by Dr. Michael Grätzel, a chemist and professor at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in Switzerland, has been licensed for application by G24 Innovations of Campbell CA, and other companies. The cells are being installed in sport bags, backpacks, and the like to allow users to recharge cell phones and other devices as they go about their activities; six to eight hours of sunlight is required for a full charge. Reportedly, companies like Nokia, Intel, Texas Instruments, Varta, and PG&E are carrying out R&D in this new field of “energy scavenging.” [Related item: Energy Harvesting Offers Possibilities for Environment-sparing Power in the December 2009 environmental security report.]
Sources:
Holst Centre and imec recognized for their path breaking wearable energy harvester technology
http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=14625.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29Recharging Your Cellphone, Mother Nature’s Way
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/31/business/31novel.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
Energy scavenging
http://www.shapingtomorrow.com/trends.cfm?trendAlert=1 (by free subscription only)Highly Conductive Fabrics Promise More Efficient Energy Storage
Dr. Liangbing Hu of Stanford University and colleagues have developed a family of highly conductive fabrics that hold out the promise of providing battery and supercapacitor electrodes with much higher energy density and durability than current exploratory materials like paper.
Sources:
Turning your T-shirt into a battery
http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=14701.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29Stretchable, Porous, and Conductive Energy Textiles
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/nl903949m

Nanofibers Provide Energy-efficient White Light
Researchers at RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina report developing an energy-saving light source using polymer nanofibers. The device produces 55 lumens/watt of light output, more than five times as much as traditional incandescent lamps, provides excellent color-rendering, and, unlike CFLs, does not contain mercury.
Sources:
Researchers Develop Nanofiber-Based Technology to Make Energy-Efficient Lighting
http://www.physorg.com/news185048189.html

New Low-cost, Durable Hydrogen Producing System
A team led by Thomas Nann and Christopher J. Pickett at the University of East Anglia reports a new technique for light-driven catalytic production of hydrogen from water. The new system consists of a gold electrode covered with layers of indium phosphide (InP) nanoparticles, combined with an iron–sulfur complex, Fe2S2(CO)6, and irradiated while immersed in water with a small electric current. The system produces hydrogen with an efficiency of 60%, and lasts much longer than present systems with organic components. Another improvement in hydrogen production may come from the work at the laboratory of Prof. Jin Zhang at UC Santa Cruz, where a combination of elemental doping and quantum dot sensitization has produced improved photoanodes for photoelectrochemical cells.
Sources:
New photocatalytic method for the clean production of hydrogen from water
http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=14748.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29Water Splitting by Visible Light: A Nanophotocathode for Hydrogen Production
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/123275459/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0 (Requires acceptance of cookies.)

Nano Gold May Offer Miniaturized Photoelectric Cell
Prof. Dawn Bonnell, Director of the Nano/Bio Interface Center at the University of Pennsylvania, and colleagues have announced a technology that uses gold nanoparticles to increase the efficiency of production of current in photovoltaic cells by factors of 4 to 20 over present structures. “If the efficiency of the system could be scaled up without any additional, unforeseen limitations, we could conceivably manufacture a one-amp, one-volt sample the diameter of a human hair and an inch long,” says Prof. Bonnell.
Sources:
Scientists turn light into electrical current using a golden nanoscale system
http://www.physorg.com/news185378650.html
Plasmon-Induced Electrical Conduction in Molecular Devices
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/nn901148m

ARPA-E Awards Funding to 37 Transformational Energy Projects
The DOE's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (“ARPA-E”) awarded $151 million in funding to 37 transformational energy projects, including; for example, new thermoelectric power generation devices.
Source:
Bold, Transformational Energy Research Projects Win $151 Million in Funding
www.energy.gov/news2009/8207.htm

Updates on Previously Identified Issues

Renewed Calls for Strengthening E-Waste Management Regulations
According to a UNEP report “Recycling - from E-Waste to Resources,” e-waste grows globally by 40 million metric tons a year and is expected to rise dramatically in the developing countries, which are vulnerable to illegal trafficking of hazardous waste unless regulations are strengthened and enforced. Computer waste in India alone is projected to grow by 500% by 2020 compared to 2007 levels. China, Brazil, and Mexico are also among the countries highly vulnerable to rising environmental damage and health problems from hazardous waste. Nevertheless, properly managed e-waste could represent business opportunities, by creating new jobs and income from recovering valuable materials, such as gold and cupper. [Related items: Hazardous Waste Disposal of Increasing Concern in September 2009, Organized Crime Targets Electronic Waste Recycling in July 2009, and other previous environmental security reports.]
The European Commission is exploring creation of a new body dedicated to enforcing European waste regulations, as recommended by its recent “Study on the feasibility of the establishment of a Waste Implementation Agency”. In the EU, an estimated 2.6 billion metric tons of waste are generated each year, out of which about 90 million metric tons are classified as hazardous. A recent large-scale inspection involving 22 Member States and some neighboring countries found that around 19% of waste shipments were illegal, most destined to countries in Africa and Asia. [Related items: Half of Transported European Hazardous Waste Could Be Illegal––How Much More Elsewhere? in April 2008, EU Updates the REACH System, and WEEE and RoHS Directives in December 2008, and other previous environmental security reports.]
Sources:
Urgent Need to Prepare Developing Countries for Surge in E-Wastes
http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=612&ArticleID=6471&l=en
Recycling – From E-waste to Resources (report)
http://www.unep.org/PDF/PressReleases/E-Waste_publication_screen_FINALVERSION-sml.pdf
Dedicated EU body needed to ensure enforcement of European waste law, says Commission study
http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/10/113&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
Study on the feasibility of the establishment of a Waste Implementation Agency
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/pdf/report_waste_dec09.pdf
Report on joint enforcement actions on waste shipments
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/pdf/impel_report_09.pdf

European Commission Creates New Directorate-General for Climate Action
The EC’s new Directorate-General for Climate Action will take over the relevant activities from the other EC DGs, and those related to international negotiations on climate change from the External Relations DG. This should give more focus and effectiveness for the EU’s role in world efforts to address climate change. [Related item: European Climate and Energy Package Formally Adopted in April 2009 environmental security report.]
Source:
Commission creates two new Directorates-General for Energy and Climate Action
http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/10/164&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

Spain Promotes European Common Strategy on Electric Cars
A February 9th meeting of EU industry ministers focused on plans to establish a common strategy for electric cars. Spain, the strongest promoter of the plan, suggests that the electric car be included in EU’s 2020 agenda and is pushing the European Commission to adopt a common strategy. Germany also supports the idea. Nevertheless, environmental-protection NGOs warn that unless developed in concordance with “smart” power grids, large-scale use of electric cars could be counterproductive to reducing CO2 emissions. [Related item: European Climate and Energy Package Formally Adopted in April 2009 environmental security report.]
Sources:
Spain pushes for common strategy on electric cars
http://euobserver.com/880/29443

Climate Change Requires Water Management Changes
The UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation (UNSGAB) released the Hashimoto Action Plan II. It aims to support meeting the water-related Millennium Development Goals over the next three years. The Plan includes adaptation to climate change, water issues and disaster, and linking water-related disasters to climate change and sustainable development.
Meanwhile, experts warn that the approximately 300 agreements among States that border a shared river might not adequately address future pressures, mostly those caused by climate change. Peter Gleick, president of the Pacific Institute notes, “New disputes are already arising in transboundary watersheds and are likely to become more common.” Pacific Institute’s report “Understanding and Reducing the Risks of Climate Change for Transboundary Waters” recommends: 1) conducting climate impact, vulnerability, and adaptation assessments, 2) evaluating existing treaties’ and agreements’ flexibility in light of changing conditions, 3) enforcing and expanding the scope of existing international legal frameworks, and 4) establishing new agreements for transboundary basins. The study also contains some specific case studies of regions where climate change, water issues, and international politics collide (including the Mekong River in Southeast Asia, the Guaraní Aquifer in South America, and the Nile River in Africa).
Sources:
Climate Change and Transboundary Waters
http://www.pacinst.org/reports/transboundary_waters/index.htm
Understanding and Reducing the Risks of Climate Change for Transboundary Waters
http://www.pacinst.org/reports/transboundary_waters/transboundary_water_and_climate_report.pdf
Water and Conflict Chronology
http://www.worldwater.org/conflict/index.html
The Hashimoto Action Plan II
http://www.unsgab.org/HAP-II/HAP-II_en.pdf

Increased Protection Needed for the Marine Environment
The East Asian Seas region has some of the world’s highest concentrations of shipping and fishing vessel activity, accounting for 50% of global fisheries production and 80% of global aquaculture production. The UNEP report “The East Asian Seas State of the Marine Environment” warns that the coastal habitats and ecosystems are experiencing stress due to pollution, alien invasive species and other factors, which could negatively impact the region’s economy. Nearly 75% of the region’s population depends directly or indirectly on coastal areas, and 80% of the region’s GDP is linked to coastal natural resources. Already, 40% of coral reefs and 50% of mangrove swamps have been lost. Coral reefs generate an estimated $112.5 billion and mangrove habitats $5.1 billion annually. Unless adequate environmental regulations are adopted and marine environment factored into economic planning, increasing poverty might add to social unrest and migration.
According to a study by researchers at Carnegie Institution published in the journal Nature Geoscience, the current rate of ocean acidification is up to 10 times faster than 55 million years ago—the last time deep oceans were so acidic. The main cause is considered to be the rapidly rising concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. Scientists warn that if present trends continue, some marine life is threatened with extinction, while coral reefs will begin to disintegrate before the end of the century. Coral bleaching is already damaging many reefs worldwide.
Sources:
East Asia’s economy could suffer if seas are not protected, says UN report
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=33829&Cr=unep&Cr1
Oceans' acidity rate is soaring, claims study
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/oceans-acidity-rate-is-soaring-claims-study-1899536.html
World's coral reefs could disintegrate by 2100
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/feb/23/worlds-coral-reefs-disintegrate-2100

Canada to Map about 2,500 miles of Arctic Seafloor
While national claims over the Arctic’s potentially mineral-rich seafloor are increasing, only about 5% of the Arctic floor has been mapped with modern sonar technology. Canada will send two robot submarines in March 2010 to gather evidence to help Canada’s claims for extending its continental area. The two 20-foot autonomous underwater vehicles will be equipped with specialized echo-sounder equipment, potentially helping scientists create a three-dimensional geographical map, as well as continuously collecting data for about 250 miles at a time, creating images of the expedition’s 2,500 or so miles. [Related items: Arctic Opens to International Commercial Use in January 2010 and others in previous environmental security reports.]
Sources:
About five percent of the Arctic floor has been mapped with modern sonar technology.
Canada Will Use Robot Subs to Map Arctic Sea Floor, Boost Territorial Claims
http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2010/02/10/10greenwire-canada-will-use-robot-subs-to-map-arctic-sea-f-45098.html

European Space Agency’s Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity Mission to Help Improve Water Management
ESA’s SMOS is consistently mapping soil moisture in land and salinity in oceans, documenting their variations and thus advancing understanding of the water cycle and helping weather and climate modeling, as well as improving water resource management. [Related item: A New Water Management Tool in September 2009 environmental security report.]
Source:
First images from ESA’s water mission
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/smos/SEMOGN3KV5G_0.html

Organophosphate Flame Retardants May Pose Health Risk
New findings indicate that house pollution from organophosphate flame retardants (widely used as replacements for the now banned polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs)) may present a health risk, inducing altered hormone levels and declined semen quality in men.
Sources:
Dust harbors new fire retardants associated with hormone, sperm changes
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/newscience/op-fire-retardants-in-dust-linked-to-hormone-sperm-changes/
House Dust Concentrations of Organophosphate Flame Retardants in Relation to Hormone Levels and Semen Quality Parameters
http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/docs/2009/0901332/abstract.html

Climate Change

Scientific Evidence and Natural Disasters
The UNEP information note “How Close Are We to the Two Degree Limit?” reveals that under present pledges by countries to cut greenhouse gas emissions, there are slim chances of reaching the goal of keeping a global temperature rise at below 2ºC (3.6ºF) at the end of the century.
The Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre in Tasmania found evidence of interdependence between drought in Western Australia and snowfall in Antarctica: the heavier the snowfall is in Antarctica, the less the rainfall is in Australia’s southwest. The conclusions are based on studying 750-year-old ice-core samples.
In 2009, the average temperature in the Tibet Autonomous Region reached a record high of 5.9ºC (42.62ºF), 1.5ºC (2.7ºF) higher than “normal” (an average over several decades.). Chinese climatologists report that temperatures in Tibet rose by an average 0.32ºC (0.58ºF) per decade since 1961, when meteorological records began, which is considerably higher than the global average of 0.2ºC (0.36ºF) per decade.

Food and Water Security
The 33rd session of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), was held February 17-18, 2010 in Rome, Italy. The session underlined the impotence of smallholder farmers in addressing future agricultural challenges posed by climate change. Noting that food security is an integral part of overall security, both national and global, a high-level panel highlighted the importance of creating better market conditions to promote private investment in smallholder agriculture, developing policies that support smallholder farmers, and allowing smallholder farmers to compete for scarce agricultural resources.
Although avoiding meat is generally considered beneficial to the environment and improved food security, a study by Cranfield University (commissioned by WWF) found a substantial number of meat substitutes consumed in the UK, such as soy, chickpeas and lentils, have a higher environmental footprint because they are imported from overseas. Additionally, potential deforestation to create agricultural land for producing those substitute products is counterproductive to addressing climate change. Similarly, the EU objective of obtaining 10% of all transport fuels from biofuels by 2020 is undermining food security of developing countries as EU companies have taken millions of acres of land for production of biofuels. ActionAid’s new report, “Meals per gallon: the impact of industrial biofuels on people and global hunger,” warns that if all global biofuels targets were to be met, food prices could rise by an additional 76% by 2020 and force an extra 600 million people into hunger.
According to a new report published in the International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 38% of the world area, in eight out of 15 existing eco-regions, is at risk of desertification due to unsustainable land use practices. The areas potentially most affected are: North Africa, the Middle East, Australia, southwest China, the western edge of South America (as well as some coastal areas and prairies), the Mediterranean region, savannahs in general, and the temperate, tropical and subtropical steppes.
A University of Sydney study presented at the Carbon Farming conference warned that more than 80% of the world’s farming land is “moderately or severely eroded” and an estimated 75 billion metric tons of soil is lost annually. Soil in China is being lost 57 times faster than it can be replaced through natural processes, while in Europe it is 17 times faster, 10 times in America, and 5 times faster in Australia.
A recent Egyptian government study warns, “A 30 centimeter rise in sea level is expected to occur by 2025, flooding approximately 200 square kilometers (77 square miles). As a result, over half a million inhabitants may be displaced and approximately 70,000 jobs could be lost.” Given the Nile Delta’s importance for Egypt’s food and economic security, its environmental health should be considered “a matter of national security,” says Mohammed al-Raey of the Regional Disaster Response Centre.
In Niger, food insecurity affecting more than 7 million people and political instability (aggravated by the recent coup d'état) exacerbate each other.

Health
WHO has published a draft discussion paper, “Gender, climate change and health” which aims to provide a framework for gender-differentiated health risk assessment and adaptation/mitigation actions in relation to climate change. It offers information on the health risks for women and men through the perspectives of direct and indirect consequences, and the possible interactions and specificities of biological, economic, and social risk factors in determining these impacts, including migration and displacement, shifts in livelihood as responses to climate change, and gaps in understanding needs.

Melting Glaciers
Greenland’s melting is accelerated by ice sheet erosion caused by winds and currents that drive warmer water into fjords, found scientists led by Fiammetta Straneo of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts. Detailed measurements of the water properties in the Sermilik Fjord revealed that deep warm water 3-4ºC (37.4-39.2ºF) is cutting into the base of the glaciers, accelerating their plunge into the sea. At present, sea level is rising at around 3 mm (0.12 inches) per year, compared to 1.8 mm (0.07 inches) a year in the early 1960s.
The Antarctic Peninsula’s ice front on the southern section has been retreating since 1947, with the most dramatic changes happening since 1990, states a U.S. Geological Survey report. “This is the first time since people have been observing the area, since the 1800s, that that ice shelf has not hitched together Charcot Island and the peninsula,” notes scientist Jane Ferrigno. Even in the Antarctic Peninsula’s coldest part, ice shelves are vanishing.
For the first time, the value of the Arctic’s declining ability to cool the climate has been quantified. The Pew Environment Group found that the cumulative cost of rapid melting of the region could range between $2.4 trillion to $24.1 trillion by 2050, and $4.9 trillion to $91.2 trillion by 2100. The factors considered included thawing permafrost, decline in albedo (reflectivity), and increase in methane emissions. The cost calculations included the impact of Arctic warming on agriculture, energy production, water availability, rising sea levels and flooding. The large range of estimates is due to the high level of uncertainty associated with factors influencing climate change; however, the low end magnitudes are not trivial.

Migration
In northeastern Syria, drought lasting for more than three years triggered one of the largest internal displacements in the Middle East in recent years. Some 300,000 families had to move to urban areas, as their livelihood has been destroyed. Lack of economic alternatives and an adequate government response continue to worsen the deteriorating situation.

Adaptation
According to the World Bank, urban populations in areas with significant probability of major earthquakes will increase from 370 million to 870 million between 2000 and 2050. As a result, The World Institute of Development Economics Research of the UN University recommends that cities set up hazard management as an integral part of urban planning and management, not as a separate activity.

Climate Modeling and Scenarios
New projections by the World Meteorological Organization for tropical cyclones until the end of the century show that although there will be fewer storms in number, they will be stronger and carrying more rain, therefore more damaging. Overall strength of storms measured in wind speed would rise by 2-11%; an 11% increase in wind speed translates to roughly a 60% increase in damage. Another study, analyzing only the Atlantic hurricane basin, predicts double the number of category 4 and 5 hurricanes, and a 28% increase in damage near the U.S.
Simulation models developed by Keith Cherkauer, affiliated with the Purdue Climate Change Research Center and the Center for the Environment in Discovery Park, show that Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan could receive 28% more precipitation by the year 2070, with most of it in winter and spring, while summer and fall seasons could be drier. He used three different scenarios based on different amounts of carbon emissions. The results also showed that by 2077, in the four states, winters could be 2.7ºF to 5.4ºF warmer and summers 3.6ºF to 10.8ºF warmer than today. Using the Variable Infiltration Capacity Model—which simulates how precipitation moves through land surface environments—he predicted stream flow for six rivers: the Chippewa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Wabash, Grand, and Rock Rivers.

