Potential impacts of imposing methyl bromide phaseout on US strawberry growers: a case study of a nomination for a critical use exemption under the Montreal Protocol

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer requires developed countries to phaseout methyl bromide production and non-quarantine uses by 2005 and developing countries to do the same by 2015. Exemptions to phaseout have been significant in slowing the process of abatement; many countries have applied for exemptions for some uses, partly on grounds that phaseout is economically infeasible. Data on the US strawberry market are used to investigate grower costs arising from substitution away from methyl bromide, the impact of trends in and characteristics of the demand for fresh strawberries, and characteristics of trade with countries not yet required to eliminate use of the compound. It appears that actual net costs to growers will be much smaller than the simple increase in production costs cited in the US nomination for exemption.     

保护臭氧层谈判中的美欧博弈

臭氧层损耗是重要的全球环境问题之一。最早认识到臭氧层危害的美国率先在国内立法控制相关物质,然而另一大经济体——欧共体,在这一方面却行动迟缓。在保护臭氧层的国际谈判中,美欧之间相互妥协,最终达成了对氟氯烃化合物(CFCs)进行限控的《蒙特利尔议定书》。美欧之间的分歧来自国内化工业巨头的影响,国际经济变动影响外交决策。国际环境问题背后隐藏的经济关系与大国的领导作用是影响国际环境合作的主要因素。     

Possibilities and options for the Clean Development Mechanism and the Green Investment Scheme in Central and Eastern Europe: Macedonian and Romanian perspectives

Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is a rapidly changing and developing region which is making the transition to a market based economy. Along with economic reforms, the countries of the region are engaged in substantial environmental reforms, including climate change mitigation activities. Mitigation of, and adaptation to, the consequences of climate change are costly processes. It is therefore of great importance that the national and international mechanisms addressing these problems use methods both environmentally sound and economically efficient. Through two case studies that address the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and the Green Investment Scheme (GIS) in Romania, this paper explores challenges, related tasks and main problems in the establishment of mechanisms of the Kyoto Protocol in Central and Eastern Europe.     

油气田含油污泥处理相关标准解析

通过对目前已出台油气田含油污泥处理相关标准的解析,针对标准之间存在着适用范围不一致、检测项目名称及限值不一致、检测方法不统一以及计算基础不统一等,造成油气田环保工作者和管理者认识上的混乱,对含油污泥处理技术的选用和治理市场的管理带来诸多问题。为加快促进油气田含油污泥处理减量化、资源化、无害化技术的发展,建议尽快出台有针对性、普适性强、统一的油气田含油污泥污染控制标准,确保含油污泥处理既科学合理,又经济可行;同时制定针对性强的含油污泥污染物检测方法,检测方法统一、计算公式一致,保证结果真实可靠,具有可比性。     

Modelling anaerobic biofilm reactors--a review

Anaerobic treatment has become a technically as well as economically feasible option for treatment of liquid effluents after the development of reactors such as the upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor, expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactor, anaerobic biofilter and anaerobic fluidized bed reactor (AFBR). Considerable effort has gone into developing mathematical models for these reactors in order to optimize their design, design the process control systems used in their operation and enhance their operational efficiency. This article presents a critical review of the different mathematical models available for these reactors. The unified anaerobic digestion model (ADM1) and its application to anaerobic biofilm reactors are also outlined.     

Adsorptive cooling: a clean technology

As a consequence of the Kyoto Protocol and its predecessor, the Montreal Protocol, environmental considerations will play an important role in the choice of a refrigeration or heat pump system. Accordingly, sorption technology is expected to develop for cooling as well as for heat pump applications because it uses benign fluids. At the moment, liquid absorption technology is the leading technology in that field; however, adsorption offers advantages that cannot be achieved by liquid absorption technology. This article addresses the measures to reduce halocarbon emissions and the possibilities of adsorption technology. Not only are the direct emissions taken into account but also the indirect ones due to energy consumption. Several cases that show that adsorption cooling is very promising, from the global warming point of view, are considered in this article. They are: waste heat adsorption chilling, natural gas adsorption chilling, trigeneration and natural gas reversible heat pump. Adsorption air conditioning for automobiles is also discussed as a very challenging possibility for adsorption cooling.     

