8/17/2008 - A number of large vehicles are believed to be running on a hazardous combination of light heating oil and diesel to cut down on costs, The Sunday Times has learnt.

Though the Malta Transport Authority could not confirm whether heavy vehicles, especially buses, are making use of light heating oil (LHO), experts say that the quality of smoke emissions on the roads, together with the ensuing stench, clearly pointed to abuse. The government, however, is monitoring the situation.

LHO, a name given to a type of light cycle oil, is harmful because it is packed with a high dosage of sulphur. It can even be potentially fatal if inhaled in certain concentrations.

Before the price of kerosene was raised, it was an open secret that bus drivers were mixing this fuel with diesel...(Read Full Article)

8/17/2008 - The effect of last month's strike on users of public transport varied from mild nuisance to intense distress. On the bright side there was a tangible absence of choking black fumes as the streets were healthier for three entire days - when the strikers were not burning up diesel and making a general spectacle of themselves.

Emissions from cars, trucks and buses continue to be the main source of health-damaging air pollutants in EU countries, according to a new report by the European Environment Agency. After the construction sector, traffic is the most important source of fine particulate emissions...(Read Full Article)

7/27/2008 - In his address to Parliament last May, the President had stated: “The government’s plans and actions are to be underpinned by the notion of sustainable development of the economy, of society and of the environment. When making decisions today, serious consideration will be given to the generations of tomorrow.”

In December 2006, the National Sustainability Commission had drawn up the National Sustainable Development Strategy. Having been approved by Cabinet, it is appropriate that the pre-budget document just published ignites the debate on its implementation...(Read Full Article)

7/12/2008 - Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono yesterday launched the consultation process for the government's eco island project to a grilling by environmentalists present, who insisted that action should complement the rhetoric.

The launch, held at the picturesque Lunzjata valley in the limits of Victoria, was clearly aimed at highlighting the island's assets but even on this point, Miriam Cremona, from the Valletta Rehabilitation Project, pointed out the gold-coloured aluminium door and notice board fixed to the mediaeval chapel behind the minister, to stress the need for an aggressive effort to educate but also to enforce.

The minister was asked about the stand the Gozo Ministry took on a number of environmentally-controversial projects, such as the application for a marina and a hotel in Hondoq ir-Rummien and...(Read Full Article)

7/6/2008 - Last week I broke my self-imposed rule of attending only those activities which are fun or fruitful. On a scorching hot day I turned up at a local hotel where a seminar entitled 'Green Jobs: What Prospects' was being organised by the Employment and Training Corporation.

Green jobs - just in case you were wondering - are jobs in the environmental sectors of the economy and include posts related to implementing environmentally conscious design, policy, technology and research. And no, such jobs are not just about growing organic tomatoes and making handbags out of recycled felt. They offer employment potential in a sector which affects people's health and quality of life...(Read Full Article)