Post-Copenhagen Negotiations
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) publishes the Copenhagen Accord climate pledges. A total of 55 countries have submitted by February 1st their plans to curb greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, as set at the Copenhagen climate conference in December 2009. Together, these countries account for 78% of the global emissions from energy use. China and India pledged to reduce the growth rate of their emissions by up to 45% and 25%, respectively, compared to 2005 levels. The U.S. pledged to cut its absolute carbon emissions by about 17% below 2005 levels. The EU maintains its pledged 20% cut below 1990 levels and 30% if other nations deepen their reductions. Nevertheless, the Climate Interactive team says that if current proposals would be fully implemented, the average global temperature would still rise by approximately 3.9°C (7.0°F) by 2100, exceeding the 2°C goal.
To advance negotiations for a binding treaty, an extra session of UN climate talks will be held April 9-11, at the Bonn-based UN Climate Change Secretariat, prior to the session scheduled in Bonn for May 31-June 11. Similarly, the UNEP information note “How Close Are We to the Two Degree Limit?” says that the chances of keeping global temperature rise below 2°C are 50/50. The report says that the annual global greenhouse gas emissions should not exceed 40 to 48.3 metric Gigatons (Gt) of equivalent CO2 in 2020 and should peak sometime between 2015 and 2021, while based on the pledges, the expected emissions for 2020 range between 48.8 and 51.2 GT. Global emissions should then further fall 48%-72% by 2050.
Sources:
More Ambition Needed if Greenhouse Gases are to Peak in Time, Says New UNEP Report
http://hqweb.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=612&ArticleID=6472&l=en&t=long
WA drought is 'proof of climate change'
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=1009360
Tibet temperature 'highest since records began' say Chinese climatologists
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/feb/05/tibet-warming-china
Thirty-third session of the Governing Council of IFAD 17-18 February 2010: Programme of events
http://www.ifad.org/events/gc/33/index.htm
Tofu can harm environment more than meat, finds WWF study
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article7023809.ece
EU biofuels significantly harming food production in developing countries
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/feb/15/biofuels-food-production-developing-countries
Egypt's fertile Nile Delta falls prey to climate change
http://www.seeddaily.com/reports/Egypts_fertile_Nile_Delta_falls_prey_to_climate_change_999.html
Over 7 million people in Niger facing food insecurity owing to bad harvest, warns UN
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=33860&Cr=+niger+&Cr1=
Gender, Climate Change and Health. Draft Discussion Paper
http://www.who.int/globalchange/publications/reports/final_who_gender.pdf
Climate change melts Antarctic ice shelves: USGS
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE61L5OH20100222
Arctic melt to cost up to $24 trillion by 2050: report
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6145M520100205
Drought Blights Syrian Villages, Residents Dying of Hunger
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jan2010/2010-01-27-01.html
Density and Disasters: Economics of Urban Hazard Risk (UNU-WIDWR)
http://www.wider.unu.edu/publications/newsletter/articles-2010/en_GB/02-2010-Lall-Deichmann/
Tropical cyclones and climate change. Nature Geoscience (2010) doi:10.1038/ngeo779 Review
http://www.nature.com/ngeo/journal/vaop/ncurrent/abs/ngeo779.html
Has Global Warming Affected Atlantic Hurricane Activity?
http://www.gfdl.noaa.gov/global-warming-and-hurricanes
UNFCCC receives list of government climate pledges (Press Release)
http://unfccc.int/files/press/news_room/press_releases_and_advisories/application/pdf/pr_accord_100201.pdf
The Climate Scoreboard
http://climateinteractive.org/scoreboard

Nanotechnology Safety Issues

Russia Sets Up Nanotech Risk Assessment and Regulation Cooperation
According to Nanowerk News, the CEO of RUSNANO, Anatoly Chubais, and the head of the Russian Federal Medical-Biological Agency, Vladimir Uiba, signed an agreement, "…to work jointly to ensure safe production and safe application of nanotechnology and nanomaterials." The charter of the collaboration is to "…ensure the sanitary and epidemiological well being of the country’s inhabitants during scientific research, development work, production, consumption, and disposal of products, materials, and finished goods created with nanomaterials and nanotechnology and during commercialization of nanotechnology".
Source:
Russian effort to ensure nanotechnology safety
http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=14832.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29

Russia and Finland to Cooperate on Nanotech Regulation Development
RUSNANO Deputy CEO Andrey Malyshev and Reijo Munther, Director, Materials Technology, of Tekes, the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation, have signed a memorandum on standardization and regulation in nanotechnology. The discussions examined problems in nanotech regulation and approaches to developing coordinated positions for presentation to standardization and safety agencies.
Source:
Russia and Finland Collaborate on Model for Regulating Nanotechnology
http://www.rosnano.ru/Post.aspx/Show/25026

Australia Sets Up Framework for Safe Nanotech
As part of the National Enabling Technologies Strategy, the framework provides funding to support nanotech/biotech policy and regulatory development, industry uptake, international engagement, and strategic research, as well as for public awareness and community engagement to increase understanding of enabling technologies.
Sources:
National Enabling Technologies Strategy Policy
http://www.innovation.gov.au/Industry/Nanotechnology/Pages/NationalEnablingTechnologiesStrategyConsultations.aspx
Australia launches national framework for safe development of bio- and nanotechnology
http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=14962.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29

India to Establish Nanotechnology Regulatory Board
The Indian Nano Mission Council has announced the establishment, probably in March, of a Nanotechnology Regulatory Board to regulate industrial nanotech products.
Sources:
India to have Nanotechnology Regulatory Board soon
http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/india-to-have-nanotechnology-regulatory-board-soon/86186/on
Nano Mission Council
http://www.dst.gov.in/about_us/ar07-08/nano-mission.htm

Detailed Report on ICPC-NanoNet Project
An article prepared for NanoWerk Spotlight presents in updated and expanded detail the various information services available through the EU FP7 ICPC-NanoNet project (ICPC is the International Cooperation Partner Countries to the EU). These include: an electronic archive of nanoscience publications (www.nanoarchive.org); electronic databases of nanoscience organizations and networks, and researchers and stakeholders (www.icpc-nanonet.org); annual reports on nanoscience developments in eight ICPC regions; several online networking tools; and annual workshops in the EU, China, India, and Russia. [Related item: Regional Reports on Nanotech Issued by International Group in August 2009 environmental security report]
Source:
International cooperation in environmental nanotechnology - example water purification
http://www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=14971.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29

EC Publishes Paper on Options for Framing Public Policy on Nanotech
The Governance and Ethics Unit of the EC's Directorate-General for Research has published an overview paper on options for framing public policy on nanotechnologies. According to the announcement, "The document gives an overview on four current or recently finished research projects in this field (Deepen, Nanocap, Nanoplat and FramingNano). The authors’ aim is to give an insight into the nature of public debate on nanosciences and nanotechnologies, and the ways in which deliberative approaches could lead to better governance of these technologies."
Sources:
Understanding Public Debate on Nanotechnologies: Options for Framing Public Policy
http://www.innovationsgesellschaft.ch/index.php?section=news&cmd=details&newsid=289&teaserId=
Understanding Public Debate on Nanotechnologies. Options for Framing Public Policy
http://www.innovationsgesellschaft.ch/media/archive2/tv_radio_und_printartikel/Debate_nano_100203.pdf

Paper Reviews Nanotech Remediation of Waste Sites
Dr. Barbara Karn of EPA’s National Center for Environmental Research and colleagues have published a paper, Nanotechnology and In Situ Remediation: A Review of the Benefits and Potential Risks. It was written, “…to focus on environmental cleanup and provide a background and overview of current practices, research findings, societal issues; potential environment, health and safety implications and future directions for nanoremediation…” of waste sites. The paper includes 76 references. A Nanoremediation Site Map developed in conjunction with the paper can be found at http://www.nanotechproject.org/inventories/remediation_map/
Sources:
New nanotechnology review article focuses on environmental clean-up
http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=14720.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29Nanotechnology and in Situ Remediation: A Review of the Benefits and Potential Risks
http://ehsehplp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/fetchArticle.action?articleURI=info%3Adoi%2F10.1289%2Fehp.0900793

New Magazine Features Nanotech for the Environment
A new magazine, ENT (Environmental Nano Technologies), has appeared, describing itself as an "…international magazine covering the latest research, applications, and opinions in the field of nanotechnology for the environment - alternative energies, water, air and soil purification." It will include digital archives, an interactive website, and the possibility of participating in Patent Auctions.
Source:
Environmental Nano Technologies Magazine
http://www.entmagazine.com/

Worldwide Nanotech Labs Deficient in EHS Protection
According to a story in Meridian Nanotechnology and Development News, "Researchers at the University of Zaragoza, Spain, found, by conducting an online survey, that most researchers who handle nanomaterials that could become airborne do not use suitable personal and laboratory protection equipment." The survey indicated that 25% of the nanotech labs did not use any type of protection and many of the labs disposed of nanomaterials in the same way as other chemicals.
Sources:
Reported Nanosafety Practices in Research Laboratories Worldwide
http://www.merid.org/NDN/more.php?id=2400
Reported nanosafety practices in research laboratories worldwide
http://www.nature.com/nnano/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nnano.2010.1.html (abstract; subscription or purchase required for full text)

"Toxicology of the Tiny"
A senior writer at the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management at UC Santa Barbara, James Badham, has written a brief article summarizing the current state of nanotoxicology and providing a number of links to work in the field. It offers an excellent review of issues in the subject and sources for further information.
Source:
The race to know how nanoparticles affect living things is on, even as the use of those particles is increasing exponentially
http://www.miller-mccune.com/science-environment/toxicology-of-the-tiny-7171/

New Technique May Reduce Silver Nanoparticle Hazard
Scientists at the Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry at the University of Helsinki report success in chemically binding silver nanoparticles to a polymer, thereby reducing the likelihood of a silver particle finding its way from a product into the body. The details of the possible toxicity of silver nanoparticles are still being investigated. It is known that they do cause some cell damage. In the proposed configuration, only silver ions escape, to exert their antimicrobial action.
Source:
Chemists manage to reduce the toxicity of antimicrobial nanosilver in products
http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=15028.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29

January 2010

The Haiti Earthquake Disaster Could Stimulate Improved Resilience Planning
The current chaotic situation and humanitarian disaster resulting from the 7.3 magnitude earthquake on January 12, 2010 in Haiti demonstrates the need for improved early warning, resilience training, and post-disaster international coordination. Since scientists warn that the number and intensity of natural disasters will increase, the need for such systems and training will increase. Unique preparation is needed for poorer, less resilient countries like Haiti.
UNEP is working for the Haiti Regeneration Initiative to be implemented by a wide range of partners for long-term sustainable development and reduction of vulnerability to natural hazards through ecosystem restoration and sustainable natural resource management. [Related item: International Early Warning Programme to Begin Operations in March 2007 environmental security report.]
Sources:
United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haitihttp://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/minustah/
Earthquake jeopardizes Haiti's security and stability http://www.isria.com/M/Weekly_Report_20100118.htm
Haiti earthquake: death toll may hit 200,000 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/centralamericaandthecaribbean/haiti/7003057/Haiti-earthquake-death-toll-may-hit-200000.html
UNEP to lead environmental recovery efforts in Haiti http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=608&ArticleID=6448&l=en

Yemen’s Internal Conflicts Are Water-Induced
A new analysis of Yemen’s drastic water situation points out that an estimated 80% of conflicts in Yemen are over water. The country’s water table is dropping about 6.6 feet per year, and in the capital, Sana’a, water extraction rates are about four times that of replenishment. At this rate Sana’a could become the first waterless capital in the world in five to seven years. Water used for agriculture accounts for about 90% of all consumption, and about 50% of it goes to growing qat (khat), a mild narcotic plant. Since plantations are often controlled by the so-called qat mafia, if farmers would be offered an alternative to qat, the critical water, food, and security situations would be addressed together.
Sources:
Water woes could undermine Yemen’s drive against Al-Qaeda http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hRiwhJYeUXY1B3Ma2oCfQVE0G9vA
Private sector considers desalination to save Yemen from drought http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100125113425/Private%20sector%20considers%20desalination%20to%20save%20Yemen%20from%20drought

International Lawsuits for Environmental Crime Proliferate
International lawsuits for environmental crimes are increasing, including those based on damages due to climate change, which is a new phase in the international environmental legal system. For example, Micronesia filed a case with the Czech Environment Ministry against the extension of the Prunerov, CEZ’s largest coal-powered generator, on grounds of potential increase of CO2 emissions with subsequent consequences to global warming and rising sea levels. Consequently, the Czech government ordered an international assessment of the project. Another example is Kivalina, an Inupiat Eskimo village on a barrier island north of the Arctic Circle. It has created a case against a group of fuel and utility companies (including ExxonMobil and Shell Oil) for their contribution to climate change that is accelerating the island’s erosion. A third example is four Nigerian farmers and Friends of the Earth Netherlands who filed a pollution lawsuit in the Netherlands against Royal Dutch Shell for environmental degradation caused in Nigeria.
In a related activity, Bolivia’s President Evo Morales is organizing an international conference April 20-22, 2010 in Cochabamba to explore creation of an international court on environmental crimes and a “universal proposal for the rights of mother earth.” Government officials, indigenous people, other social movement representatives, environmentalists, and scientists will be invited.
Sources:
Morales Calls Alternative Climate Meeting http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/01/06/tech/main6063924.shtml?tag=contentMain;contentBody
Courts as Battlefields in Climate Fights http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/27/business/energy-environment/27lawsuits.html
Czechs Cede To Micronesia Demands Seeking Power Plant Review http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/markets/commodities/czechs-cede-micronesia-demands-seeking-power-plant-review/
Shell must face Friends of the Earth Nigeria claim in Netherlands http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/dec/30/shell-oruma-alleged-pollution-claim

Geoengineering May Require International Environmental Regulations
Several national authorities are assessing the potential need for national or international regulations for safe development and use of geoengineering to address climate change and global warming. A committee in Britain’s House of Commons began its assessment and is cooperating with the U.S. House Science and Technology Committee, which is also planning to begin hearings this year on scientific, engineering, ethical, economic, and governance aspects related to geoengineering. This March a group of scientists will meet in California to set guidelines for large-scale field tests of proposed geoengineering techniques––ranging from genetically modified trees to absorb CO2, to spewing sunlight-deflecting sulfate particles into the upper atmosphere. Some scientists argue that new environmental regulations should be established even before field tests begin, due to potentially large geographic effects of some geoengineering techniques. Others, while comparing geoengineering to nuclear weapons, which have been successfully managed through international agreements, point out the possibility of serious long-term risks, and propose an international annual research budget growing from $10 million to $1 billion by the end of 2020.
Sources:
A Search for Rules Before Climate-Changing Experiments Begin http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2010/01/18/18climatewire-a-search-for-rules-before-climate-changing-e-40048.html
Time to start researching global 'sun block': scientist http://www.lfpress.com/news/canada/2010/01/27/12637061.html
Research on Global 'Sun Block' Needed Now, Experts Argue http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100127134243.htm

International Year of Biodiversity is 2010 and Convention on Biological Diversity COP10 to Meet in Japan This Year
The year 2010 is designated as the International Year of Biodiversity by the United Nations. A panoply of events is planned to take place around the world for raising awareness and generating public pressure on leaders to develop new mechanisms to curb loss of the world’s species due to human activity (estimated by some experts at 1,000 times more than natural evolution). Scientists and officials agree that methods are needed to price the impact of decisions on biodiversity and set policies that will help create a better balance. The international community is expected to agree on some post-2010 goals on biodiversity at the COP10 of the Convention on Biological Diversity to be held October 18-29, in Nagoya, Japan.
Sources:
2010 UN Year of Biodiversity http://www.cbd.int/2010/welcome/
UN opens Biodiversity Year with plea to save world's ecosystems http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=33393&Cr=envirionment&Cr1=
Benn to call on world leaders to adopt biodiversity pricing http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/jan/25/hilary-benn-biodiversity-pricing
Reformed Common Agricultural Policy should incentivise biodiversity http://www.greenwisebusiness.co.uk/news/reformed-common-agricultural-policy-should-incentivise-biodiversity-1102.aspx

Technological Advances with Environmental Security Implications

New Detection and Cleanup Techniques

Genetically Engineered Bacteria Might Provide Landmine Detection
Alistair Elfick, of the University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Biomedical Engineering, and his team have genetically modified E. coli bacteria to produce a protein in the cell membrane that senses TNT, one of the explosives used in landmines. The group introduced the gene for the luciferase enzyme, which produces light in fireflies. According to scidev.net, “When proteins on the surface of E. coli detect TNT, this ‘switches on’ the gene responsible for light production.”
Source:
Bacteria make light work of detecting landmines http://www.scidev.net/en/news/bacteria-make-light-work-of-detecting-landmines.html

Work Proceeds on Optical Fiber Detector for Bacterial Agents
Thomas Inzana, a bacteriologist at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, and his team have received a grant by NIH to continue their work on development of nanoscale optical fiber biosensor tests for detection of biological agents such as might be used in a terrorist attack. According to the story in Nanowerk News, “the optical fiber is coated with antibodies or DNA that will bind to antigens or DNA in the specimen. When this happens, the light that normally passes through the fiber will be decreased, indicating the presence of a biological agent.”
Source:
Nanoscale optical fibers to detect bioterrorist agents http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=14320.php

Increasing Energy Efficiency Technologies

New Selective Radiation Surfaces May Save on Cooling Energy
Prof. Geoff Smith and Dr Angus Gentle of the Institute of Nanotechnology at the University of Technology, Sydney, Australia, are conducting research on materials for building surfaces that radiate back into the atmosphere at night, heat that was absorbed during the day. The heat is radiated at wavelengths which are not absorbed by the atmosphere but continue on out into space. The surfaces are coated with a mixture of silicon carbide and silicon dioxide nanoparticles, and have cooled surfaces to 15°C less than ambient temperature in Sydney. The scientists point out that the surfaces could cool air or water, which could then be pumped through buildings to cool them.
Sources:
Nanocoating that acts as efficient heat pump could reduce need for energy-guzzling air conditioning http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=14466.php

Power-generating Flexible Films Might Power Body-worn Devices
Michael McAlpine, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Princeton University, and colleagues have developed power-generating rubber films that are highly efficient in generating electrical energy when flexed. The films combine silicone and nanoribbons of lead zirconate titanate (PZT), a piezoelectric ceramic material that the developers say is 100× as piezo-efficient as quartz.
Sources:
Energy-harvesting rubber sheets could power pacemakers, mobile phones http://www.physorg.com/news183832835.html
Piezoelectric Ribbons Printed onto Rubber for Flexible Energy Conversion http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/nl903377u .