应对气候变化问题的法律调整机制

气候变化的不确定性决定对于其带来的不良环境影响也不能做出确切的预测。《联合国气候变化框架公约》、《京都议定书》及《关于消耗臭氧层物质的蒙特利尔议定书》的缔结和生效为各国一致行动提供了国际法上的依据。应当加强气候变化的科学研究，制定实施有效的政策法律措施，同时施加我国的大国影响，推动气候变化问题的国际解决进程。     

A/O~2法在炼油污水处理中的应用

为探索Ａ／Ｏ２（厌氧Ａｎａｅｒｏｂｉｃ／好氧Ｏｘｉｃ／好氧Ｏｘｉｃ）法在处理炼油污水中的应用,进行了Ａ／Ｏ２法中型试验,验证ＮＨ３－Ｎ容积负荷与去除率之间的关系,以及溶解氧、含油量对处理效果的影响等几项内容。Ａ／Ｏ２法应用于炼油污水的处理是可行的,对ＣＯＤ、ＮＨ３－Ｎ、油、酚、ＳＳ等有很好的处理效果。将Ａ／Ｏ２法应用于济南炼油厂,各构筑物运转正常,处理效果很好,完全达到国家排放标准。Ａ／Ｏ２用来处理炼油污水,工艺可行、技术先进、经济合理,不仅对ＣＯＤ、氨氮去除率高,对其它排放指标去除率都很高。实践证明Ａ／Ｏ２法用来处理炼油污水是完全可行的,济南炼厂污水处理的成功经验值得推广。     

Simulation of Halocarbon Production and Emissions and Effects on Ozone Depletion

/ This paper describes an integrated model that simulates future halocarbon production/emissions and potential ozone depletion. Applications and historical production levels for various halocarbons are discussed first. A framework is then presented for modeling future halocarbon impacts incorporating differences in underlying demands, applications, regulatory mandates, and environmental characteristics. The model is used to simulate the potential impacts of several prominent issues relating to halocarbon production, regulation, and environmental interactions, notably: changes in agricultural methyl bromide use, increases in effectiveness of bromine for ozone depletion, modifications to the elimination schedule for HCFCs, short-term expansion of CFC demand in low use compliance countries, and delays in Russian Federation compliance. Individually, each issue does not unequivocally represent a significant likely increase in long-term atmospheric halogen loading and stratospheric ozone depletion. In combination, however, these impacts could increase peak halogen concentrations and long-term integral halogen loading, resulting in higher levels of stratospheric ozone depletion and longer exposure to increased levels of UV radiation.KEY WORDS: Halocarbons; Ozone depletion; Montreal Protocol; Integrated assessment     

Choosing policy instruments for controlling ozone depleting substances in a developing context: the case of Chile

Chile ratified the Montreal Protocol in 1990 which sets out an agenda for the reduction and then elimination of ozone depleting substances (ODS); however, by 1998 the country had not yet defined a strategy to encourage greater compliance, so that in the same year the National Environmental Commission decided to examine the policy options available. This paper examines the process followed to develop this strategy. As a first step it was necessary to look at how far the implicit policy of "business as usual" could be stretched without jeopardizing Chile's compliance obligations. A second step included quantifying compliance costs and their impact on different policy instruments and so policy choice. Finally, the attitudes of decision-makers or participants were identified, by interviews with officials of the different public agents involved, in order to weigh their views about policy. A strategy was proposed, based on this information, which the Chilean regulator has used, although not in its entirety. The methodology developed could well be useful for developing-country Protocol signatories building their own appropriate compliance strategy.     

基于“反规划”视角的乡村旅游规划新途径探析

引入"反规划"思想,针对传统规划方法给乡村旅游带来的不利影响,强调"反规划"在乡村旅游规划中应用的必要性与可行性。通过与传统规划方法进行对比分析发现,当前乡村旅游规划中存在不少亟待解决的问题。同时,探析了"反规划"思想在乡村旅游规划中的运用,建立乡村旅游"反规划"发展模式为保障乡村旅游可持续性发展提供了理论依据。     

SURFACE WATER-ESKER RECHARGE STUDY EAST LANSING-MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP,MICHIGAN1

ABSTRACT: The East Lansing-Meridian Water and Sewer Authority studied a sand-gravel esker near the existing water treatment plant to determine its potential as an independent surface water supply. The nearby Red Cedar River was also investigated as a possible source of water for immediate treatment or for recharge of the esker. Although the bedrock aquifer (Grand River and Saginaw Formations) yields water adequate for the next 20 years, potential savings in treatment (hardness, iron) and pumping costs, estimated at $30,000 per year for present demand of 5 MGD, are attractive incentives for a surface water-esker recharge program. Operation savings would also be realized by constructing additional bedrock wells in new areas. The river-esker-recharge and new wellfield alternatives are compared for cost-effectiveness. Land costs make the recharge alternative more expensive. The land is undeveloped suburban property with potential for recreational use in conjunction with water supply. More places of outdoor retreat and aesthetics are needed in the Lansig Metropolitan area. A portion of the land costs would have to be borne by these or other interests for the river recharge scheme to be economically feasible.     

