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29/07/2004
Government makes greenhouse gasses pledge as 'summer smog' hits England
The UK has today joined a US-led partnership that seeks to cut global methane gas emissions - on the day that the south east of England was warned to take precautions over the summer's first ozone smog.
The multi-national Methane to Markets Partnership, launched in Washington yesterday, aims to promote methane recovery and use as a clean energy source to foster sustainable economic growth.
The US is committing $53 million over five yeas to the partnership. Countries that have agreed to support the initiative are India, Australia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Japan, Mexico and Italy.
The initiative will focus, through sector working groups, on schemes such as landfill gas to energy projects, methane recovery at underground coal mines and improvements in natural gas system operations. It aims to reduce net methane emissions by up to 50 million metric tons of carbon equivalent by 2015.
Methane is one of the six greenhouse gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol and is second only in importance to C02 as a contributor to global warming.
Latest figures show that the UK has reduced its methane emissions by 43% over the last 12 years.
This is primarily due to cuts in emissions from the disposal of solid waste on land and from coal mines, Defra said.
Elsewhere, people in the south-east of England have been urged to take "sensible precautions" after the first summer smog of the year hit the region today.
Due to warm, sunny weather this week high ozone levels have been forecast for London, the south-east, and East Anglia.
Ground level ozone is formed when sunlight acts on nitrogen dioxide and other atmospheric substances close to the ground. The pollutants that cause ground level ozone come from a range of sources, including petrol and other fuels.
Ozone levels will decline tomorrow, but over the weekend and early next week expected high temperatures and light easterly winds may bring the risk of high pollution again.
Some people are more sensitive to ozone than others and may begin to notice an effect on their breathing. People with asthma are not necessarily more sensitive but, if affected, can use their 'reliever' inhaler.
Precautions to reduce exposure to ozone include: avoiding exercise outdoors in the afternoon; and avoiding making unnecessary short car journeys wherever possible, by walking, cycling or making use of public transport instead.
(gmcg)
The multi-national Methane to Markets Partnership, launched in Washington yesterday, aims to promote methane recovery and use as a clean energy source to foster sustainable economic growth.
The US is committing $53 million over five yeas to the partnership. Countries that have agreed to support the initiative are India, Australia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Japan, Mexico and Italy.
The initiative will focus, through sector working groups, on schemes such as landfill gas to energy projects, methane recovery at underground coal mines and improvements in natural gas system operations. It aims to reduce net methane emissions by up to 50 million metric tons of carbon equivalent by 2015.
Methane is one of the six greenhouse gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol and is second only in importance to C02 as a contributor to global warming.
Latest figures show that the UK has reduced its methane emissions by 43% over the last 12 years.
This is primarily due to cuts in emissions from the disposal of solid waste on land and from coal mines, Defra said.
Elsewhere, people in the south-east of England have been urged to take "sensible precautions" after the first summer smog of the year hit the region today.
Due to warm, sunny weather this week high ozone levels have been forecast for London, the south-east, and East Anglia.
Ground level ozone is formed when sunlight acts on nitrogen dioxide and other atmospheric substances close to the ground. The pollutants that cause ground level ozone come from a range of sources, including petrol and other fuels.
Ozone levels will decline tomorrow, but over the weekend and early next week expected high temperatures and light easterly winds may bring the risk of high pollution again.
Some people are more sensitive to ozone than others and may begin to notice an effect on their breathing. People with asthma are not necessarily more sensitive but, if affected, can use their 'reliever' inhaler.
Precautions to reduce exposure to ozone include: avoiding exercise outdoors in the afternoon; and avoiding making unnecessary short car journeys wherever possible, by walking, cycling or making use of public transport instead.
(gmcg)
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23 June 2005
Government issues warning on summer 'smog'
The government has warned people to take precautions against summer 'smog'. High ozone levels have been forecast across a number of areas in England today, including London, the southeast, East Anglia and central England. The high levels are expected to persist until Saturday, after which cooler conditions and more changeable weather are forecast.
Government issues warning on summer 'smog'
The government has warned people to take precautions against summer 'smog'. High ozone levels have been forecast across a number of areas in England today, including London, the southeast, East Anglia and central England. The high levels are expected to persist until Saturday, after which cooler conditions and more changeable weather are forecast.
16 April 2003
High temperatures bring rise in ozone levels
The warm weather today may be a blessing for sun-worshippers, but it can also have a negative effect for others, the government has warned today.
High temperatures bring rise in ozone levels
The warm weather today may be a blessing for sun-worshippers, but it can also have a negative effect for others, the government has warned today.
09 June 2006
Defra warns of 'summer smog'
Sunny, warm weather over Southern and Eastern England over the next few days is likely to lead to the first summer smogs of 2006, Defra has warned. High ozone levels are forecast from Saturday for Eastern and Southeast England and East and West Midlands and are likely to persist at least until Monday.
Defra warns of 'summer smog'
Sunny, warm weather over Southern and Eastern England over the next few days is likely to lead to the first summer smogs of 2006, Defra has warned. High ozone levels are forecast from Saturday for Eastern and Southeast England and East and West Midlands and are likely to persist at least until Monday.
04 August 2003
Heat wave raises air pollution levels
The UK's heat wave, which is expected to last most of the week, could have a less than positive effect for some people as the sun cooks up a summer smog for southern Britain. High levels of ozone were recorded yesterday in London and high levels were expected again today in London, southern and central England and south Wales.
Heat wave raises air pollution levels
The UK's heat wave, which is expected to last most of the week, could have a less than positive effect for some people as the sun cooks up a summer smog for southern Britain. High levels of ozone were recorded yesterday in London and high levels were expected again today in London, southern and central England and south Wales.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