New Membranes Claim to Cut Desalination Energy Requirements
A start-up company, NanoH2O, is claiming a 20% reduction in the energy required for reverse osmosis desalination using its new membranes. Other companies (Danfoss, Novozymes, Aquaporin) are engaged in similar efforts.
Source:
NanoH2O to Change the Economics of Desalination http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/print/nanoh2o/

Updates on Previously Identified Issues

The EU’s Chemical Regulatory Regime might be adjusted to Include Nanomaterials
The Institute for Health and Consumer Protection of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) awarded two contracts to a consortium led by SAFENANO (Institute of Occupational Medicine) for the development of specific advice on the assessment of nanomaterials under REACH (the EU’s Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals). The two projects, REACH-NanoInfo (aka RIP-oN2), and REACH-NanoHazEx (RIP-oN3), address the REACH information requirements on intrinsic properties of nanomaterials, and the processes for undertaking exposure assessments and conducting hazard and risk characterization for nanomaterials within the REACH context. The work will be carried out in consultation with a range of stakeholders and will be used by the EC to support further developments in REACH Guidance on Information Requirements and Chemical Safety Assessment. Along the same lines, Nanomaterials under REACH report by the Netherlands’ National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) indicates that REACH doesn’t adequately cover nanomaterials and points out the differences in risk assessment requirements between nano- and macro-sized materials. [Related item: EU to Add Carbon and Graphite to REACH Program in the June 2008 environmental security report.]
Sources:
Consortium awarded crucial advisory contracts on the regulation of nanomaterials under REACH http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=14573.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29
Consultancy & Review Activities - EC & SAFENANO http://www.safenano.org/REACHnanoInfo.aspx
REACH-NanoHazEx: Rip-oN 3 http://www.safenano.org/REACHnanoHazEx.aspx
Nanomaterials under REACH report http://www.rivm.nl/bibliotheek/rapporten/601780003.pdf
Nanomaterials under REACH: Some Adjustments Needed http://www.innovationsgesellschaft.ch/index.php?section=news&cmd=details&newsid=274&teaserId =

Monopoly over Rare Earth Elements Raises Security and Environmental Concerns
Most new technologies—from low-carbon energy production to defense—require rare earth elements (REEs) for their manufacture. However, the distribution and exploitation of these elements is limited, with over 95% of all REEs for world consumption being produced in China. China’s own increasing technological and green energy generation needs might considerably impact the supply and/or price of some REEs (such as neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and erbium used for wind turbine generators). John Kaiser, a California-based mining expert and rare-earths specialist, warns, “If the world gets really serious about green technology, it could result in a scale of demand that rare-earth suppliers would be unable to cope with.” Pricing and different work and environmental standards are among the main factors impeding exploitation outside China. Business and political leaders should re-assess the supply situation of REEs in view of new technological and security needs. [Related item: Future Lithium Dependency Raises New Energy Security Concerns in March 2009 environmental security report.]
Sources:
The Battle Over Rare Earth Metals http://www.ensec.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=228:the-battle-over-rare-earth-metals&catid=102:issuecontent&Itemid=355
EXCLUSIVE: Inside China's secret toxic unobtainium mine http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1241872/EXCLUSIVE-Inside-Chinas-secret-toxic-unobtainium-mine.html

New Evidence on Silver Toxicity
Researchers of the Dept. of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology at Duke University Medical Center conducted a study whose results, “...provide evidence that silver has the potential to kill developing nerve cells and is even more potent than currently known neurotoxicants.”… Effects varied widely with test conditions, making interpretation difficult. [Related items: UK Defra Committee Report on Nanosilver and Industry Silver Nanotech Group Opposes "New Material" Designation in December 2009, and Petition Filed for EPA to Regulate Nanosilver in November 2009 environmental security reports.]
Sources:
Silver Impairs Neurodevelopment: Studies in PC12 Cells: http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/members/2009/0901149/0901149.pdf
Silver is a potent nerve cell toxicant: http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/newscience/silver-is-potent-neurotoxicant/

Botox Creates Basis for New Terrorist Weapon
Counterterrorist experts claim Al-Qaeda has tried to acquire botulinum toxin (an extremely deadly poison), which is found in the Botox beauty treatment. Chechnya and other parts of the world may have counterfeit Botox production facilities that can produce and sell botulinum on the Internet. Increasing markets for counterfeit beauty and pharmaceutical products could lead to increased access for biological terrorism. Although it is known that such illicit facilities exist, they are difficult to find. Due to specific characteristics, the most likely attack is contamination of food or water supplies. [Related item: New Technologies Need New Regulations Systems in March 2009 and other items on similar issues in previous environmental security reports.]
Sources:
Officials fear toxic ingredient in Botox could become terrorist tool http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/24/AR2010012403013.html
Toxin Found in Botox Could Pose Bioterrorism Threat http://gsn.nti.org/gsn/nw_20100125_2898.php

France Proposes Carbon Tax Across EU and on Imports
President Nicolas Sarkozy announced that France would propose a carbon tax across the EU, and carbon tariffs on products imported from countries with weaker environmental regulations. Nationally, a bill expected to be presented soon to the Parliament is proposing a progressive carbon tax similar to the income tax, taxing big polluters on their CO2 emissions. The French government hopes the regulation will come into force on July 1, 2010, and be effective until the EU emissions permits scheme enters into force. [Related item: EU Potential New Measures For Reducing CO2 Emissions in October 2009 environmental security report.]
Sources:
Paris wants pan-European carbon tax http://euobserver.com/9/29221/?rk=1
The Coming Battles Over Green Trade - by Mac Margolis http://www.eu-digest.com/2010/01/coming-battles-over-green-trade-by-mac.html
France to tax big polluters under revised scheme http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60J4FA20100120

U.S. to Strengthen Environmental Regulations

New Measures on Chemicals Safety
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has created a ‘Chemicals of Concern’ list and adopted additional measures for reducing risks posed by compounds raising serious potential health or environmental concerns: phthalates and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were added to the list; risk-reduction actions should begin for several phthalates, short-chain chlorinated paraffins, and perfluorinated chemicals; and the three-year DecaBDE phaseout will be reinforced. [Related item: New Chemicals Considered for Toxic Lists in January 2009 environmental security report.]
The U.S. Congress is proposing to update the 34-year-old federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), requiring more through testing for chemicals. In the preamble to the debate, the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families coalition released a report which notes that since 1976, when the federal TSCA became law, the EPA has required testing on only 200 of the 83,000 chemicals in common use and issued regulations for only five, while 60,000 chemicals received approval without preliminary government testing. Highlighting the health and cost issues associated with toxic chemicals, it estimates that the new regulations would reduce the incidence of chronic diseases by 0.1% and direct health care costs by $5 billion a year in the U.S. [Related item: U.S. to Revise the Toxic Substances Control Act in October 2009 environmental security report.]
Sources:
EPA Announces Actions to Address Chemicals of Concern, Including Phthalates: Agency continues efforts to work for comprehensive reform of toxic substance laws http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d0cf6618525a9efb85257359003fb69d/2852c60dc0f65c688525769c0068b219!OpenDocument
Existing Chemicals Action Plans http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/ecactionpln.html
Stricter rules urged on toxic chemicals http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10022/1030212-114.stm

EPA Proposes Tougher Air-Quality Rules
The EPA tougher National Ambient Air Quality Standards proposal sets a primary standard for ground-level ozone at no more than 0.060 to 0.070 parts per million (measured over eight hours), to be phased in over the next two decades (extended for regions with highest smog pollution). A secondary smog standard is proposed to protect the environment, especially plants and trees. [Related item: EPA Warnings on Various Potential Health Hazards in October 2009 environmental security report.]
Sources:
EPA pushes tougher air-quality rules http://thehill.com//blogs/e2-wire/677-e2-wire/74733-epa-proposing-tougher-smog-standards
EPA Strengthens Smog Standard/Proposed standards, strictest to date, will protect the health of all Americans, especially children http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d0cf6618525a9efb85257359003fb69d/d70b9c433c46faa3852576a40058b1d4!OpenDocument
E.P.A. Seeks Stricter Rules to Curb Smog http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/08/science/earth/08smog.html?th&emc=th

California Proposes Reducing the Level of Chromium 6 in Water
The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment has proposed a “public health goal” of 0.06 ppb of hexavalent chromium (Cr 6) for the state’s drinking water. The current state and national standards for total Cr compounds are 50 ppb and 100 ppb, respectively. (EPA is reevaluating the latter.) The new California value was set as a result of a recent federal study setting a threshold of one cancer among every one million people exposed for a lifetime. After public comments, the California Department of Public Health will adopt a regulation setting a maximum allowable level for water supplies based on the health goal but also considering economic and technological factors. [Related item: New Substances Identified as Harmful to Human Health and the Environment in June 2009 environmental security report.]
Sources:
California unveils new goal for controversial carcinogen in water http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/chromium-6-goal
Public Health Goal for Hexavalent Chromium in Drinking Water (Draft). Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment California Environmental Protection Agency http://www.oehha.ca.gov/water/phg/pdf/Cr6PHGdraft082009.pdf

First U.S. National Health Security Plan Released
The U.S. Health and Human Services Department released the first National Health Security Strategy for the event of a bioterrorism incident or other large-scale health crisis. The strategy outlines objectives for different government areas and for nongovernmental groups to focus on over the next four years, and recommends a review of the national countermeasure system. [Related item: Global Influenza Pandemic Declared in June 2009 environmental security report.]
Sources:
First U.S. National Health Security Plan Released http://gsn.nti.org/gsn/nw_20100108_9470.php
HHS Delivers the Nation’s First Health Security Strategy http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/01/20100107a.html

Building Contaminants Linked to Parking Lots with Coal Tar Sealant
Scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey have published a paper linking high concentrations of the contaminants polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in house dust to coal tar sealants used on parking lots. PAHs are an environmental hazard because several are probable human carcinogens. [Related item: Study Shows Nanotube Manufacture May Pollute Environment in August 2007 environmental security report.]
Sources:
Parking Lot Problems http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/40920
Contaminated House Dust Linked to Parking Lots with Coal Tar Sealant http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100113112056.htm
Coal-Tar-Based Parking Lot Sealcoat: An Unrecognized Source of PAH to Settled House Dust http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es902533r

Scientists Say Dolphins Should Be Treated As 'Non-Human Persons'
New study of dolphins’ behavior, backed up by anatomic research, has led scientists to declare dolphins second to humans in intelligence and suggesting that they should be treated as “non-human persons”. [Related item: GreenhouseGasEmissionsIncreaseOcean Noise Pollution in December 2009 environmental security report.]
Sources:
Scientists say dolphins should be treated as 'non-human persons' http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/science/article6973994.ece

Arctic Opens to International Commercial Use
The first telecommunication project in the Arctic is to link Tokyo and London by underwater fiber optic cable through the Northwest Passage, thus cutting the transmission delay from 140 milliseconds to 88 milliseconds. Branch lines would also link to the U.S. East Coast, ensuring quicker transmission times between Tokyo and New York. In addition to being faster, these lines are apparently also more secure, avoiding critical regions.
A report by UNESCO, “Climate Change and Arctic Sustainable Development” is a comprehensive assessment of the environmental and social transformations of the Arctic due to climate change, proposing an integrated approach for monitoring and adapting to climate change in the Arctic based on multilateral collaboration among scientists, circumpolar communities and decisionmakers. [Related item: Arctic “Pole of Peace” Suggested to Address Arctic Security Issues in December 2009 environmental security report.]
Sources:
Global warming opens up Arctic for undersea cable http://www.nation.co.ke/InDepth/Africa%20Insight/-/625262/847148/-/wxhyixz/-/index.html
Climate Change and Arctic Sustainable Development http://publishing.unesco.org/details.aspx?&Code_Livre=4722&change=E

Climate Change

Scientific Evidence and Natural Disasters
A preliminary analysis from the National Climatic Data Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) found that the decade 2000-2009 is the warmest decade since instrumental measurements of temperatures began in the 1880s, and 2009 (tied with 2006) was the fifth warmest year on record, based on measurements taken on land and at sea. The average trend over the past three decades is warming at about 0.36°F (0.2°C) per decade, while average global temperatures have risen by about 1.5°F (0.8°C) since 1880.
According to the Met Office’s forecast made using the Decadal Prediction System (DePreSys), 2010 could yet be the hottest year on record, due to a new El Niño warming period that has just started in the Pacific. Additionally, the sun should also begin to brighten, as part of its 11-year brightness fluctuation cycle (in 2009 it was at the bottom of the cycle.) Further, if not for 2010, then “a record breaker will still occur in the next few years” says Doug Smith, climate expert at the Met Office.
Oddball Winter Weather: Global Warming’s Wake-Up Call for the Northern Unites States, a study by the National Wildlife Federation, documents how climate change is linked to precipitation increase, including intense snowstorms, as warmer winter weather causes more surface water evaporation (and less freezing), thus recharging the atmosphere with moisture. This explains the unusually heavy snowfall in many parts of the world.

Food and Water Security
A new report by the Division for Sustainable Development of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs assessed the impact of foreign land purchase for agriculture. Foreign governments and private investors are increasingly purchasing or leasing key farmland in Africa on a long-term basis. The report notes that it is critical to ensure that such contracts promote shared food security interests and meet the need for improving legal and technical capacities of host countries, as well as to conduct impact assessments for the host country on the benefits, costs, and risks associated with land acquisition.
Scientists warn that more attention should be given not only to the impact of climate change on food quantity, but to its nutritional quality too. They found that increasing levels of CO2 in the atmosphere reduces the nutritional value of many basic food crops. It is estimated that the approximate 20% CO2 rise since 1960 may have already decreased protein concentration in wheat flour by 5%–10%. A study by researchers at Southwestern University, Georgetown TX, shows that if atmospheric CO2 reaches 540–960 ppm, it could result in a significant decline (10%–15%) in protein content of major food crops including barley, wheat, soya bean and potato. Additionally, higher CO2 levels may reduce water flow through a plant, affecting the uptake of micronutrients from the soil, such as sulphur, magnesium, iron, zinc, and manganese.

Health
The WHO report “Protecting Health from Climate Change: Connecting Science, Policy and People” provides an update of the scientific evidence on health risks caused by climate change. It outlines necessary action to protect health from negative impacts of climate change and describes a number of effective interventions that can save lives in the present and reduce vulnerability in the future. In addition, the report singles out several policy options in other sectors, such as transport and energy production, that could simultaneously improve health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Migration
The small island developing states continue efforts to have their fate stipulated in a binding treaty on climate change. “It is important that the recognition of SIDS as most vulnerable countries be preserved in a legally binding outcome and that these countries receive priority access to resources for urgent adaptation and mitigation projects,” said Mark Jariabka, executive director of Islands First, an organization that promotes and protects the interests of SIDS. In addition to vulnerability, they are concerned about lack of any bilateral or multilateral agreements for eventual relocation. “Even if such an agreement is signed between an island nation and another host country, this itself will raise a number of issues regarding international law - sovereignty status, U.N. membership etc. etc.” says Ambassador Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed, the permanent representative of Maldives to the United Nations. “Do these people relocate as a ‘nation’ or as individual refugees who are then subsumed into the host nation as their own citizens, or would they enjoy ‘sovereign rights’? Would they continue to have claim to the territory of the land they had vacated? If not, who would have claim on it, if at all?” questions the Ambassador.

Adaptation
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announced its ongoing work towards the establishment of a Global Cryosphere (global solid water system) Watch to serve societal needs for weather, climate and water, and related environmental information and services. The World Meteorological Congress, WMO’s supreme governing body, is to consider ways and means of developing and implementing a Global Cryosphere Watch at its next quadrennial session in 2011. Once established, a Global Cryosphere Watch should enhance the capability of the research community and operational services to predict the future state of the cryosphere and facilitate assessments of the cryosphere and its components on a regional to global scale to support climate change science, decision-making and formulation of environmental policy.
The Joint Session of the Executive Boards of the UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, and WFP held on January 15, 2010 focused on the issue of climate change. Noting that 40% of development investment from ODA and concessional lending is sensitive to climate risk, UNDP Administrator Helen Clark spoke on how the UN agencies can support countries in addressing the climate change challenge through their programmatic activities at the country level to support capacity building for adaptation and mitigation, and access to climate financing. She also said that the UN Development Group (UNDG) developed guidelines to support the UN Country Team on how to mainstream disaster risk reduction and environmental sustainability into the programmatic activities at the country level. Specific guidelines on climate change will be issued soon.
The UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) released a study, “Transboundary flood risk management: experiences from the UNECE region,” which describes problems and progress made regarding transboundary flood management in 10 transboundary river basins in the UNECE region; tools for improving resilience against transboundary flood risk; and useful legal and institutional arrangements for cooperation.” The study also notes that climate change is expected to increase both the magnitude and the frequency of floods, although there is considerable uncertainty. The study was prepared by the Task Force on Water and Climate, under the UNECE Water Convention.

Climate Modeling and Scenarios
Scientists from NOAA, combining three models into one tool, were able to simulate with higher accuracy storms’ evolution and categories across the Atlantic. They found that by the end of the century, although storms will in general decrease in number, they will be more powerful; category 4 (210-249 kilometers per hour) and category 5 (over 250 kilometers per hour) will double in frequency. The hardest hit will be Haiti and the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas and the northeastern coast of the U.S. These results corroborate results of other climate models.

Post-Copenhagen Negotiations
States that signed the Copenhagen accord agreed to announce (by end-January 2010) their official CO2 emissions reduction commitments. The EU decided to maintain its commitment of 20% greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2020 compared to 1990 levels, and 30% if other powers make comparable pledges. Australia announced that it will cut greenhouse gas emissions by 5% of 2000 levels by 2020 unconditionally, and 15% to 25%, depending on other countries’ commitments.
The environment ministers of the BASIC countries (Brazil, South Africa, India, and China) met on January 24 to discuss cooperation in future climate negotiations and decided to adhere to the agreements made in the Copenhagen Accord regarding the submission of their emission reduction actions. Cooperation among these countries may shape future climate change negotiations and influence the adoption of a binding climate agreement. The next round of climate talks is scheduled for November 29, 2010, with pre-conference negotiations slated to take place May 31 to June 11, 2010.
Sources:
The resurgence of El Niño means that 2010 could yet be the hottest year on record http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/jan/10/climate-change-uk-big-freeze
Past Decade Warmest on Record, NASA [NOAA] Data Shows http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/22/science/earth/22warming.html
Foreign land purchases for agriculture: what impact on sustainable development? http://www.un.org/esa/dsd/resources/res_pdfs/publications/ib/no8.pdf
The 'hidden hunger' caused by climate change http://www.scidev.net/en/opinions/the-hidden-hunger-caused-by-climate-change.html
Protecting Health from Climate Change: Connecting Science, Policy and People http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2009/9789241598880_eng.pdf
Climate Change: Small Islands Await Haitian-Type Disaster http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=50036
WMO Information Note http://www.wmo.int/pages/mediacentre/infonotes/GlobalCryosphere.html
Transboundary flood risk management: experiences from the UNECE region http://www.unece.org/env/water/mop5/Transboundary_Flood_Risk_Managment.pdf
Models Foresee More-Intense Hurricanes in the Greenhouse http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/327/5964/399?ijkey=EFlfVe870I6Bg&keytype=ref&siteid=sci
EU climate offer unchanged http://euobserver.com/9/29357/?rk=1
Australia to put forward unchanged carbon cuts to UN http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Australia_to_put_forward_unchanged_carbon_cuts_to_UN_999.html
China, 3 others to chart climate roadmap http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2010-01/15/content_9324199.htm

Nanotechnology Safety Issues

European FramingNano Governance Platform Draft Now Available
The draft FramingNano Governance Platform sets out a proposal for the framing of policy on nanotechnology in Europe; and, according to Nanowerk News, “highlights the major challenges to be overcome in order to successfully craft governance policies for nanotechnologies, and the communication issues that need to be addressed if Europe is to harness the full potential of this rapidly growing area of technology.” The Governance Plan was discussed at the final International Conference of the FramingNano FP7 held in December 2009 and is being submitted to the European Commission “as a model of management to be followed by European policy makers and stakeholders.”
Sources:
A New Governance Framework for Nanotechnologies (conference page, with “Proceedings now available for members”) http://www.framingnano.eu
Brussels conference discusses nanotechnology governance platform http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=14269.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29

Comprehensive Review of Engineered Nanomaterials Health And Safety
A consortium led by Edinburgh Napier University and the Institute of Occupational Medicine published a 426-page final report of the project Engineered Nanoparticles - Review of Health & Environmental Safety (ENRHES), described by Nanowerk News as "A comprehensive and authoritative review of the health and environmental safety of engineered nanomaterials [that] considers sources, pathways of exposure, [and] the health and environmental outcomes of concern". The report contains prioritized recommendations to aid policymakers in formulating regulations.
Sources:
ENRHES report provides in-depth examination of nanomaterials safety
http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=14387.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29Engineered Nanoparticles - Review of Health & Environmental Safety project final report
http://nmi.jrc.ec.europa.eu/documents/pdf/ENRHES%20Review.pdf

Nanotechnology--Assessment of Health Safety and Environmental Factors
Frost & Sullivan, and Research and Markets, are offering a new research report, Nanotechnology--Assessment of Health Safety and Environmental Factors (Technical Insights). According to the announcement, the report provides "an overview of the HSE implications of nanotechnology … a forced field analysis of the industry drivers and challenges… [a] strategic evaluation of the possible initiatives… …[and] Profiling of commonly used HSE nomenclature with a list of the ongoing research projects in North America and Europe." The report is available for €4533-€5928, depending on the scope of the license.
Source:
Nanotechnology - Assessment of Health Safety and Environmental Factors
http://www.researchandmarkets.com/product/02ab42/nanotechnology_assessment_o

UK House of Lords Committee Urges Nanosafety Transparency
Nanotechnologies and Food, a 112-page report presented by the UK House of Lords science and technology committee, urges, "the government and research councils to carry out more checks into the use of nanomaterials in food and in particular the dangers for the human body." This call is the third in two years, following those for more stringent safety checks from the Royal Society and the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution.
Sources:
Press Notice: Science and Technology Committee - Nanotechnologies and Food http://www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_committees/lords_press_notices/pn080110st.cfm
Nanotechnologies and Food. Science and Technology Committee, First Report http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld/ldsctech.htm
Peers criticise food industry secrecy on nanotechnology http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/jan/08/food-industry-nanotechnology-secrecy

UK Report Calls on Government to Support Nanotech Risk Assessment
According to a story in the Financial Times, a report just issued by the UK's Nanotech Knowledge Transfer Network calls, "for the government to assuage public fears over nanotechnology by supporting risk assessments of new products", especially on behalf of small start-ups that may not have the resources for such activities.
Sources:
Nanotechnology: a UK Industry View (report)
http://mnt.globalwatchonline.com/epicentric_portal/binary/com.epicentric.contentmanagement.servlet.ContentDeliveryServlet/MNT/Knowledge%2520Centre/MiniIGTReport2010.pdfBusiness urges campaign over 'grey goo' fears
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/82d93a8a-00ad-11df-ae8d-00144feabdc0.html (Requires a free subscription registration.)