Environmental Impact Assessment Under the National Environmental Policy Act and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty

US government actions undertaken in Antarctica are subject to the requirements of both the Protocol and the US National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). There are differences in the scope and intent of the Protocol and NEPA; however, both require environmental impact assessment (EIA) as part of the planning process for proposed actions that have the potential for environmental impacts. In this paper we describe the two instruments and highlight key similarities and differences with particular attention to EIA. Through this comparison of the EIA requirements of NEPA and the Protocol, we show how the requirements of each can be used in concert to provide enhanced environmental protection for the antarctic environment. NEPA applies only to actions of the US government; therefore, because NEPA includes certain desirable attributes that have been refined and clarified through numerous court cases, and because the Protocol is just entering implementation internationally, some recommendations are made for strengthening the procedural requirements of the Protocol for activities undertaken by all Parties in Antarctica. The Protocol gives clear and strong guidance for protection of specific, valued antarctic environmental resources including intrinsic wilderness and aesthetic values, and the value of Antarctica as an area for scientific research. That guidance requires a higher standard of environmental protection for Antarctica than is required in other parts of the world. This paper shows that taken together NEPA and the Protocol call for closer examination of proposed actions and a more rigorous consideration of environmental impacts than either would alone. Three areas are identified where the EIA provisions of the Protocol could be strengthened to improve its effectiveness. First, the thresholds defined by the Protocol need to be clarified. Specifically, the meanings of the terms “minor” and “transitory” are not clear in the context of the Protocol. The use of “or” in the phrase “minor or transitory” further confuses the meaning. Second, cumulative impact assessment is called for by the Protocol but is not defined. A clear definition could reduce the chance that cumulative impacts would be given inadequate consideration. Finally, the public has limited opportunities to comment on or influence the preparation of initial or comprehensive environmental evaluations. Experience has shown that public input to environmental documents has a considerable influence on agency decision making and the quality of EIA that agencies perform.     

Implementing the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty: Future applications of geographic information systems within the Committee for Environmental Protection

With the entry into force of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (the Protocol) in January 1998, key operational aspects of the newly established Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP), such as its advisory capacity to Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCMs) need to be urgently addressed. This paper advocates the use of a geographic information system (GIS) environmental database to reinforce the advisory capacity of the CEP. The demonstrated links between the provisions of the Protocol and GIS capabilities illustrate the potential this has to assist the CEP in delivering informed advice to ATCMs. The range of GIS applications that could be utilized by the CEP in fulfilling its functions are examined by reference to precedents in Europe (CORINE) and Australia (ARIS).     

Greening Nigeria's economy for industrial and environmental sustainability: Polyurethane production as a test case

The study focused on Nigeria's polyurethane (PU) production process as a test case. Though it is currently insignificant when viewed from a global perspective, PU production in Nigeria is not eco‐friendly. Traditionally, PU is produced by reacting petro‐based polyol with a poly‐isocyanate, which is made from amines and phosgene and are currently imported into the country. These two materials are detrimental to the human health and environment, indicating that Nigeria's PU industries need to re‐examine their production inputs for environmental compliance. The objective of this study is to review the PU industry for nontoxic reagents that could be sourced locally vis‐à‐vis overcoming sustainable development (greening the economy) challenges in Nigeria. Non‐isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) is preferred to petro‐polyurethane because, in comparison, NIPU has improved thermal and chemical resistance, porosity and water absorption, and is less toxic. Engaging local resources to produce PU is economically feasible; in addition, NIPU is relatively advantageous to human health and the environment. Aside from being economically feasible, production of NIPU in Nigeria has the propensity to greatly enlarge the growth of the existing PU industry to tremendous heights and contribute to diversifying and improving the overall economy.     