Note: The following three items describe a key stage in development of an emerging issue: the rise of general public interest and outcry. It can signal a turning from involvement of technocrats and some politicians to a more general political atmosphere.

Public Disruptions Force Cancellation of French Public Nano Debates
Disruptions by environmentalists have forced the cancellation of three of the scheduled debates in France on nanotech issues. [See item French Public Debate on Nanotechnology in the October 2009 environmental security report.]
Sources:
Loud Starts End France's Nanotech Debates
http://blogs.sciencemag.org/scienceinsider/2010/01/a-loud-start-to.html

Research Calls for Better Explanations and Sources in Nano Risk Communication
Johannes Simons, of the Institute for Food and Resource Economics at the University of Bonn, and colleagues have published a paper, The Slings and Arrows of Communication on Nanotechnology, that addresses the general problems of communicating nanotechnology risk. According to Nanowerk Spotlight, they utilized research from Germany, the US, and Australia to develop their recommendation, “…risk communication on nanotechnologies requires target-specific approaches…”, and that “...it is important to involve trusted institutions in the risk communication process. This could help people to accept the information because they do not suspect the communicator of having some hidden interests or of deceiving them with misleading information.”
The need for reforms in the process is supported by a study by Prof. Elizabeth Corley, of Arizona State University’s School of Public Affairs, and Dietram A. Scheufele of the University of Wisconsin—Madison that, “found widening gaps in nanotech knowledge since 2004 between the least educated and most educated citizens. Americans with at least a college degree have shown an increase in understanding of the new technology, while knowledge about nanotechnology has declined over time for those with education levels of less than a high school diploma”, according to a Nanowerk News story
Sources:
The slings and arrows of communication on nanotechnology http://www.springerlink.com/content/y6rxm682t4301353/
Communicating nanotechnology http://www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=14344.php
Nanotechnology outreach going wrong? http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=14296.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29
Outreach Going Wrong? When we talk nano to the public, we are leaving behind key audiences http://www.the-scientist.com/2010/1/1/22/1/

5th International NanoRegulation Conference Report Available
The 5th International NanoRegulation Conference took place on November in Rapperswil, Switzerland, with the theme, " 'No Data, no Market?' - Challenges to Nano-Information and Nano-Communication along the Value Chain", presenting views and expectations regarding information and data exchange along the value chain, and possible approaches to the problem. A report is now available. According to Meridian Nanotechnology and Development News, "the debate at the conference revealed an urgent need for '...a coordinated information transfer of relevant nanospecific data along the value chain,' while recognizing the concerns that nano-labeling could be misunderstood as an indication of hazard by consumers."
Sources:
NanoRegulation Conference Report Now Available
http://www.innovationsgesellschaft.ch/index.php?section=news&cmd=details&newsid=263&teaserId=13

New Studies Add to Knowledge on Nanoparticles and Biological Reactions
Work being done by Silvia H. De Paoli Lacerda and Jack F. Douglas at the Polymers Division of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is shedding new light on the effects of nanoparticle size (5nm to 100nm) on their association with a whole range of important blood proteins.
Sources:
Interaction of Gold Nanoparticles with Common Human Blood Proteins http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/nn9011187
Trying to understand the interaction of nanoparticles with blood http://www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=14327.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29

Conference on New-Technology Sensors to Be Held in UK
The Micro and Nano Sensors Interest Group (MiNSIG) of the UK's Sensors & Instrumentation Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) is organizing a conference, Applications of Micro and Nanosensors in Security, Health and Environmental Monitoring, for 4 March 2010 at the National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, UK. The event will display novel sensing technologies developed by UK companies and universities leading to new applications in security, health and environmental monitoring. The keynote speakers will highlight some of the important developments in nanotechnology and sensor applications including future challenges, trends and opportunities, and will give an account of the requirements and opportunities for novel sensor developers.
Sources:
Applications of Micro and Nanosensors in Security, Health and Environmental Monitoring http://sensors.globalwatchonline.com/epicentric_portal/site/sensors/minsig-page2/?mode=0
Conference to discuss future of nanotechnology enabled sensors http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=14463.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29

Key 2009 Nano Environmental Health and Safety Developments
According to the announcement, UK's SAFENANO's new report, "provides a summary of key nanoEHS developments from 2009, … considers how these are likely to shape 2010 in nano … [and] provides a personalised account of news, publications and legal developments from 2009, …[c]overing scientific discoveries, regulatory and governmental developments, consumer issues, and developments in the nanotechnology community."
Sources:
2009 - a big year for nano safety http://www.safenano.org/SingleNews.aspx?NewsID=957

Reports and Information Suggested for Review

Protecting the environment during armed conflict. An inventory and analysis of international law
Protecting the environment during armed conflict. An inventory and analysis of international law report by UNEP is a comprehensive overview of existing legislation protecting the environment in case of conflict and gaps and areas that should, but are not yet, covered by regulations. The report notes that there are no mechanisms to protect natural resources during armed conflict, and no permanent international authority to monitor violations and address liability and redress claims for environmental damage caused during armed conflicts. There are also terminology issues, such as lack of clear definition for “widespread,” “longlasting,” and “severe”, as well as a standard definition of what constitutes a “conflict resource” or their illegal exploitation and trade. While the majority of international legal provisions protecting the environment during armed conflict—including the ICRC Guidelines on the Protection of the Environment during Armed Conflict (1994)—were designed for international armed conflicts, the majority of today’s conflicts are internal; hence the legal instruments do not apply. The report recommends, inter alia, that the Permanent Court of Arbitration and its “Optional Rules for Conciliation of Disputes Relating to the Environment and/or Natural Resources” should be considered to address disputes related to environmental damage during armed conflict. It concludes that “A summary report on the environmental impacts of armed conflicts should be presented on an annual basis to the UN General Assembly, in conjunction with the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict.”
Sources:
Laws Protecting the Environment during Wars Need Enforcing and Strengthening to Deal with New Challenges
http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=602&ArticleID=6362&l=en
Protecting the environment during armed conflict. An inventory and analysis of international law
http://postconflict.unep.ch/publications/int_law.pdf

Environmental Performance Index 2010 Score Worse for Vulnerable States
The 2010 Environmental Performance Index ranks 163 countries on 25 performance indicators tracked across ten policy categories. It facilitates cross-country comparisons as well as analysis of how the global community and individual countries are performing in particular sectors and policy issues, therefore helping assess the sectors that should be improved. The 2010 EPI reveals that most of the lower ranked nations are also vulnerable states, hence proving again the importance of including environmental aspects in peace and vulnerability strategies.
Sources:
Environmental Performance Index 2010 http://epi.yale.edu/

European Space Agency First International Security Symposium
On February 9-10, 2010, the European Space Agency will hold its First International Security Symposium to “share information on security approaches, challenges and evolution that international organizations face in the current geopolitical situation.”
Source:
First International Security Symposium http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEM08TRJR4G_Benefits_0.html

December 2009

“Copenhagen Accord” Brokered by President Obama at UN Climate Change Conference Is a Step Forward in Negotiations––Next Stop Mexico
The UN Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen was attended by over 100 heads of state and government, representatives of 193 nations, and between 40,000 and 100,000 people from around the world came to participate in side events. The December 7–18, 2009 set of conferences and meetings resulted in a non-binding 12-paragraph Copenhagen Accord that calls for international cooperation to make sure global warming does not rise more than 2ºC, that developed and developing nations set carbon reduction targets that are internationally verifiable, that developed countries provide funds approaching USD 30 billion for the period 2010 to 2012 for developing countries with balanced allocation between adaptation and mitigation, and that developed countries mobilize USD 100 billion a year by 2020 to address the needs of developing countries. However, the original objective was not achieved: to adopt a treaty that would extend or replace the 1997 Kyoto Protocol in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address global climate change.
The Conference and the numerous side-events generated an extraordinary wealth of information regarding challenges and potential strategies for addressing global climate change and set the stage for further negotiations. The next round of climate talks is scheduled for November 2010 in Mexico.
Note: Some scientists warn that lack of clear targets and commitments might raise CO2 concentrations to around 700 parts per million (compared to 450 ppm that scientists consider the limit for keeping global warming below 2ºC), meaning a potential warming by 3.5ºC by 2100. The International Energy Agency estimates that about $10.5 trillion in additional investment is needed by 2030 for setting the world on the path to low-carbon development.
Sources:
Copenhagen Accord. Draft decision -/CP.15 Proposal by the President. Conference of the Parties, Fifteenth session, Copenhagen, 7-18 December 2009 http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/2009/cop15/eng/l07.pdf
Summary of the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference http://www.iisd.ca/vol12/enb12459e.html
The Copenhagen climate change summit. New Scientist's full coverage http://www.newscientist.com/special/copenhagen-climate-change-summit

Seven Tipping Elements That Could Transform the Planetary Systems
Increasingly, scientists agree on some tipping elements that are extremely sensitive to climate shifts and therefore might have an important impact on the planetary systems. “The problem with tipping elements is that if any of them tips, it will be a real catastrophe,” notes Anders Levermann, climate physicist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany. The seven tipping elements considered are:
• Polar sea ice––passing a potential warming tipping point might cause serious loss of ice sheets and associated sea-level rise
• Amazon rainforest––increased weather-altering deforestation after passing a critical deforestation point
• Chad Bodélé Depression––substantial increase in dust production from the 10,000 square mile Saharan plain that now puts 700,000 tons of dust into the atmosphere annually
• South Asian Monsoons––amplified monsoon systems triggered by increased heat
• The Gulf Stream––due to lack of good models, the IPCC’s estimate of 10% Gulf Stream slowdown during the 21st century is uncertain
• Seafloor methane––increased release of methane (a powerful greenhouse gas) from methane hydrate in the seafloor, due to warming over a tipping point
• The Future––unknown features that could trigger radical changes
Scientists point out that an additional important unknown element is the interaction of these and other known elements.
Sources:
Tipping elements in the Earth System. Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, PNAS December 8, 2009, vol. 106, no. 49, 20561-20563 http://www.pnas.org/content/106/49/20561.full
7 Tipping Points That Could Transform Earth http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/12/tipping-elements/all/1

Emerging International Packaging Standards to Reduce Environmental Footprints
The first meeting of the ISO TC122 SC4 Packaging and Environment committee was held in Stockholm to begin work on standards for reducing the environmental footprint of packaging. The standards will cover source reduction, reuse, recycling, energy recovery, chemical recovery, composting and biodegrading, and a seventh overall standard. The new international standards are expected to be finalized by mid-2012 and to consider existing packaging and environmental standards already in use in Europe and Asia.
Sources:
Creation of International Packaging Standards Begins http://www.greenbiz.com/news/2009/12/10/creation-international-packaging-standards-begins
TC 122/SC 4 Packaging and Environment http://www.iso.org/iso/standards_development/technical_committees/other_bodies/iso_technical_committee.htm?commid=52082

Studies Show Increased Hazards from Some Types of Airborne Particles
Latest research reveals that certain kinds of airborne metallic microparticles, such as nickel, vanadium, and carbon, appear to pose a much higher toxic risk than other materials, putting acute stress on the lungs and heart. Low grade oil, such as is used in diesel trucks and space heaters, is a major source in urban areas. Scientists stress that more work needs to be done to study the relationships between particulate composition and biological harm.
Source:
Heavy metal: Some airborne particles pose more dangers than others http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/metal-particles

Technological Advances with Environmental Security Implications

New Detection and Cleanup Techniques

New Laser-based Gas Sensor Is Tunable over Wide Wavelength Range
A new type of optical gas sensor, using vertical-cavity, surface-emitting semiconductor laser diodes (VCSELs) has the important property of being tunable over a 5 nm spectral range, and thus able to detect a variety of different gases. The technology is being developed by NEMIS, an EU FP6 project at the Walter Schottky Institut, Technische Universität München in Munich.
Sources:
NEMIS (New Mid-Infrared Sources for Photonic Sensors http://www.nemis.eu/
Huge long-term potential for new breed of gas sensors http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=13823.php

Ozone Bubbles Provide New Cleansing Technique
A new technique uses ozone bubbles to turn hydrocarbon [oil] content in water or soil into a form that can be retained by sand filtration, which is a conventional and economical process. This new method has been developed by Prof. Andy Hong of the University of Utah, and is expected to be commercialized by Miracotech, Inc. of Albany CA.
Source:
Tiny Bubbles Clean Oil from Water. New Method Targets Oil Sheen, Other Pollutants http://unews.utah.edu/p/?r=111209-1

New Water Purifying Filter Requires No Energy or Running Water
Tata Chemicals, of Mumbai/Kolkata, India, has announced the release of ‘Tata Swach’, a water purifier unit that requires no energy or running water to operate. The unit uses a replaceable cartridge packed with a purification medium that kills bacteria and disease-causing organisms. The cartridge can purify up to 3000 liters of water, after which it stops water flow.
Source:
Tata Chemicals launches ‘Tata Swach’ http://www.tata.com/media/releases/inside.aspx?artid=TtOdcdNuSRk=

Nanotube-impregnated Paper Provides Sensitive Biosensor for Aqueous Toxins
Prof. Nicholas Kotov, of the departments of Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan, and associates from Jiangnan University, China, have developed a fast and inexpensive sensor for detecting toxins in water, using paper strips with several layers of single-walled carbon nanotube dispersion containing antibodies. The technique’s sensitivity is high––comparable with such current biochemical techniques as enzyme immunoassay and mass-spectrometry––and reportedly more than 25 times faster. Kotov explains that “The change of electrical response [conductivity] of the paper reflects the contents of the analyte”.
Sources:
Simple nanotechnology paper sensor for detecting toxins in water http://www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=13913.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29
Simple, Rapid, Sensitive, and Versatile SWNT-Paper Sensor for Environmental Toxin Detection Competitive with ELISA http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/nl902368r

New Technology to Measure Single Nanoparticles
Prof. Lin Yang and his team at Washington Univ. have developed a “whispering-gallery-mode resonator” that provides a new degree of accuracy––1% to 2%––in the measurement of nanoparticle size. [Related item: New Paper Suggests Concentrating Toxicity Studies on Smaller Nanoparticles in the September 2009 environmental security report.]
Sources:
Tiny whispering gallery: Sensor can detect a single nanoparticle and take its measurement http://www.physorg.com/news180363327.html
On-chip single nanoparticle detection and sizing by mode splitting in an ultrahigh-Q microresonator http://www.nature.com/nphoton/journal/vaop/ncurrent/abs/nphoton.2009.237.html (Abstract)

NIST Awards Development Funding for Extended Sensor for Infrastructure Health
Under its Technology Innovation Program, the National Institute of Standards and Technology has awarded development funding to Optellios, Inc. of Newtown PA for distributed fiber-optic sensing technology to enable real-time monitoring, identification, and location of disturbances and changes over long stretches of pipelines. Although the system is intended to detect and locate leaks, third-party actions, aging, and other disturbances in pipelines, it may also be applicable to other types of infrastructure.
Source:
Distributed Fiber-Optic Sensing Technology For Civil Infrastructure Management http://tipex.nist.gov/tippb/prjbriefs/prjbrief.cfm?ProjectNumber=090038

Increasing Energy Efficiency Technologies

‘Energy Harvesting’ Offers Possibilities for Environment-sparing Power
A team of researchers at the Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Bristol, UK, are investigating technologies for ‘energy harvesting’––the gathering of energy from low amplitude vibrations that occur naturally in the environment, such as from machines or even the human body. Their research is directed at making use of a much larger variety of vibrations than is currently possible, by employing transducers that respond to a wider range of frequencies.
Source:
Pickin' Up Good Vibrations to Produce Green Electricity http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/PressReleases/harvester

New Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Show Increase in Energy Conversion Efficiency
A new type of dye yields dye-sensitized solar cells with a three-fold increase in energy conversion efficiency over current versions. The dye has been developed by researchers from Monash University and the University of Wollongong, Australia, and the University of Ulm, Germany.
Source:
Innovation puts next-generation solar cells on the horizon http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=13777.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29

Genetically Engineered Bacteria Convert CO2 to Liquid Fuel
Scientists led by James C. Liao, Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at UCLA’s Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, have genetically modified a cyanobacterium to consume CO2 and use sunlight-driven photosynthesis to produce the liquid fuel isobutanol, which can potentially be used as a alternative to gasoline.
Source:
Researchers engineer bacteria to turn carbon dioxide into liquid fuel http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=13968.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29

Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Claims Reduced Lifecycle Cost
Thomas Adams and Prof. Paul I. Barton of the MIT Chemical Engineering Dept. have proposed a design for a natural-gas-powered solid oxide fuel cell that they claim, under a favorable carbon pricing structure, has a lower lifecycle cost than present designs. Their system produces pure CO2, avoiding the step, presently required for carbon sequestration, of separating that gas from the total output stream.
Source:
A greener way to get electricity from natural gas http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2009/natural-gas.html
High-efficiency power production from natural gas with carbon capture http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6TH1-4XJG5KY-3&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=56b56fc929eb0e36ed13f9567bbca539 (Abstract)

Nano-infused Paper Substrate Improves Energy Storage Capabilities
A research group at Stanford University, led by Yi Cui, assistant professor of materials science and engineering, has shown that paper coated with ink made of carbon nanotubes and silver nanowires makes a more durable component for flexible batteries and supercapacitors than the plastic used in previous experiments. According to Cui, “The paper supercapacitor may last through 40,000 charge-discharge cycles––at least an order of magnitude more than lithium batteries. The nanomaterials also make ideal conductors because they move electricity along much more efficiently than ordinary conductors.” [Related item: First Flexible Supercapacitor Built in the April 2009 environmental security report]
Sources:
Highly conductive paper for energy-storage devices http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2009/12/04/0908858106
At Stanford, nanotubes + ink + paper = instant battery http://news.stanford.edu/news/2009/december7/nanotubes-ink-paper-120709.html

Thin Crystalline-Silicon Photovoltaic Cells Offer Many Advantages
Scientists at Sandia National Laboratories have developed crystalline-silicon photovoltaic cells from 14 to 20 µm thick and 0.25 to 1 mm across. According to the announcement, the new devices “are expected eventually to be less expensive and have greater efficiencies than current photovoltaic collectors that are pieced together with 6-inch-square solar wafers.” Further, “they use 100 times less silicon to generate the same amount of electricity,” and “Since they are much smaller and have fewer mechanical deformations for a given environment than the conventional cells, they may also be more reliable over the long term.” A major manufacturing convenience is that a very large number can be created from a single 12- or 18-inch diameter wafer, allowing defective cells to be individually discarded.
Source:
Glitter-sized solar photovoltaics produce competitive results http://www.sandia.gov/news/resources/news_releases/glitter-sized-solar-photovoltaics-produce-competitive-results/

Updates on Previously Identified Issues

Climate Change

Scientific Evidence and Natural Disasters
The past ten years have been the warmest in 160 years of recorded history, reveals preliminary data released by the UK Met Office based on temperature records from over 1,500 global monitoring stations. Similarly, based on preliminary data the World Meteorological Organisation announced that 2009 will be one of the ten warmest individual years recorded, with a temperature 0.44ºC (0.79ºF) above the long-term average of 14ºC (57.2ºF).
Preliminary disaster figures for 2009 show that over 75% of the people killed and 95% of the total affected by natural hazards were due to extreme weather events, says a joint press release by the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, UNDP, and World Meteorological Organization. Although the 2009 statistics show lower figures compared to previous years, Margareta Wahlström, UN Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, warned that “extreme weather disasters remain top of the list and will continue to affect more people in the future.”
The Global Climate Risk Index 2010 (see world map in the Appendix) compiled by Germanwatch, shows that the top 10 countries most affected in the past 20 years by extremes of climate are: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Honduras, Vietnam, Nicaragua, Haiti, India, the Dominican Republic, Philippines, and China. The Global Climate Risk Index analyzes the impacts of weather-related loss events––mainly storms, floods and heat waves––and is based on the NatCatSERVICE database of Munich Re.

Food and Water Security
The Pacific Institute’s recently updated online chronology of water conflicts shows 6 incidents during 2009, up from 3 in 2008. Peter Gleick, President of the Pacific Institute, notes that a pattern of localized conflict is likely to emerge in sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, India, China, Pakistan, and Burma in coming decades. Although skeptical about ‘water war’ or full-scale interstate warfare triggered by water, he suggests that water and climate change should still be considered serious security issues. Terrorist groups could start to view water infrastructure as valuable targets as tensions rise over water’s availability, says Gleick. In addition, in countries like Pakistan, discontent with the West could intensify as water becomes scarcer, which could help extremists bring in new recruits.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) collection of three technical papers provides an overview of the current status of knowledge on “Climate Change and Implications for Fisheries and Aquaculture,” noting that ecosystem approaches to aquaculture and fisheries, as well as precautionary management, can help improve the resilience of the sectors and calling for the integration of fisheries and aquaculture into national climate change and food security policies.
The UN World Water Assessment Programme released two publications: “The Implications of Climate Change for Water––Highlights on Climate Change from the third World Water Development Report” addressing the potential impacts of a changing climate on the availability of water and on the control of water extremes; and “Water and Climate Change––An Overview from the WWDR,” that underscores that water is at the root of a complex vulnerability dynamic and describes the impacts of climate change on water, making some recommendations for responses to climate change focused on water and proactive adaptation measures.
The study “Local Responses to Too Much and Too Little Water in the Greater Himalayan Region” by a consortium of international organizations, based on the work of five field teams in China, India, Pakistan and Nepal, highlights that adaptation practices need to be aligned with other processes if they are to be successful, even over a short period. It also stresses the need for governments to prioritize the development and improvement of national and regional policies to provide better support for local long-term resilience and adaptation to more extreme climate.

Health
Two reports by the World Health Organization, “Global Health Risks”and “Protecting health from climate change: global research priorities,” assess the potential health implications related to climate change, with detailed global and regional estimates, and making some policy recommendations. Acknowledging that only some of the many potential effects of climate change are quantifiable, it underlines increased deaths from thermal extremes and weather disasters, vector-borne diseases, a higher incidence of food-related and waterborne infections, photochemical air pollutants and conflict over depleted natural resources. The WHO fact file, “10 Facts on Children’s Environmental Health,” summarizes environment-related causes and conditions of the nearly three million annual deaths of children under five years old, underlying the increased risk of children of injuries and death from floods and extreme temperatures, asthma and respiratory diseases due to air pollution, and diarrheal diseases, malaria, and malnutrition.

Melting Glaciers and Sea Ice
The report “Melting Snow and Ice: A Call for Action” notes that land ice melting is now becoming the dominant contributor to sea level rise, while receding glaciers threaten the livelihood of millions of people by inundation as well as decline of freshwater. The most important findings include: Greenland ice cap reduction rate tripled over the past decade; snow cover is diminishing, and glaciers from the Himalayas to the Alps are melting rapidly, with the greatest reductions in the Andes and the Rockies; while Antarctica, which seemed immune to global warming, now shows signs of net ice reduction on a similar scale to inland Greenland.
According to the report “Antarctic Climate Change and the Environment” by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research, although the bulk of the Antarctic ice sheet has shown little change, overall, 90% of the Peninsula’s glaciers have retreated in recent decades. While since 1980 there has been a 10% increase in Antarctic sea ice extent, particularly in the Ross Sea region, regional sea ice has decreased west of the Antarctic Peninsula. Loss of ice from the West Antarctic ice sheet might raise sea level by 1.4 meters (4ft 6in) by 2100, estimates the report.
According to a new study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, infragravity waves generated by ocean-storms could cause dramatic ice breakups far away from the storm’s origin, as the energy from the waves hitting a shore is echoed back into the sea for thousands of miles. Warming waters will likely aggravate the phenomena.

Migration
In view of the fact that Pacific Islanders are among the most affected by climate change, UNHCR has partnered with other agencies to form a Pacific Humanitarian Protection Group, which will help map and analyze the protection needs of people in the region, and address disaster preparedness, mitigation and adaptation together.
Tuvalu, the fourth-smallest nation on Earth, might become the first country to be rendered unlivable by global warming. Nevertheless, the relocation of some Tuvalu communities has been well-managed so far, given its small population. However, the situation might get more difficult for the relocation of population from other areas vulnerable to climate change such as Africa’s Sahel, coastal Bangladesh, and Vietnam’s deltas. The displacement of those populations could be “a phenomenon of a scope not experienced in human history,” warns Koko Warner, an expert on climate change and migration at the United Nations University in Bonn.
A UNHCR working paper “Climate change, disaster, displacement and migration: initial evidence from Africa,” based on evidence from Burundi and Somalia, indicates that the frequency of climate-related disasters has increased in the past two decades and underscores that disasters and environmental degradation can trigger displacement and conflicts, which can further accentuate environmental degradation.
A report by the Norwegian Refugee Council, “Climate Changed: People Displaced” also explores who are affected by climate related displacement, and how they are assisted and protected, when displaced within the borders of their own country or across borders.

Adaptation
“Climate Change, Conflict and Fragility”. a new report by International Alert, advises that adaptation strategies should be conflict sensitive and international responses to disasters and conflict should take into account the interlinked nature of the problems. Peace-building, for example, needs to be climate-proofed by paying attention to the availability of resources such as water for agriculture which could be affected by climate change. Similarly, large amount of funds for adaptation given to vulnerable states could encourage warfare unless adequate attention is paid to the systems of power and political reality in these countries. Dan Smith, Secretary General of International Alert and co-author of the report, warned “there is an enormous risk that money will go astray and end up doing more harm than good.”
“Linking Climate Change Policies to Human Development Analysis and Advocacy” by UNDP aims to integrate human development analysis and advocacy into more equitable, sustainable and climate-resilient development planning and policy debates. The guidance note proposes a conceptual framework for the analysis and provides analytical data, policy and advocacy issues that can be adapted to regional and national contexts.

Climate Modeling and Scenarios
A new scenario developed by Climate Analytics to the request of Greenpeace Switzerland is forecasting global warming by considering the Swiss climate policy model at world level and linearly extending the policy trend up to 2020 to 2100. By these assumptions, global emissions peak at 60 Gt CO2 in the 2050s, and drop below 50 Gt CO2 by 2100. The best-estimate global warming in this scenario is 1°C by 2020, 1.8°C by 2050 and 3°C above pre-industrial by 2100.
Sources:
Global-average temperature data released http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/corporate/pressoffice/2009/pr20091208a.html
Joint Press Release: 55 Million People Affected by Extreme Weather Disasters in 2009 http://www.unisdr.org/preventionweb/files/12035_PRUNDPUNISDRWMOCopenhagen14Dec2009.pdf
Global Climate Risk Index 2010 - reflecting most severely affected countries over almost two decades http://www.germanwatch.org/presse/2009-12-08e.htm
Water Conflict Chronology List http://www.worldwater.org/conflict/list/
Special Report: Water and Climate Change - An Overview from the WWDR http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0018/001863/186318e.pdf
Global Health Risks http://www.who.int/healthinfo/global_burden_disease/GlobalHealthRisks_report_full.pdf
Melting Snow and Ice: A Call for Action http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/ud/Whats-new/news/2009/melting-snow-and-ice-a-call-for-action.html?id=587681
Storm 'Echoes' Could Break Up Ice Shelves http://news.discovery.com/earth/storm-echoes-antarctica-ice-sheets.html
Pacific islanders face the reality of climate change . . . and of relocation http://www.unhcr.org/4b264c836.html
Climate Changed: People Displaced http://www.nrc.no/?did=9448676
Climate Change, Conflict and Fragility http://www.international-alert.org/press/Climate_change_conflict_and_fragility_Nov09.pdf
Linking Climate Change Policies to Human Development Analysis and Advocacy http://hdr.undp.org/en/media/Climate_Change_NHDR_Guidance_Note.pdf
Projected global warming under a worldwide climate policy following Switzerland's example http://www.greenpeace.ch/fileadmin/user_upload/Downloads/de/Klima/Klimastudie/2009_Stu_Projected_global_warming.pdf

No Enforcement Mechanism Proposed for Strengthening the Bioweapons Treaty Due to “rapidly changing nature” of the threat
The 2009 Meeting of States Parties to the Biological Weapons Convention was held in Geneva, December 7–11, with focus on promoting capacity-building in the areas of disease surveillance, detection, diagnosis, and containment of infectious diseases. The new National Strategy for Countering Biological Threats presented by the U.S., although a comprehensive document designed to strengthen the Convention, doesn’t propose any international monitoring or enforcement system. A binding treaty on verification “would not be able to keep pace with the rapidly changing nature of the biological weapons threat,” noted Undersecretary of State Ellen Tauscher. [Related items: U.S. Should Launch a New Biology Initiative in October 2009, and Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) Meeting Improves International Resilience Systems to Address Infectious Disease and BioWeapons in August 2009 environmental security reports.]
Sources: (see an expanded list in the Appendix)
President Obama Releases National Strategy for Countering Biological Threats http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/president-obama-releases-national-strategy-countering-biological-threats
Biological Weapons Convention Meeting of States Parties Concludes in Geneva
http://www.unog.ch/80256EDD006B9C2E/(httpNewsByYear_en)/77D5F2659E3558E5C125768C00324E30?OpenDocument

China to Create an Emergency Environmental Management System
China’s Vice Minister of Environmental Protection, Zhang Lijun, announced that one of the ministry’s priorities for 2010 is the creation of an environmental management system for addressing pollution and its effects. Reportedly, “environmental protection authorities at all levels should focus on the handling of mass disturbances triggered by environmental pollution such as water and soil pollution, and reduce the harm that pollution bring to people as much as possible.” A two-year nationwide campaign will be conducted to investigate all pollution-related threats, “which will gradually form a dynamic environmental management system,” says Zhang. [Related item: China’s New Ministry of Environmental Protection in March 2008 environmental security report.]
Note: A new poll of Chinese public opinion on ‘What does China see as its greatest threat?’ shows that Chinese are more concerned by the environment and domestic woes than potential geopolitical enemies. The study, conducted by the Lowy Institute for International Policy and the MacArthur Foundation, revealed that 75% of Chinese consider environmental problems such as climate change as a major threat to China’s security, 67% consider water and food shortages, and 58% internal separatists, while only 50% thought the U.S. posed a security threat, and 45% are still worried about Japan.
Source:
China to establish emergency environmental management system http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-12/29/content_12725490.htm
Chinese See Environment As Biggest Security Threat http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/wealthofnations/archive/2009/12/10/chinese-see-environment-as-biggest-security-threat.aspx

Toxic Compound Detected in Chlorinated Tap Water
Xing-Fang Li and a team of scientists at the University of Alberta have discovered minute amounts (a few ng/l) of one of the toxic dichloroquinone compounds in chlorinated tap water. It is suspected that these compounds may pose a risk of bladder cancer. [Related item: New Substances Identified as Harmful to Human Health and the Environment in June 2009 environmental security report.]
Sources:
A Toxic Disinfection By-product, 2,6-Dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone, Identified in Drinking Water http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/123218235/abstract
Tracing the traces: Nanogram concentrations of a toxic compound detected in chlorinated tap water http://www.physorg.com/news180767147.html

Environmental Effects from Flame Retardant Manufacturing Impurities
A research team from Canada’s National Laboratory for Environmental Testing has found that environmental pollution associated with the flame retardant Dechlorane Plus comes not only from that compound but from impurities introduced during its manufacture. [Related item: Dechlorane Plus® Detected in Atmosphere in January 2006 environmental security report.]
Source:
Flame retardants are the suspected source of a new compound in the environment http://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/es903688s

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Increase Ocean Noise Pollution
New research reveals that oceans are becoming noisier due to declines of the concentration of chemicals that absorb sound as result of ocean acidification caused by increased concentrations of CO2. Model simulations show that increased acidity could reduce sound absorption (mostly of lower frequency range) by 60% by 2100 in high latitude oceans, potentially affecting marine life. The study, published in the journal Nature Geoscience, was conducted by researchers at the University of Hawaii School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology. [Related items: Sonar Restrictions Debate Continues in January 2008, and New Measures for Improving Marine Environment in July 2009 environmental security reports.]
Sources:
Ocean noise pollution turns up with greenhouse gas emissions http://www.starbulletin.com/news/20091227_Ocean_noise_pollution_turns_up_with_greenhouse_gas_emissions.html
Oceans becoming nosier thanks to pollution http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayarticleNew.asp?section=todaysfeatures&xfile=data/todaysfeatures/2009/December/todaysfeatures_December37.xml

Arctic “Pole of Peace” Suggested to Address Arctic Security Issues
In view of the increasingly heated debate over the Arctic due to increased access to resources, a group of Arctic security experts suggest that the U.S. should take the lead in proposing that the central Arctic Ocean be declared a “pole of peace and international cooperation based on shared interests in environmental security,” and invite Canada, Denmark, Norway and Russia to endorse the initiative. This might address the controversies over sovereign rights and jurisdiction. [Related items: New Developments by Canada and the U.S. in Arctic Security in August 2009 and other items in previous environmental security reports.]
Sources:
United States leadership needed in Arctic Ocean http://juneauempire.com/stories/120309/opi_531556737.shtml

Nuclear Disarmament Dilemma Continues
The US/Russia negotiations for a legal framework to replace the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START I), which expired on December 5, 2009, are expected to be restarted in mid-January 2010. Meantime, they pledged to continue working “in the spirit” of the 1991 pact. Reportedly, a major cause of the delay in concluding a new treaty is disagreement over compliance verification mechanisms. However, failure to reach agreement before the next Review conference might jeopardize nuclear non-proliferation advancements.
Meantime, the UN General Assembly, acting on the recommendation of its Disarmament and International Security Committee, adopted 16 texts in the nuclear weapons category, including a resolution naming August 29 as the international day against nuclear tests; beginning of negotiations in 2010 for a treaty for banning fissile material use for nuclear weapons; and a renewed determination towards the total global elimination of nuclear weapons (adopted by an overwhelming margin, with only India and North Korea voting against, and Bhutan, China, Cuba, France, Iran, Israel, Myanmar and Pakistan abstaining).
The report “Eliminating Nuclear Threats: A Practical Agenda for Global Policymakers” by the International Commission on Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament evaluates the threats and risks associated with the existing nuclear weapons, highlighting their potential use by accident, miscalculation or design, or falling into the hands of terrorist actors, and calls upon nations with nuclear arms to adopt a “no first use” stand, as well as a reduction of nuclear arsenal to 2,000 weapons by 2025, roughly 10% of today’s stockpile. The 230-page report compares nuclear weapons to climate change in terms of gravity, although underlining their much higher potential immediate impact. [Related item: UN Security Council Resolution on the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty in September 2009 environmental security report.]
Sources:
START Talks to Continue in Geneva in January: Dec. 22 State Department Briefing http://geneva.usmission.gov/2009/12/23/start-talks/
On Recommendation of First Committee, General Assembly Adopts 54 Texts, Sets Aside Four Weeks in 2012 to Hammer Out Legally Binding Arms Trade Treaty http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2009/ga10898.doc.htm
Commission Report Launched in Tokyo: Towards a Nuclear Weapon Free World http://www.icnnd.org/releases/091215_report.html

Nanotechnology Safety Issues

NanoAssociation for Natural Resources and Energy Security (NANRES) Formed
A group of nanotechnology-interested companies have formed the NanoAssociation for Natural Resources and Energy Security (NANRES), which, according to Nanowerk News, "is designed to advance the research, development, and commercialization of innovative energy and environmental-specific nanotechnologies."
Sources:
NanoAssociation for Natural Resources and Energy Security (NANRES) http://www.nanres.org/
New nanotechnology association established to address 21st century natural resource and energy security challenges http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=13992.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29

Tunisia Sets Up Unit for Environmental Applications and Nanotechnology
In Tunisia, the National Agency of Environmental Protection (ANPE) and the Tunisian Association of Nanotechnology have set up a partnership for the creation of a unit for nanotechnology research and environmental applications of nanotechnology.
Source:
Nanotechnology for the Environment http://www.tunisiaonlinenews.com/?p=30787

Global Archive of Government Nanotech Documents Launched
The Center for the Study of Law, Science, & Technology at Arizona State University's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law has launched the Nanotech Regulatory Document Archive, a global database of government documents on nanotechnology. Each document will be accompanied by an abstract. The archive will be set up as an edited wiki, and, notes Nanowerk News, “Documents for a specific jurisdiction can be accessed by clicking on a map or on a region, nation or entity.”
Sources:
Welcome to the Nanotech Regulatory Document Archive http://nanotech.law.asu.edu/
First global nanotechnology regulation database launched http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=13817.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29

List of Experts in Nanotechnology Ethics Published
The ObservatoryNano project has published Experts NanoEthics and Ethical, Legal and Social Aspects of Nanotechnology [sic], a comprehensive list of personnel in the field. According to the announcement, it "includes senior academics and consultants, experienced in nanoethics or ethical, legal and social aspects of nanotechnology from different countries in Europe and the rest of the world … [,and in] addition, a list of junior experts including PhD students and young professionals". Each entry includes complete contact information and a note on area of expertise.
Source:
Experts NanoEthics and Ethical, Legal and Social Aspects of Nanotechnology http://www.observatorynano.eu/project/document/2918/

Scientists Object to Generalized Nano-Hazard Statements
A group of distinguished scientists in the nanotechnology field have published an open letter in Nanotoxicology in order "to draw the attention of the nanotoxicology community to how the term 'nanoparticles' is being somewhat indiscriminately used, especially in the titles of scientific papers and in statements to the press." Their objection takes as an example "a recent paper that linked nanoparticles in the most general sense to seven very serious cases of occupational lung and pleural injury occurring in China. The exposures were not characterized, but histological assessment of lung biopsies and pleural fluid indicated the presence of nanoparticles with an unidentified origin or chemistry. Despite a lack of information on the nature of the nanoparticles, the research was published under the title ‘Exposure to nanoparticles is related to pleural effusion, pulmonary fibrosis and granuloma’ ". The panel strongly cautions all involved in communication of nanotech issues to consider the present uncertainties in the study of nanotech pathogenesis, to be precise in stating the technical bases and limitations of studies, and not to make such generalized statements as in the title cited above.
Source:
Nanoparticles – one word: A multiplicity of different hazards http://informahealthcare.com/doi/full/10.3109/17435390903337701

UK Defra Committee Report on Nanosilver
The Advisory Committee On Hazardous Substances of the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has issued its report on nanosilver. The paper (7 pp, with references) states that it reviews information and studies on the environmental exposure and effects of nanoparticulate silver, comments on known or predicted environmental exposure levels and whether these present a human health or environmental risk, and considers what action should be taken to further develop understanding in this area. It does not comment on risk management issues because of insufficient information and because those are the responsibility of the relevant policy and regulatory bodies.
Source:
Advisory Committee on Hazardous Substances Report on Nanosilver http://www.nanoforum.org/dateien/temp/achs-report-nanosilver.pdf?20112009112655