Global Trade in GM Food and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety: Consequences for China

The UN Cartagena Protocol onBiosafety adopted in Montreal, 29 January, 2000and opened for signature in Nairobi, 15–26 May,2000 will exert a profound effect oninternational trade in genetically modifiedorganisms (GMOs) and their products. In thispaper, the potential effects of variousarticles of the Protocol on international tradein GMOs are analyzed. Based on the presentstatus of imports of GMOs and domestic researchand development of biotechnology in China,likely trends in imports of foreign GM food andrelated products after China accedes to WTO isexplored. Also, China's potentialcountermeasures to control and regulate importsof GMOs in line with implementation of theProtocol are discussed. China, in recent times,has increased its food and agricultural importssubstantially from USA and Canada. Chinaimported soybean 10.42 mill. tons in 2000 andabout 15 mill tons in 2001, of which majorityare from USA where GM soybean accounts for60%. The plantation of US Monsanto'stransgenic Bt cotton was increased to more than1 million ha in China in 2001. Though China haspaid great attention to develop biotechnology,it appears to have little scope to export GMOsand GM products. So China may consider a rangeof administrative measures to implement theCartagena Protocol and to regulate its importof GMOs and GM agricultural products.Consequently, the Regulation on Safety ofAgri-GMOs was issued on June, 2001 and followedthree detailed rules issued in Jan. of 2002,with a priority to limit foreign GMOs importingby safety certification and labeling system.These were outlined taking into accountpolicies adopted in Western countries such asgreen barriers to international trade.     

Closed loop recycling of plastics containing Flame Retardants

Annually 2.7 million tonnes of plastics containing Flame Retardants (FRs) are globally discarded in Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). Little is known on the feasibility of closing material loops for FR plastics. Therefore, series of experiments were set up to analyze the feasibility of separating plastics containing FRs from one specific product category, namely End-of-Life (EoL) Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) TVs. The characterization of the housings of this waste stream indicated a concentration of 18 wt% Bromine based (Br) FRs and 31 wt% Phosphor based (P) FRs, the remainder not containing FRs. With practical tests it was demonstrated that, after disassembly and plastic identification, the co-polymer poly-carbonate (PC)/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) containing PFR can be recycled in a closed loop system. Based on the determined plastic density distributions and separation efficiencies of optical sorters, a purity of 82% was calculated for PFR PC/ABS separated from EoL LCD TVs after size-reduction (shredding). Performed miscibility tests indicated that for this fraction at least a factor 10 dilution with virgin material is required. In addition, higher waste volumes are required for a size-reduction based treatment to become economically viable and technical challenges still need to be faced, whereas closed loop recycling of PFR PC/ABS from the current waste stream of EoL LCD TVs of different brands in a disassembly based treatment is found to be technically feasible and economically viable under European boundary conditions.     

Sewage as a resource: a case study of afforestation using sewage irrigation in Jaipur,Rajasthan, India

Summary Human beings use huge quantities of water every day for drinking, cleaning and various cultural functions and dispose of it as wastewater within sewage. With increase in population, the magnitude of this waste is multiplying enormously and beyond the recycling capacity of local ecosystems to become a major health and environmental hazard. Re-use of wastewater for afforestation purposes in the form of sewage silviculture combines the dual benefit of water conservation with environmental sanitation. Such experiments are being carried out at the World Forest Arboretum in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. Biological treatment of the sewage before application, to improve its irrigational quality, to remove harmful chemicals and to prevent the risk of these passing into the human food chain is being undertaken. The aquatic weeds Lemna and Eichhornia are being used to purify the wastewater. The technique is both economically viable and ecologically sustainable.Dr Rajiv K. Sinha is assistant professor in Human Ecology at the University of Rajasthan.     

AN APPLICATION OF INVESTMENT TIMING ANALYSIS: DUAL WATER SYSTEMS1

ABSTRACT: A general methodology to study the economics of dual water systems (defined here as a separate distribution system for untreated low quality local surface Water for outdoor municipal water supply) is summarized and the application of the method to a rapidly growing city is presented. In the first step, a cost-benefit criterion for evaluating dual systems is developed. The criterion is then extended to a dynamic case where the population to be served increases with time and where the dual system is allowed to expand. The optimal investment time to introduce the dual water supply project is obtained by maximizing social welfare. The model is applied to the city of West Jordan, Utah, where a dual system is currently being proposed. Model results indicate that for the city as a whole dual supply is not economically feasible. However, when the model is applied to a part of the city, it is found feasible and the optimal time to initiate the project would be in the year 1989.     

武汉市三废产生量的相关分析及预测

在分析1991-2002武汉市三废产生量的时间变化特征基础上,运用灰色关联度方法,定量分析了武汉市城市三废产生量的主要因子。利用灰色系统理论建立了城市三废产生量的GM（1,1）模型,模型经精度检验合格,预测了2010年武汉市三废产生量,预测结果为：武汉市三废产生量到2010年将达到432．63百万吨、3998．08亿标准立方米和678．10万吨。