"Environmental and Human Health Impacts of Nanotechnology"
Topics covered in this ten-chapter book include: The properties, preparation and applications of nanomaterials; Characterization and analysis of manufactured nanoparticles; The fate and behaviour of nanomaterials in aquatic, terrestrial and atmospheric environments; Ecotoxicology and human toxicology of manufactured nanoparticles; Occupational health and exposure of nanomaterials; and Risk assessment and global regulatory and policy responses.
Source:
Environmental and Human Health Impacts of Nanotechnology http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reportinfo.asp?report_id=1083599&t=d&cat_id=

December 2009 Nano Magazine Features Nanotech Applications and the Military
Most of the December issue of the UK's Nano Magazine is devoted to articles on various aspects of the military use of nanotechnology.
Source:
NANO Magazine, issue 15, Published December 2009 http://www.nanomagazine.co.uk/read.php?i=121

OECD Publishes Nanomaterials Roadmap and Information Gathering Analyses
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has published Manufactured Nanomaterials: Roadmap for Activities During 2009 and 2010, which, according to Nanowerk News, "presents a brief description of the ways in which the Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials (WPMN) contributes to the overall objectives of the Environment, Health and Safety Programme (EHS), and the OECD as a whole." It has also issued Analysis of Information Gathering Initiatives on Manufactured Nanomaterials, which specifies a desirable set of information elements, and considerations and recommendations for countries planning such an activity, and summarizes existing efforts in seven countries.
Military Implications:
Military personnel involved in nanotech risk assessment should review these publications for useful ideas.
Sources:
OECD Nanomaterials Roadmap http://www.olis.oecd.org/olis/2009doc.nsf/LinkTo/NT00004E1A/$FILE/JT03269258.PDF
OECD Information Gathering Analyses http://www.olis.oecd.org/olis/2009doc.nsf/LinkTo/NT00006F1E/$FILE/JT03274953.PDF
OECD publishes manufactured nanomaterials roadmap 2010 http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=13990.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29

NIOSH Updates Its Nanotechnology Web Resources
According to Nanowerk News, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has updated a number of its on-line publications and sites. They include:
Progress Toward Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace, Publication No. 2010-104. Updates on 43 NIOSH projects on risk assessment, and on extramural research. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2010-104/default.html
Strategic Plan for NIOSH Nanotechnology Research and Guidance, Publication No. 2010-105. Research planned by NIOSH for 2009-2012 http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2010-105/default.html
NIOSH Nanotech Web Topic Page http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech/
Nanoparticle Information Library http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech/NIL.html
Source:
NIOSH updates its nanotechnology web resources http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=13932.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+(Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News)

New On-line Nanotech Information Service
Knovel, an online technical information company, has announced availability of subscriptions to its Nanotechnology collection, with content focused on nanoscale materials, nanostructure-dependent properties and phenomena data as well as fabrication and manufacturing techniques. It includes a section on Environmental Nanotechnology and Environmental Safety.
Source:
Knovel Launches Nanotechnology Collection http://why.knovel.com/company/press/345-knovel-launches-nanotechnology-collection-.html

New book: Nanoethics: Big Ethical Issues With Small Technology
According to the Nanowerk News review, "This book explores in an accessible and informative way how nanotechnology is likely to impact the lives of ordinary people in the coming years and why ethical reflection on nanotechnology is needed now. Articulate, provocative and stimulating, this timely book will make a significant contribution to one of the most important debates of our time." Military applications is one of the topics discussed.
Sources:
Nanoethics Big Ethical Issues with Small Technology http://www.continuumbooks.com/books/detail.aspx?BookId=132355&SearchType=Basic
Nanoethics: Big ethical issues with small technology http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=13819.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29

Industry Silver Nanotech Group Opposes "New Material" Designation
The Silver Nanotechnology Working Group (SNWG) has released the content of a presentation it made to EPA's Scientific Advisory Panel on the topic of "Evaluation of Hazard and Exposure Associated with Nanosilver and Other Nanometal Oxide Pesticide Products". In it, the group stated that EPA has safely and successfully regulated these products for decades, and that "calls for treatment of nanosilver as a new material requiring development of expensive new test regimes and discriminatory regulatory consideration are difficult to justify."
Source:
Silver Nanotechnology Working Group: EPA Has Safely Regulated Nanosilver for Decades http://www.silverinstitute.org/snwg.php

Green Nano: Challenges of Sustainability Conference to Be Held in Germany
The Green Nano: Challenges of Sustainability - Saving Resources & Protecting Life conference will be held 26 - 27 January 2010 at DECHEMA-House, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The program will include 21 talks, and poster presentations.
Source:
Green Nano: Challenges of Sustainability. Frankfurt am Main, 26 - 27 January 2010 http://www.processnet.org/en/cnt10.html

Reports and Information Suggested for Review

State of the World 2010 Calls for a New Paradigm in Addressing Security
Worldwatch Institute’s annual report State of the World 2010: Transforming Cultures; From Consumerism to Sustainability is a comprehensive assessment of the strategies and measures necessary for improving humanity’s prospects by switching away from consumerism-based patterns. Concerning security, the report argues that as “it will become increasingly clear that the biggest threats to national security are not foreign armies or terrorist groups but the weakened state of the planet,” there will be important changes to the security and legal systems, including new concepts such as “Earth jurisprudence,” while a more balanced military-to-climate budget would “do more to protect people than the largest nuclear arsenal ever could, and in the process it will create additional economic opportunities and new openings to improve diplomatic relations between countries.” The recommendations include, inter alia, the establishment of global political institutions for guaranteeing security, and increasing use of environmental restoration, diplomacy, and cooperation for addressing conflict.
Source:
State of the World 2010. Transforming Cultures: From Consumerism to Sustainability http://blogs.worldwatch.org/transformingcultures/contents/

Summary of European Battery Regulations Released
The environmental consulting firm Enhesa has published its 2009 Batteries Report, with a detailed comparative analysis of the regulatory requirements, including take-back and disposal, in nine European countries compared to the EU Batteries Directive 2006/66/EC.
Sources:
Enhesa Releases Battery Report 2009 Will Santa Claus break the law? The European Batteries Directive http://www.enhesa.com/en/docs/PressRelease_Enhesa_Batteries_final_200912.pdf
Enhesa Batteries Report 2009 http://www.enhesa.com/en/service/docs/Enhesa_Batteries_Report_2009.pdf

Water Treatment Technologies for the Removal of High-Toxicity Pollutants
“Water Treatment Technologies for the Removal of High-Toxity Pollutants,” part of the NATO Science for Peace and Security Series C: Environmental Security, presents the proceedings of the NATO Advanced Research Workshop with the same name, held September 13–17, 2008 in Košice, Slovak Republic. It is an overview of problems related to high toxicity pollutants in the environment, especially in drinking waters, some technologies for water treatment, as well as policy aspects for increasing environmental security.
Source:
Water Treatment Technologies for the Removal of High-Toxity Pollutants http://www.springerlink.com/content/978-90-481-3495-3?sa_campaign=email/NBA

November 2009

China and U.S. Announce Climate Change Goals
China announced it will reduce carbon emissions per unit of GDP by 40 to 45% of 2005 levels, by 2020. The U.S. announced its goal of reducing its emissions by 17% (regardless of emissions per unit of GDP) during this period, matching legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. Both President Obama and Premier Wen will attend the Climate Change conference in Copenhagen in December along with more than 85 heads of state and government (confirmed as of November 30, 2009.) Premier Wen Jiabao has also hosted a group from developing countries including India and Brazil to create a technology transfer position from richer countries in exchange for developing countries’ mitigation efforts.
Sources:
China announces carbon reduction targets http://english.cctv.com/program/bizchina/20091126/104112.shtml
President to Attend Copenhagen Climate Talks http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/president-attend-copenhagen-climate-talks
Big Developing Countries Form Climate Change Front http://planetark.org/wen/55688

Changes to War Crimes Proposed for the International Criminal Court
The 8th session of the Assembly of States Parties to the International Criminal Court discussed proposals to amend the Rome Statute. Belgium proposed modifying Article 8 to cover use of certain weapons (chemicals, gases, and certain bullets) for international and non-international conflict situations and expanding the list of war crimes to include use of chemical, biological, and some conventional weapons, and anti-personnel mines. These proposals are considered relatively non-controversial so as not to deter non-parties from ratifying the Rome Statute and to be consistent with other multilateral agreements in force and with international customary law. Mexico proposed adding the employment or the threat to employ nuclear weapons to article 8. The Netherlands proposed inclusion of Crime of Terrorism under Article 5: Crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court. The first Review Conference on the Rome Statute will be held May 31-June 11, 2010, in Kampala, Uganda.
Sources:
Report of the Bureau on the Review Conference; Addendum. ICC-ASP/8/43/Add.1, 10 Nov., 2009 http://www.icc-cpi.int/iccdocs/asp_docs/ASP8/ICC-ASP-8-43-Add.1-ENG.pdf
Report of the Bureau on the Review Conference. ICC-ASP/8/43, 15 November 2009 http://www.icc-cpi.int/iccdocs/asp_docs/ASP8/ICC-ASP-8-43-ENG.pdf

Increased Calls for Banning Nonlethal Riot-control Agents
Should advances in non-lethal riot control agents be considered in the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)? Currently, the Chemical Weapons Convention and its enforcement mechanisms do not apply to non-lethal riot control agents, incapacitants, and certain munitions containing chemical agents. The nature of the global chemical industry and chemical warfare materials are evolving outside international regulations. A report, Dangerous Ambiguities: Regulation of Riot Control Agents and Incapacitants under the Chemical Weapons Convention by Michael Crowley of the University of Bradford Non-Lethal Weapons Research Project documents these problems. It notes that the danger of “misuse of riot control agents by law enforcement officials, military personnel and private military company employees” grows exponentially as research on these agents proliferates around the world. The report recommends that the next (third) CWC review conference, scheduled for 2013, considers clarifying ambiguities that undermine effective enforcement of the Convention with regard to such weapons and, in the meantime, adopt a moratorium on weaponization of incapacitants. Some states, led by Switzerland, show an increased interest in discussing a legal framework for incapacitants. [Related item: Eleventh Chemical Weapons Convention in December 2006 environmental security report]
Sources:
Danger of "Nonlethal" Agents Grows Amid States' Inaction, Report Says http://gsn.nti.org/gsn/nw_20091106_8443.php
Dangerous Ambiguities: Regulation of Riot Control Agents and Incapacitants under the Chemical Weapons Convention. Michael Crowley, 2009 http://www.brad.ac.uk/acad/nlw/publications/BNLWRPDangerous1.pdf

Technological Advances with Environmental Security Implications

New Technique Helps Reduce Nanoparticle Wastewater Pollution
Scientists at the UK’s Centre for Ecology & Hydrology have discovered that coating nanoparticles with a surfactant causes them to clump together and form a removable solid sludge when they appear in wastewater as a result of their use (now widespread) in commercial products, enabling them to be cleared from treatment plant effluent streams.
Source:
Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. New discovery may help manage nanoparticle wastes from consumer products
http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/press/Managenanoparticlewastesfromconsumerproducts.asp

Evaporation Provides Power in New Desalination System
Saltworks Technologies in Vancouver, BC, Canada claims to have developed a desalination technology that uses up to 80% less energy than current commercial processes, according to the originators. The method depends on using heat in the environment to evaporate salty water to a high degree of concentration, and then setting up an “ionic current” which removes the Na and Cl components. The result, according to the developers, is a system that needs only enough external energy to drive its pumps.
Sources:
Saltworks Technologies Company http://www.saltworkstech.com
Breakthrough in Energy Efficient Desalination Technology http://www.globe-net.com/green_tech/listing.cfm?ID_Report=1856
A fresh way to take the salt out of seawater http://www.economist.com/sciencetechnology/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14743791

Increasing Energy Efficiency Technologies
New Tool for Reducing Carbon Emissions from Building Construction Projects
The Rocky Mountain Institute has released a new on-line computational tool, Green Footstep, which provides the design targets required to achieve carbon neutrality, net zero site energy, and other environmental objectives for a building construction project. It is based on information input about the location and other characteristics of the building, and the local ecosystem. The Green Footstep will produce a carbon emissions performance report for all phases of the work.
Source:
Green Footstep http://greenfootstep.org

Quantum Dots Offer New Possibilities for Energy from Waste Heat
Peter Hagelstein, an associate professor of electrical engineering at MIT, and associates have published a paper setting forth new results that promise major improvements in devices for converting waste heat into electrical energy, offering both high efficiency and high throughput power. Additional technological development will be needed, but MTPV Corp. of Boston is working on exploitation of these ideas.
Sources:
Better way to harness waste heat with quantum dot devices http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=13604.php
Quantum-coupled single-electron thermal to electric conversion scheme http://scitation.aip.org/getabs/servlet/GetabsServlet?prog=normal&id=JAPIAU000106000009094315000001&idtype=cvips&gifs=yes

Software Standards to Connect Data Globally
Denis Havlik of the Austrian Institute of Technology is coordinating an EU FP6 project, Sensors Anywhere (SANY), which embodies the technical capability to allow the free exchange and use of environmental monitoring data regardless of its source. SANY allows a user to search for and retrieve raw or processed environmental data using standardized methods and to receive it in a standard format set out by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGS).
In another project with a related goal, the University of New Mexico, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and associated institutions worldwide are beginning work on establishing DataONE, a global data access and preservation network "for organizing and providing large amounts of highly diverse and interrelated but often incompatible scientific data", according to ORNL's Robert Cook.
Sources:
SANY Project http://sany-ip.eu/
Open shop for environmental data http://www.physorg.com/news177671377.html
DataONE http://dataone.org
DataONE helping scientists deal with data deluge http://www.physorg.com/news177765736.html

Updates on Previously Identified Issues

New Decisions Adopted for Strengthening the Montreal Protocol
The 21st meeting of Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (MOP21), held in Port Ghalib, Egypt, November 4-8, 2009, adopted 30 decisions, including examining alternatives to hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), environmentally sound management of banks of the ozone depleting substance methyl bromide; and data and compliance issues. A North American proposal on phasing down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) was withdrawn after China, India, and several Arab countries disagreed with discussing HFCs under the Montreal Protocol. [Related item: Powerful Greenhouse Gas HFCs Might be banned under the Montreal Protocol in the August 2009 environmental security report.]
Sources:
Documents of the 21st Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol, 4-8 November, 2009 http://ozone.unep.org/Meeting_Documents/mop/21mop/index.shtml
Twenty-first meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer http://www.iisd.ca/ozone/mop21/

UNECE Guidance on Water and Adaptation to Climate Change
The fifth meeting of the parties to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention) was held November 10-12, 2009 in Geneva. It adopted the Guidance on Water and Adaptation to Climate Change to help address the impacts of climate change on transboundary freshwater. The Guidance provides an overview of multilateral agreements related to water issues, and an interdisciplinary methodology on how to develop and implement an adaptation strategy in a transboundary context, as well as recommendations to decisionmakers and water managers on how to assess impacts of climate change on water quantity and quality, perform risk and vulnerability assessments, and design and implement appropriate adaptation strategies. It also contains about 40 case studies. [Related item: Draft European Transboundary Guidance on Water and Adaptation to Climate Change in September 2009 environmental security report.]
Source:
Guidance on Water and Adaptation to Climate Change http://www.unece.org/env/documents/2009/Wat/mp_wat/ECE_MP.WAT_30_E.pdf

International Gene Synthesis Consortium Created for Increasing Biosecurity
Five companies that represent about 80% of global gene synthesis capacity have formed the International Gene Synthesis Consortium for increasing the security of their products, preventing misuse of gene synthesis technology, and helping to prevent bioterrorism and the use of manufactured DNA sequences in producing lethal disease agents. The Consortium’s “Harmonized Screening Protocol for Gene Sequence & Customer Screening to Promote Biosecurity” creates a framework for safe use of synthetic genes covering aspects related to: screening of transactions and customers, record keeping, and regulatory compliance. In the meantime, the International Association of Synthetic Biology finalized the Code of Conduct for Best Practices in Gene Synthesis, and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) held a ‘Symposium on Future Challenges of International Law: The Way Forward in Patenting Biotechnology’ on November 25, 2009, to address the challenging interface between biotechnology, intellectual property rights, and international trade (the outcomes were not yet available at the time of this writing.) [Related item: Synthetic Gene Ordering Security Screening Up for Discussion in September 2009 environmental security report.]
Sources:
World’s Top Gene Synthesis Companies Establish Tough Biosecurity Screening Protocol http://www.genesynthesisconsortium.org/November_19.html
Gene Synthesis Companies Pledge to Foil Bioterrorists http://blogs.sciencemag.org/scienceinsider/2009/11/gene-synthesis.html
Code of Conduct for Best Practices in Gene Synthesis http://www.ia-sb.eu/go/synthetic-biology/activities/press-area/press-information/code-of-conduct-for-best-practices-in-gene-synthesis/
Symposium on Future Challenges of International Law: the Way Forward in Patenting Biotechnology http://www.wipo.int/meetings/en/2009/wipo_ls_biot_ge_09/

UK and US Legislators Review Geoengineering Proposals
The US House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology held a hearing to examine the scientific, engineering, ethical, economic, and governance aspects of geoengineering and intends to hold two or three more. The UK House of Commons Science and Technology Committee has plans for studying whether geoengineering would require new national or international regulations. The two groups plan a partnership, holding parallel hearings and sharing materials when they are publicly available. [Related item: London Convention Might be Expanded to Include Ocean-based Geoengineering in November 2007 environmental security report.]
Sources:
Geoengineering Gets a Hearing in Congress -- and in the U.K., Too http://industry.bnet.com/energy/10002452/geoengineering-gets-a-congressional-hearing-and-the-uk-too/
Geoengineering: Assessing the Implications of Large-Scale Climate Intervention http://science.house.gov/publications/hearings_markups_details.aspx?newsid=2668
Ken Caldeira Testifies to Congress on Geoengineering http://www.ciw.edu/news/ken_caldeira_testifies_congress_geoengineering

EPA Issues New Regulations on Water Pollution from Construction
The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a final rule to be phased in over four years to help reduce water pollution from construction sites. Builders must use best management practices to ensure that construction activity does not pollute nearby bodies of water; and, for larger projects, they must also monitor discharges and ensure they comply with specific limits. [Related item: Fiber Check Dams with Chemicals Control Polluting Construction Runoff in April 2009 environmental security report.]
Sources:
Construction and Development. Final Effluent Guidelines http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/guide/construction
EPA Issues Rule to Reduce Water Pollution from Construction Sites http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/3881d73f4d4aaa0b85257359003f5348/46b167e60dac2c2185257677005bf4fa!OpenDocument

Ultrathin Solar Panels Could End Up On the EU list of Hazardous Materials, Due to Cadmium Content
The ultrathin photovoltaic panels, favored over the conventional crystalline models because they are more versatile, contain cadmium telluride for converting light to electricity. Since cadmium is banned from most products in Europe, rather than amending the law, the EU is expected to propose a way of pressuring solar companies to come up with alternatives to cadmium telluride, e.g., by requiring them to apply for four-year, renewable grace periods. A French government report concluded that risks to human health from cadmium exposure during normal operation of the panels were negligible. One of the largest U.S. panel manufacturers has set up a voluntary system that would be funded in advance to recycle and reuse 95% of the cadmium and tellurium in its modules sold worldwide. [Related items: RoHS Closer to Deadline in May 2006 and UN E-Waste Forum and Basel Convention’s Conference of Parties in December 2006 environmental security reports.]
Source:
Balancing energy needs and material hazards http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/09/business/energy-environment/09iht-green09.html

Climate Change
Scientific Evidence and Natural Disasters
Global mean warming might reach 7°C (12.6°F) by the end of the century, without drastic mitigation efforts, estimate scientists contributing to the IPCC AR5, due in 2013. The Copenhagen Diagnosis is “an interim scientific evaluation” prepared for the December climate Summit. Similarly, the Global Carbon Project warns that unless urgent actions are taken to reduce CO2 emissions, global temperatures are on course to rise by about 6°C by the end of the century. They estimate that emissions rose by 29% between 2000 and 2008, and suggest that in order to limit global temperature rise to 2°C, average carbon emissions per capita for goods and services should be reduced to 0.3 metric tons by 2050, from 1.3 metric tons now.
The 2008 Greenhouse Gas Bulletin by the World Meteorological Organization also reveals that the global trend of rising atmospheric global greenhouse gases (GHG) continues. Globally, the averaged mixing ratios of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) reached new highs in 2008; and, while some halocarbons, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), are decreasing slowly as a result of the implementation of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, concentrations of their substitutes, such as HCFCs and HFCs, are increasing rapidly. Simultaneously, the first comprehensive study accounting for oceans’ intake of CO2 over the past 250 years reveals that since 2000, as the oceans’ acidity increases, their carbon-sequestration capacity is declining. Therefore, “we cannot count on these sinks operating in the future as they have in the past, and keep on subsidizing our ever-growing appetite for fossil fuels,” says lead author, oceanographer Samar Khatiwala, from Columbia University. A recent assessment financed by the Global Environment Facility indicates that 61 of the world’s 64 large marine ecosystems experienced a significant increase in sea surface temperatures in the last 25 years.

Food and Water Security
Food Security and Agricultural Mitigation in Developing Countries: Options for Capturing Synergies, released by FAO prior to the World Summit on Food Security, says that 70% of agriculture’s mitigation potential can be realized in developing countries. The report highlights the importance of considering food security, agricultural mitigation, adaptation, and development in global agendas and national strategies for addressing climate change, and it stresses the need for reaching global consensus on measurable, reportable, and verifiable requirements. Agriculture adaptability was also the main theme of the World Summit on Food Security held at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, November16-18, 2009. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon underlined that “there can be no food security without climate security.” The Summit adopted a Declaration that outlines strategic objectives, commitments and actions, and establishes the Five Rome Principles for Sustainable Global Food Security.
The World Bank report Agricultural Development Under a Changing Climate: Opportunities and Challenges for Adaptation, focuses on rural development in the context of climate risk management and adaptation, particularly on issues of seasonal climate forecasting, water management in rain-fed and irrigated production systems, sustainable land management, crop and livestock breeding, crop genetic diversity, seed systems, pests, and urban and peri-urban agriculture.
The FAO policy brief Climate Change and Food Security in the Pacific warns that climate change will have serious impacts on agriculture, forestry, and fisheries in the Pacific islands, leading to increased food insecurity and malnutrition. Considering climate change as a “threat multiplier” in a region that is already under severe ecological and economic stress, FAO urged governments and donors to start implementing robust and action-oriented climate change adaptation plans for all Pacific islands.
Aaron Wolf, Program Director in Water Conflict Management and Transformation at Oregon State University, said that the source of potential tensions and conflicts over water is not scarcity but poor capacity to deal with changes in the water basin. He gives as examples some regions that had organizations to oversee shared river basins; including those formed by India and Pakistan, and by Israel and its Arab neighbors, which had remained intact for decades.
Colin Chartres, Director General of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CIGAR) warned that countries depending on snowmelt could expect water levels to drop by up to 30%. He underscored the need for investments amounting to $270 billion in drinking and irrigation infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa and India. Along the same lines, the UNEP report, Fresh Water Under Threat, Vulnerability Assessment of Freshwater Resources to Environmental Change, Africa, calls for urgent adaptation measures to combat scientific and technical deficiencies, poor governance and management structures, pollution of water resources, and industrialization and urbanization.

Health
The World Health Organization is increasingly publishing articles that highlight the link between environmental conditions and health, such as the need to examine the spatial distribution of vector-borne diseases in relation to climate change, and design strategies that would help mitigate climate change while also improving human health. The Feeling the Heat report by Save the Children notes that climate change is the 21st century’s biggest global health threat to children, with impacts including: over 900 million children in the next generation to be affected by water shortages; 160 million more children to be at risk of catching malaria; and 175 million children a year to suffer the consequences of natural disasters such as cyclones, droughts, and floods by 2030. It warns that 250,000 children could die next year due to climate change (a figure that could reach 1 million by 2030).

Melting Glaciers and Sea Ice
The interim scientific report, The Copenhagen Diagnosis reveals: summer-time melting of Arctic sea ice surpassed by about 40% the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s forecasts for the period 2007–2009, Greenland and Antarctic ice-sheets are losing mass at an increasing rate, and glaciers and ice-cap melting accelerated in most parts of the world since 1990. Similarly, an analysis of data from NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (Grace) mission reveals that the East Antarctic ice sheet, thought to be stable, has been losing 57 billion metric tons per year since 2006.

Rising Sea Levels
Sea-level rise might reach 2 meters by 2100, say the new estimates by the interim scientific report The Copenhagen Diagnosis. It notes that global average sea-level rise was 3.4 mm/year over the past 15 years, 80% above the IPCC forecasts, but consistent with an accelerating melting of glaciers, ice caps, and the Greenland and West-Antarctic ice-sheets. The report also underlines that sea level will continue to rise over the next few centuries after global temperature have been stabilized.

Migration
Nearly 10% of the world’s population––500 million to 600 million people––are at risk from displacement by climate change, and up to 150 million “climate refugees” might move to other countries by 2050, predicts the report No Place Like Home by the Environmental Justice Foundation. Some countries––Tuvalu, Fiji, the Solomon Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Maldives and some of the Lesser Antilles––are in danger of losing a significant part of their land in the next 50 years, while others could see large movements of people: Bangladesh, Kenya, Papua New Guinea, Somalia, Yemen, Ethiopia, Chad, and Rwanda.
In an address to the Third Meeting of the Global Forum on Migration and Development held November 4th, in Athens, Greece, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, identified climate change along with human trafficking and economic crisis as a cause of international migration, , therefore emphasizing that protection of vulnerable communities should be a priority of adaptation efforts.

Adaptation
The UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction Secretariat (UNISDR) 2010-2011 Biennial Work Programme: Invest Today for a Safer Tomorrow includes four strategic objectives: 1) accelerate the promotion of national coordination mechanisms for disaster risk reduction with the goal of including climate change concerns; 2) participate in UNFCCC processes; 3) promote joint adaptation and risk reduction measures in countries; and 4) increase global inter-agency coordination on risk analysis and risk reduction, as a tool for climate change adaptation. While the current strategic overview is for two years, the vision, targets, and strategic directions are forward looking to 2015. Key expected outcomes include improved knowledge, strategies, and political and financial commitments, as well as better coherence and coordination among international and regional actors to address climate-related risks.
In partnership with the IPCC, UNISDR is working on a special report, Managing the Risk of Extreme Events and Disasters to Advance Climate Change Adaptation, to be released in 2011, representing the first global scientific effort to examine the linkages between disaster risk reduction and adaptation to climate change.
A Declaration of ‘climate vulnerable’ States demands that the Copenhagen outcome document include adaptation finance mechanisms to address the needs of the most vulnerable countries, amounting to at least 1.5% of developed countries' GDP (in addition to the 0.7% for overseas development assistance) annually by 2015 to assist developing countries to make their transition to a climate-resilient economy and to address the health, human rights, and security implications of climate change, including communities’ relocation and a legal framework to protect climate refugees. A follow-up Climate Vulnerable States Forum will be held in Kiribati in 2010.
The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity for National and International Policy Makers; Summary: Responding to the Value of Nature assesses reasons and methods for measuring the value of ecosystems and includes a series of recommendations for improving decisions. It highlights that the ratio of benefits to costs for ecosystem protection ranges between 25-to-1 and 100-to-1. For example, expanding marine protection from less than 1% to 30% would cost about $40-50 billion per year, whereas the annual benefit would be about $4-5 trillion. “Recognizing and rewarding the value delivered to society by the natural environment must become a policy priority,” said The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity study leader, Pavan Sukhdev.
The EU estimates that €100 billion ($150 billion) a year by 2020 would cost-effectively address climate change. It estimates it would cost about €7 billion ($10.5 billion) a year for the first three years to “fast-track” funding in the developing world. There is no agreement on who should pay what and if the contributions should be voluntary or mandatory, or linked to the “polluter pays” principle. Chancellor Angela Merkel reportedly said that the European and the U.S. shares should be around one-third each.
The State of World Population 2009 report by the UN Population Fund focuses on the impacts of climate change on the most vulnerable - and poor women specifically. The report argues that the fight against climate change is more likely to be successful if decisions take into account the needs, rights, and potential of women.

Climate Modeling
A newly revised NASA model trying to address the complexities of atmospheric chemistry, suggests that some greenhouse gases have considerably stronger warming effects than previously estimated. When the hydroxyl-consuming effect is factored in, methane’s planet-warming potential is about 28 times more than that of CO2 (compared to 25 times shown by previous studies), while carbon monoxide’s greenhouse warming potential rises from 2.2 times to 3.3 times that of CO2. It further finds that their greenhouse effect increases even further if their inhibiting influence on the formation of planet-cooling clouds is incorporated into the model. The new finding, published in the October 29 Science, reveals the difficulty of making long-term climate predictions under various emissions scenarios. However, the model can help policymakers better assess the potential climatic effects of specific types of emissions and design reduction targets accordingly.
Recent discoveries reveal that it took only six months to plunge Europe into the last ice age. The research, conducted by William Patterson from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada, using mud deposits from Lough Monreagh lake in western Ireland, shows that 12,800 years ago, most probably due to a sudden slowdown of the Gulf Stream, the northern hemisphere was plunged into a mini-ice age that lasted for 1,300 years. Professor Tim Lenton from the University of East Anglia notes, “In the period from 65,000 to 10,000 years ago there were periods of abrupt warming and cooling roughly every 1,500 years, when the temperature in Greenland might fall or rise by 10°C (18°F) in a decade.”

Post-Kyoto Negotiations
The final round of negotiations before the Climate Summit to be held in Copenhagen took place November 2-6, 2009, in Barcelona, Spain. Despite some progress, concluding a legally binding instrument in Copenhagen remains uncertain. While some suggest that a new mandate might be needed to continue negotiations and possibly reach a global climate pact in 2010, new hopes emerged when Britain suggested the creation of a Copenhagen launch fund for helping poorer states deal with climate change-related challenges. The fund, to begin in 2010, would reach $10 billion per year by 2012. Britain already pledged £800 million ($1.3 billion). The Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (Committee of Ten) mandated to speak on behalf of Africa expressed that Africa expects the agreement to stipulate clear measures for providing Africa technology and capacity-building to “resolve the present climatic crises and spare the continent from catastrophes.” The vulnerable island states also ask for funds and concessions to deal with rising sea level consequences. At the same time, new targets were announced by the world’s largest GHG emitters: U.S. intends to reduce its GHG emissions “in the range of” 17% below 2005 levels by 2020 and 83% by 2050, while China plans to reduce its CO2 intensity — emissions per unit of GDP — by 40–45% by 2020, compared to 2005 levels. The EU already announced its 20/20/20 policy cutting emissions by 20% (30% if other industrialized states follow suit) by 2020 compared to 1990 levels. Brazil, the fourth-biggest GHG contributor, offered a reduction of 36-39% based on its projected economic output in 2020. India is also expected to make some announcement soon.
Sources:
The Copenhagen Diagnosis: Climate Science Report http://copenhagendiagnosis.org/
Earth 'heading for 6C' of warming http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8364926.stm
Oceans' ability to sequester carbon diminishing http://news.mongabay.com/2009/1118-hance_ocean_carbon.html
World Summit on Food Security http://www.fao.org/wsfs/world-summit/en/
Food security in the Pacific at risk due to climate change http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/37758/icode/
2nd Africa Water Week http://www.dwaf.gov.za/dir_ws/2aww/
Taking the heat out of the population and climate debate http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/87/11/09-072652/en/index.html
'Feeling the Heat: Climate Change and Child Survival' http://www.savethechildren.net/alliance/what_we_do/emergencies/climate_change/feelingtheheat.html
The Copenhagen Diagnosis: Climate Science Report http://copenhagendiagnosis.org/default.html
East Antarctic ice sheet may be losing mass http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8371773.stm
Global warming could create 150 million 'climate refugees' by 2050 http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/nov/03/global-warming-climate-refugees
UNISDR 2010-2011 Biennial Work Programme http://www.unisdr.org/news/v.php?id=11801
First global scientific effort to examine the linkages between disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation http://www.unisdr.org/news/v.php?id=11682
Aerosols cloud the climate picture http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/48940/title/Aerosols_cloud_the_climate_picture
Climate change catastrophe took just months http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/science/earth-environment/article6917215.ece
Barcelona Climate Change Talks 2009 http://unfccc.int/meetings/intersessional/barcelona_09/items/5024.php
UK's Brown backs $10 billion climate change fund http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSGEE5AQ1KN

Nanotechnology Safety Issues
New Results on TiO2 Nanoparticle Toxicity to Cells
Scientists at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have published the results of a study showing that a physicochemical reaction to ingestion of TiO2 nanoparticles can induce DNA breaks, chromosomal damage, and inflammation in cells in various organs in a mouse model.
Sources:
Nanoparticles used in common household items caused genetic damage in mice http://www.physorg.com/news177608158.html
Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Induce DNA Damage and Genetic Instability In vivo in Mice Cancer Res. 69: 8784-8789 http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/cgi/gca?sendit=Get+All+Checked+Abstract%28s%29&SEARCHID=1&FULLTEXT=tio2&VOLUME=69&ISSUE=22&FIRSTINDEX=0&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&gca=canres%3B69%2F22%2F8784

Sodium Cholate Found to Be Safe Surfactant for Carbon Nanotubes
Prof. Lifeng Dong and associates at Missouri State University, Springfield MO, have shown that sodium cholate is an environmentally friendly surfactant for the purification and dispersion of single-walled carbon nanotubes, not affecting cell morphology, proliferation, or growth.
Source:
Cytotoxicity Effects of Different Surfactant Molecules Conjugated to Carbon Nanotubes on Human Astrocytoma Cells http://www.springerlink.com/content/g5x542181j646494/

OECD to Release Guidance for Manufactured Nanomaterials Testing
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development plans to publish in the next month or so new draft guidance on the preparation of samples used for safety testing of manufactured nanomaterials. According to the Bureau of National Affairs, an OECD official stated that using traditional bulk chemical test methods with nanomaterials can lead to unexpected results and, “Materials tend to agglomerate or will attach themselves to other things that are in the [test] medium. So there is always the possibility that people are not testing the thing that they thought they were testing,” He also announced that OECD will be explaining human health and environmental safety aspects of nanotechnology at a series of regional meetings. “We will be explaining the kind of work we've been doing and the kind of guidance documents that we've developed,” he said. The first such event will be Nov. 27 in Beijing, for the Asia-Pacific region.
Source:
OECD to Release Preliminary Guidance For Testing of Manufactured Nanomaterials
http://ehscenter.bna.com/pic2/ehs.nsf/id/BNAP-7XGFWX?OpenDocument

UK Nanotech EHS Directory Published
The UK's Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network has published the UK Nanotechnology Health, Safety and Environment Directory 2009, listing more than 30 institutes, government departments, networks and commercial service providers that are recognized as contributing in some way to the EHS debate.
Sources:
NanoKTN publishes a UK nanotechnology health, safety and environment directory
http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=13506.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29
UK Nanotechnology Health, Safety and Environment Directory 2009
http://mnt.globalwatchonline.com/epicentric_portal/binary/com.epicentric.contentmanagement.servlet.ContentDeliveryServlet/MNT/Knowledge%2520Centre/UKNanoHSEDirectory1.5.pdf

European Consumer Organizations Call for Better Nano Regulation
Two European consumer organizations – the European Consumers' Organisation (BEUC) and the European consumer voice in standardization (ANEC) – have issued a preliminary inventory of products on the EU market that contain nanomaterials. Its launch was accompanied by a series of demands from the organizations for better European regulation of nanotechnology.
Source:
EU consumer bodies launch nanotechnology consumer product inventory http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=13465.php

Nanomaterials Labeling in New EU Uniform Cosmetics Rule
A story in Nanowerk News reports that the EU has harmonized 55 existing directives into a single regulation on the labeling of cosmetics in the Union. One provision, opposed by Germany, requires that product labels indicate the presence of nanomaterials.
Sources:
Germany resists EU regulation for 'nanotechnology' label for cosmetics
http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=13681.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29
Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on cosmetic products (recast); PE-CONS 3623/09 http://register.consilium.europa.eu/pdf/en/09/st03/st03623.en09.pdf

New Centre for Nano Safety Established in Scotland
Edinburgh Napier University has set up a new Centre for Nano Safety as "a multi-disc[i]plinary centre addressing the potential human and environmental effects of nanomaterials, incorporating human and environmental toxicology as well as microbiology."
Sources:
New nanomaterials safety research center launched in the UK http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=13489.php
Centre for Nano Safety http://www.napier.ac.uk/RANDKT/RKTCENTRES/NANOSAFETY/Pages/CentreforNanoSafety.aspx

Petition Filed for EPA to Regulate Nanosilver
The International Center for Technology Assessment (ICTA) and a coalition of consumer, health, and environmental groups has filed a petition with EPA, requesting that it regulate all nanosilver products as pesticides and ban all consumer products containing nanosilver, under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. The action is being interpreted as a first step in a campaign for more intensive evaluation and possible regulation of nanoproducts.
Sources:
Demands for Regulation of NanoSilver – The First Battle for the Industry’s Future? Vol. 6/3 http://www.nanolabweb.com/index.cfm/action/main.default.viewArticle/articleID/300/CFID/2812526/CFTOKEN/41767117/index.html (Abstract; full article by subscription)
Legal Petition Challenges EPA’s Failure to Regulate Environmental and Health Threats from Nano-Silver. Executive Summary http://www.icta.org/nanoaction/doc/CTA_nano-silver_executive_summary_5_1_08.pdf

NIEHS Awards 13 Grants for Nanomaterials Assessment Methods
The NIH National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has awarded 13 new two-year grants to develop better methods to assess exposure and health effects associated with nanomaterials. According to Nanowerk News, the grants, "focus on ensuring that we have reliable and reproducible methods and models to assess exposure, exposure metrics, and biological response to nanomaterials", and the "research is also essential for the harmonization of research results and forming a scientifically sound basis for hazard assessment, as well as the safe design and development of [engineered nanomaterials]".
Sources:
NIEHS grants to focus more research on health and safety of nanomaterials http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=13626.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29
NIEHS Awards Recovery Act Funds to Focus More Research on Health and Safety of Nanomaterials http://www.niehs.nih.gov/news/releases/2009/nanotech.cfm

Australian Group Releases Two Workplace Nanosafety Reports
Safe Work Australia has announced the release of two research reports on engineered nanomaterials, Engineered Nanomaterials: Evidence on the effectiveness of workplace controls to prevent exposure, prepared by the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, and Engineered nanomaterials: A review of the toxicology and health hazards, researched by Toxikos Pty Ltd..
Sources:
Safe Work Australia releases two new reports for its Nanotechnology Occupational Health and Safety Program
http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=13469.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29

Australian Government Proposes New Nanotech Regulations
The Australian government is inviting discussion of a proposal to strengthen regulation of industrial nanomaterials use in Australia. According to Nanowerk News, "Major regulatory reforms … include: refinement of pre-market assessment categories for nanoforms of new chemicals, particularly where human health or environmental exposure can reasonably be anticipated; and a mandatory notification and assessment program for nanoforms of existing chemicals." It is expected that this carefully drafted proposal may serve as a model for other jurisdictions' regulatory efforts.
Probably also adding to the prominence of nanotech risk in the public eye in Australia is a new report, "What you should know about nano" for the Australia Institute by Fern Wickson of the University of Bergen, presented at the Asia-Pacific Science, Technology and Society Network Conference in Brisbane, and recommending stronger regulatory measures.
Sources:
Nanotechnology - Stakeholder Consultation http://www.nicnas.gov.au/Current_Issues/Nanotechnology/Stakeholder_Consultation.asp
Government invites consultations on strengthening nanomaterial regulations in Australia http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=13431.php
Australia Seeks Comment on Proposal for Regulating Industrial Nanomaterials http://news.bna.com/deln/DELNWB/split_display.adp?fedfid=15757279&vname=dennotallissues&fn=15757279&jd=a0c1k2r9g5&split=0
What you should know about nano. Policy Brief No. 8, November 2009, ISSN 1836-9014 https://www.tai.org.au/file.php?file=/media_releases/PB8%20Nanotechnology%20final.pdf
Nanotechnology - the sexy new science with lots of unanswered questions http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=13702.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29

Lack of Standards for Engineered Nanoparticles in European Surface Waters
As reported by Meridian Nanotechnology and Development News, a recent article in the Journal of Environmental Monitoring "concludes that it is impossible to set limit values for engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in European surface waters now and in the foreseeable future…due to the extensive lack of knowledge not only of toxic effects, degradability, and bioaccumulation of ENPs in the aquatic environment, but also due to the questionable validity of test systems and methods to establish environmental quality standards" and goes on to explain the role of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) as an environmental control.
Sources:
Setting the limits for engineered nanoparticles in European surface waters – are current approaches appropriate? J. Environ. Monit., 2009, 11, 1774 - 1781, DOI: 10.1039/b909730a http://www.rsc.org/delivery/_ArticleLinking/DisplayHTMLArticleforfree.cfm?JournalCode=EM&Year=2009&ManuscriptID=b909730a&Iss=10
EU Water Framework Directive—information page http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-framework/index_en.html

Questions Raised on Reliability of In Vitro Nanomaterials Toxicity Testing
In talks, one self-characterized as provocative, at the National Science and Technology Council's workshop Nanomaterials and Human Health & Instrumentation, Metrology, and Analytical Methods, Prof. David Grainger of the Univ. of Utah and Dean Martin Philbert of the University of Michigan's School of Public Health raised serious questions about the reliability of in vitro tests for toxicity of nanomaterials and advocated more whole body research, basing their criticism on the variability of in vitro tests and the lack of knowledge of nanomaterial interactions in a full biological environment.
Sources:
In vitro assessments of nanomaterial toxicity (Abstract) http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL
Cell Tests Can Produce Any Desired Result about Nanomaterial Toxicity, Speaker Says http://www.merid.org/NDN/more.php?id=2270

Risk Assessment Leader Warns against "Temptations"
Dr. Kristen M. Kulinowski, Director of the International Council on Nanotechnology, has recently written an article, Temptation, Temptation, Temptation: Why Easy Answers About Nanomaterial Risk are Probably Wrong, citing three temptations that can produce misleading conclusions about nanotech risks. T 1: “Generalizing Results from One Study to All of ‘Nanotechnology’”: she suggests using the Virtual Journal of NanoEHS (http://icon.rice.edu/virtualjournal.cfm) and its accompanying analysis tool to aid in placing new results in their proper place in the developing body of risk knowledge. T 2: “Mischaracterizing the Impacts Research as Either Non-Existent or Conclusive”: The current lack of full understanding of the nanomaterial/biosphere interaction makes difficult the evaluation of results. T 3: “Basing Risk Management Decisions on Non-Nanoscale Material”: Nanomaterials may be qualitatively different.
Source:
Temptation, Temptation, Temptation: Why Easy Answers About Nanomaterial Risk are Probably Wrong http://www.azonano.com/details.asp?ArticleId=2448

Conference on the Potential Environmental Benefits of Nanotechnology
Presentations from the OECD Conference on the Potential Environmental Benefits of Nanotechnology are now available. According to Nanowerk News, "...the conference explored the environmental profiles of emerging nanoscale innovation with the goal of encouraging development of technologies that can result in environmental gain while addressing unintended consequences."
Source:
Presentations from the OECD Conference on the Potential Environmental Benefits of Nanotechnology http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=13420.php

Possibly Unfounded Concern over Nanoparticle Cell Damage Study
Gevdeep Bhabra, et al., contend in Nature Nanotechnology that cobalt-chromium nanoparticles damage DNA across cell boundaries. Other experts in the field are upset over wide and alarmist publicity being given to this new study. Critics say it is seriously flawed. The study claims that cells in the farthest layer of a four-layer cellular barrier were damaged by cobalt-chromium particles introduced into the nearest layer. These critics point out that the particle concentration was thousands of times higher than could be expected to occur in the human body, and the particle size was not limited to the nano range.
Sources:
Nanoparticles can cause DNA damage across a cellular barrier http://www.nature.com/nnano/journal/vaop/ncurrent/abs/nnano.2009.313.html
Experts Criticize Nanoparticle Study http://sciencenow.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/2009/1106/1

FramingNano Conference to Present Nanotech Governance Framework
The Final International Conference of the FramingNano FP7 project will take place December 15, 2009 at the Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel. The Governance Plan developed within the Project will be discussed, in preparation for its presentation to the European Commission (EC) as a model of management to be followed by European policy makers and stakeholders. Its aim is described as, "to ensure that the development of nanosciences and nanotechnologies takes place responsibly, and to the benefit of individuals and society as a whole."
Sources:
A new governance framework for nanotechnology http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=13435.php
A New Governance Framework for Nanotechnologies http://www.framingnano.eu/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=39&Itemid=63
Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies: An action plan for Europe 2005-2009. Second Implementation Report 2007-2009 http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2009:0607:FIN:EN:PDF

Reports and Information Suggested for Review
Climate Change Threats Increasingly Top Security Agendas
The first study assessing quantitative links between climate change and the risk of civil war found that in sub-Saharan Africa, between 1980 and 2002, the incidence of conflicts across the continent rose by nearly 50% with a 1°C temperature increase in a given year. Using these assumptions and 20 global climate models, the researchers warn that without swift mitigation action, the incidence of African civil war could increase 55% by 2030 relative to 1990.
“If uncontrolled, climate change will have security implications of similar magnitude to the World Wars, but which will last for centuries [….] Security sector actors must not just prepare responses to the security challenges of climate change; they must also be part of the solution,” states the report Climate Change and the Military: The State of the Debate prepared by the Institute for Environmental Security and partner organizations. In this spirit, the First Statement of the Military Advisory Council of the Climate Change and the Military project calls upon governments to integrate into their respective military strategies the security implications of climate change, and on the military to reduce its own carbon “bootprint.” Climate and Energy the Dominant Challenges of the 21st Century from members of the Center for Naval Analyses Military Advisory Board states that climate and energy security threats “will dominate and shape the state of nations in the decades to come.”
Sources:
The Role of the Military in Climate Change and Security http://www.brookings.edu/events/2009/1029_climate_change_military.aspx
"Climate and Energy the Dominant Challenges of the 21st Century http://www.acus.org/new_atlanticist/environmental-threats
The war against warming http://www.nature.com/climate/2009/0912/full/climate.2009.120.html
Climate change could boost incidence of civil war in Africa, study finds http://www.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2009/11/23_africa_climate_change.shtml

European Environment Agency Draws First Map of Europe’s Noise Exposure
The European Environment Agency has launched the most comprehensive map of noise exposure, NOISE (Noise Observation and Information Service for Europe). Using database map software, map products show the numbers of people exposed to noise generated by air, rail and road traffic across Europe and in 102 large urban agglomerations. NOISE is expected to help enforce the Environmental Noise Directive adopted in 2002 and to reduce human noise exposure.
Source:
EEA draws the first map of Europe's noise exposure http://www.eea.europa.eu/pressroom/newsreleases/eea-draws-the-first-map-of-europe2019s-noise-exposure

Consumer’s Handbook for Reducing Solid Waste
The booklet “Consumer’s Handbook for Reducing Solid Waste” describes how individual consumers can help alleviate modern society’s mounting solid waste problem by making environmentally aware decisions about everyday needs. This booklet outlines many practical steps to reduce the amount and toxicity of solid waste.
Sources:
Consumer’s Handbook for Reducing Solid Waste http://www.epa.gov/osw/wycd/catbook/index.htm

October 2009

UN Treaty on Maritime Goods Transportation Opened for Signature
The new UNCITRAL Convention on Contracts for the International Carriage of Goods Wholly or Partly by Sea, known as the “Rotterdam Rules”, provides a legal framework governing the international carriage of goods by sea and industry practices. 90% of world trade travels in part by ocean transport. The Convention sets clear global rules for rights and obligations, liability and redress of all parties involved in shipping goods by sea. Adopted by the General Assembly in December 2008, the Rotterdam Rules opened for signature on September 23, 2009 and need 20 ratifications for entry into force. To date, it already has 20 signatories (including the U.S.) representing over 25% of current world trade volume.
Sources:
United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Carriage of Goods Wholly or Partly by Sea - the "Rotterdam Rules" http://www.uncitral.org/uncitral/en/uncitral_texts/transport_goods/2008rotterdam_rules.html
Rotterdam Rules Gain Momentum as 20th State Signs http://www.unis.unvienna.org/unis/pressrels/2009/unisl133.html
The Rotterdam Rules. Wide Support by States at Signing Ceremony in Rotterdam https://www.bimco.org/Corporate%20Area/About/Press/Press_Releases/2009_09_23

East Africa to Increase Environmental Security
The East African Community (EAC) conference, ‘Peace and Security for Stability and Development,’ held in Kampala, Uganda, October 5–7, 2009 explored the issues and impacts of globalization and climatic change on the region. It recommended the creation of a regional standby force that would provide collective protection of EAC’s natural resources (land and marine), as well as the unified airspace. It would have active and reserve contingents, and would be different from the Brigades established by the African Union. The Implementation Plan for the EAC Regional Strategy for Peace and Security addresses broad human security concerns, including population growth, socio-political and economic security issues, and global warming. Along the same lines, the Annual Regional Parliamentary Forum on Environmental Security in Eastern Africa, held October 13–14, also in Uganda, discussed security implications of environmental challenges facing Africa, as well as environmental crime and its trans-boundary manageability. The recommendations to parliamentarians include initiating policy reforms and legislation, as well as establishing monitoring systems for environmental security related issues.
Sources:
EAC Peace and Security Conference. Conference Resolutions and Recommendations http://www.eac.int/component/content/315.html?task=view
Regional MPs Advocate for Climatic Change Mitigation http://allafrica.com/stories/200910160024.html
Annual Regional Parliamentary Forum on Environmental Security in Eastern Africa 13 and 14 October 2009 http://www.amaniforum.org/images/09_updates/Update%20on%20Environemtnal%20Security%20Forum.pdf

Changes to Chemicals Regulatory Systems
Asian Countries to Adapt their Chemicals Regulatory Systems to EU REACH System
China, Japan, and Korea have set the broad framework for adapting their chemicals regulatory systems to the EU REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemical substances) system. So far, they have only introduced REACH in the top legal structure, but during 2009–2010, their governments will issue additional regulations on issues such as chemical exposure, risk assessment, classification of chemicals, and collection of hazard data. Venues used for policy coordination include: the Tripartite Environmental Ministers Meeting; the Chemical Dialogue; the UN Strategic Approach to International Chemical Management, and the Globally Harmonized System on Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. The “REACHing Asia Continued” report examines the differences between the Asian chemicals regulatory system (specifically China, Japan and Korea) and the EU REACH system and outlines national frameworks covering, inter alia: pollutant release and transfer register; import and export restrictions; occupational exposure limits and protection; and chemical restrictions in products/compositions.
Source:
Park, DaeYoung: REACHing Asia Continued (September 16, 2009) http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1474504

U.S. to Revise the Toxic Substances Control Act
The overhaul of the U.S. 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) will require prioritizing tens of thousands of chemicals currently on the market. While there is agreement that the focus should be on the highest-priority chemicals based on potential health risks, the industry prefers using existing data, while environmentalists call for a risk-based standard focused on chemical regulation rather than product regulation.
Sources:
Experts debate ways to reform 1976 toxics law http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/10/07/07greenwire-experts-debate-ways-to-reform-1976-toxics-law-83495.html
Revisiting the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 http://www.nanotechproject.org/news/archive/7092/
Summary of the Toxic Substances Control Act http://www.epa.gov/lawsregs/laws/tsca.html

EU to Introduce New Environmental Index
In order to better measure progress, the EU Commission plans to develop a comprehensive index of environmental sustainability, which would include indicators on the main environmental policy and protection aspects. The index would complement the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), thus helping sustainable development policies. A pilot version of the index will be presented in 2010. The European Statistical System will also implement Environmental Accounting as a standard in macro-economic statistics, while the Commission will speed up environmental and social data generation for producing near real-time information for decision-making.
Sources:
Environment: Measuring progress in a changing world http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/09/1286
Brussels wants wider measure of well-being than mere GDP http://news.my.msn.com/business/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3559371

Technological Advances with Environmental Security Implications
New Detection and Cleanup Techniques
Multi-component Environmental Sensing System Could Help Anticipate Crises
Prof. Eyal Ben-Dor of Tel Aviv University’s Department of Geography has recently described applications of his team’s ‘Hyperspectral Remote Sensor’ concept, which combines ground-, air-, and space-based physical, chemical and optical sensors to provide advance warnings of disasters or post-event damage assessments.
Source:
Sensing disasters from space http://www.physorg.com/news175441355.html

Scanning Instrument for Chemical Agents Detection
Researchers at Queen’s University in Belfast, Northern Ireland, are developing a new sensor that has the potential to detect chemical agents within seconds. The system consists of special gel pads to collect samples from people or objects, and a scanning device (using Raman spectroscopy). Mixing the samples with nanoscale silver particles amplifies the signals of compounds, allowing detection of even very small traces of chemical agents.
Sources:
Chemical sensor to fight terrorism http://latestnews.virginmedia.com/news/tech/2009/10/05/chemical_sensor_to_fight_terrorism
Ulster scientists develop sensors for chemical agents http://kn.theiet.org/news/sep09/ulster-chem-sensors.cfm

Ultrasensitive Sensor Could Detect Bacteria in Minutes
According to an article in MIT’s Technology Review, a new sensor developed by Benjamin Miller, professor of dermatology and biomedical engineering at the University of Rochester Medical Center, and associates, could be the basis for a portable instrument that could detect bacteria in the environment in 15 minutes to two hours. The sensor is based on a folded strand of complementary DNA that unfolds upon bonding with a sensed target sequence, allowing a fluorescent molecule attached to one end of the DNA to glow. Lighthouse Biosciences in West Henrietta, New York is commercializing the technology. Other similar efforts at Northwestern University (used in a product by Nanosphere of Northbrook IL) and MIT are also briefly cited in the article.
Source:
Ultrafast DNA Nanosensor. A new type of sensor makes diagnosing infections quick and easy http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/23575/

New Method for Assessment of Fine Dust Composition
A project managed by Dr. Cord Fricke-Begemann at the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology in Aachen, Germany, has developed a new technique for analyzing by particle size the components of fine dust (< 100 nm) such as may be generated by industrial processes. According to a story in Nanowerk News, “a gas stream separates the particles into size classes before they are collected on filters. Their composition is then examined by means of laser emission spectroscopy.” Results can be obtained in less than 20 minutes.
Source:
Tracing ultra-fine dust http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=12864.php#

Increasing Energy Efficiency Technologies
Algae Provide Material for New Thin and Flexible Battery
Scientists at the Ångström Laboratory at Uppsala University, Sweden, have developed a new type of battery, using algae-derived polypyrrole-coated cellulose for electrodes, separated by saline-soaked filter paper, yielding a product which, although less powerful than conventional units, is light-weight, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly to produce.
Sources:
Super-thin batteries made from paper and algae http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2009/September/15090902.asp
Ultrafast All-Polymer Paper-Based Batteries http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/nl901852h
Salt and Paper Battery May One Day Replace Lithium Batteries http://www.physorg.com/news172241467.html

Changing Temperature Changes Roof Tiles from Black to White to Save Energy
A group of recent MIT graduates have developed a material for roofing tiles that changes color from black to white as the temperature rises, reflecting the sun's heating rays, and thus saving on building cooling requirements and consequent energy demand, while still absorbing the radiation in cold weather. Nick Orf, a member of the Thermeleon team, says it is determined to pursue the project and develop it into a marketable product, but also notes that the material’s cost and durability remain to be explored.
Source:
Energy savings in black and white http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2009/madmec-roof.html

Progress Announced in Methane-to-Liquid Process Development
Scientists at the departments of chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Washington have announced the first observation of a metal complex (a compound consisting of a central metal atom connected to surrounding atoms or molecules) that binds methane in solution. This is an important first step in the development of a process for converting methane to a more easily transported and stored and more environmentally friendly liquid fuel.
Sources:
New clues in quest for liquid methane http://futurity.org/top-stories/new-clues-in-quest-for-liquid-methane/
Characterization of a Rhodium(I) {sigma}-Methane Complex in Solution http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/sci;326/5952/553

Updates on Previously Identified Issues
Assessment and Potential Revision of Resolution 1540 on Preventing WMD Terrorism
The UN Security Council’s 1540 Committee conducted a three-day review meeting of Resolution 1540 (that requires states to take steps to prevent terrorists from acquiring chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons) to assess the evolution of risks and threats, and to address implementation aspects. Issues identified include: lack of capacity-building tools and criteria for evaluation, geographical gaps, and compatibility differences of national systems, as well as potential weaknesses at the international level. Some delegates argued that the resolution did not have the same power and impact as a convention, therefore legislations are not 1540-specific, and cannot be used for prosecutions. The Committee hopes to prepare a report on collaborative anti-WMD strategies by the end of 2009, said panel head, Jorge Urbina, Costa Rican ambassador to the UN. [Related item: Increased Efforts Needed to Counter the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction in July-August 2008 environmental security report.]
Source:
Risks to Non-proliferation Regime Challenge Resolution 1540 to Ensure States Enact Domestic Controls over Weapons of Mass Destruction Spread to Non-State Actors
http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2009/sc9757.doc.htm

First Simultaneous ExCOPs for Improving MEAs' Synergies and Coordination
As part of the UN’s effort to improve coordination, reduce overlaps, and improve enforcement of multilateral environmental agreements, the first simultaneous extraordinary meetings of the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel (control of transboundary movement of hazardous waste), Rotterdam (prior informed consent for certain hazardous chemicals), and Stockholm (on POPs) Conventions, will be held February 22-26, 2010, in Bali, Indonesia, in coordination with the UNEP 11th Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum. The Synergies Oversight Team, composed of the Executive Secretaries of the three Conventions and representatives of UNEP and FAO, is coordinating the preparation of the simultaneous ExCOPs, while also assessing synergies in a strategic and long-term perspective. In a preamble to the conference, UNEP and FAO have launched a website that presents updated information on the ExCOPs: http://excops.unep.ch. Incidentally, the Basel Convention Committee has recently released a practical guide on national reporting by parties to the Basel Convention. [Related item: UNEP Governing Council/Global Ministerial Forum Makes Progress on Global Environmental Governance in February 2007 environmental security report.]
Source:
Simultaneous Extraordinary Meetings of the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions http://excops.unep.ch/
Basel Convention National reporting http://www.basel.int/natreporting/index.html (direct link to the Guidance Document on Improving National Reporting by Parties to the Basel Convention: http://www.basel.int/natreporting/GuidFinal-22102009.doc)

Reducing GHG Emissions Using the Montreal Protocol and other Regulatory Systems
Considering the need for “fast-action” to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and avoid abrupt climate changes, international ozone negotiators suggest the use of the Montreal Protocol and similar existent international regulations, by amending them to cover greenhouse gases, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and black carbon particles and precursor gases. The subject is on the agenda of the 21st meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, to be held in Egypt, on November 4-8, 2009. Note: “fast-action” includes regulatory measures that can begin within 2–3 years, be substantially implemented in 5–10 years, and produce a climate response within decades. [Relat

The Millennium Project

GLOBAL FUTURES STUDIES & RESEARCH

Emerging Environmental Security Issues

March 2010

January 2010