AG Opinion 22-01-2009
In a case referred to the ECJ for a preliminary ruling by the United Kingdom’s Court of Appeal, the Court had to interpret Council Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment. The specific question concerned the reasons that must be stated for a decision not to carry out an environmental impact assessment and the extent to which these reasons should be explained. Advocate General Kokott advised the Court that the reasons behind such a decision shall be made public with all the information that demonstrates that adequate screening has been carried out in accordance with the Directive.
Sector: IEA
Added to Sectors, Climate Change
* Ban Ki-moon calls for new Global Compact in Davos
On 29 January 2009 the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland by calling on the participants to join forces against climate change. The Secretary-General reiterated the UN proposal for a new Global Compact including a “Green New Deal” that would enhance investments in renewable energy and technological development. The speech commemorated the tenth anniversary of the launch of the Global Compact of corporate responsibility by former Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
* Gordon Brown proposes climate task force in Davos
On 30 January 2009 at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, UK prime minister Gordon Brown proposed the creation of a “climate task force” that would prepare recommendations on how to combat climate change for the upcoming G20 summit, to be held in April in London. According to the British prime minister, the task force should be composed of businesses, economists and other stakeholders and would examine issues such as the establishment of a global carbon market, the increase of energy efficiency and investment in renewables, nuclear power and carbon capture and storage and the enhancement of research and technology transfer.
Added to National Pages, Energy
* IRENA (International Agency for Renewable Energy) launched
On 26 January 2009 an international renewable energy agency was launched in Bonn, Germany. This is the first international agency that deals exclusively with renewable energy 50 states are expected to sign its founding documents. The Internationale Agentur für erneuerbare Energien (IRENA) will aim at fundamental restructuring of the international energy system, mainly by providing policy advices.
* EWEA reports on sharp rise in wind energy generation
According to the statistics published by the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) on 2 February 2009, amongst newly installed energy generating technologies wind energy is the most significant. In 2008 it accounted for 43% of the new energy resources, followed by 35% for gas. EWEA also notes that more and more EU Member States opt for this method of energy generation, resulting in a “more balanced expansion”. The USA is leading the global market of wind energy while China’s capacity in this field doubled for the fourth consecutive year.
Added to Sectors, Water
* FAO acts for water resource management
Under the auspices of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) government representatives carried out further discussions on a non-binding global action plan to improve water resources management in the agricultural sector. Final agreement is expected at the World Water Council Forum to be held in March in Istanbul. In the meantime, FAO also addressed the question of water resources through a draft ministerial statement on the promotion of efficiency in the use of water resources and a technical strategy document.
The following national pages have been updated: Sweden
Notably, the following information was introduced:
Added to National Pages, Sweden
* Sweden takes the lead on electric cars
Swedish ministers discussed the creation of “a common functional infrastructure” for electric and hybrid cars” with energy companies Fortum, Vattenfall and E.ON. This system would facilitate the competitiveness of environmental-friendly vehicles and on the long term could contribute to further Sweden’s ambitions to take the lead in introducing electric cars in the global market.
Added to Events
* 3rd Annual Climate Change Summit 2009
While carbon management remains the key aspect of environmental responsibility – it is now clear that it can no longer be the only focus of any company’s environmental strategy. Now in its third year, this is the only gathering for corporate responsibility and environmental professionals that offers practical guide to effective environmental strategies that help grow and strengthen businesses in the uncertain times ahead.
Location: London, UK
Date: 17 February 2009
* Sustainable Bioenergy 2009
This conference will examine all the new trends in the bioenergy market – solutions to the food vs. fuel debate, “next generation” biofuels, biomass for power generation, development of biorefineries – and how they are influencing investment decisions in Europe.
Location: London, UK
Date: 23 February 2009
* An Alternative Transport Future
This event will examine how to achieve the integration of transport and climate change in policy and practice. Looking at examples throughout the world, it will try to identify best practice and whether the international community is successfully engaging in resolving this issue.
Location: London, UK
Date: 5 March 2009
Added to Vacancies
* Internship at the TMC Asser Institute
The TMC Asser Institute is looking for a trainee who would contribute to improving the EEL website and collect information for this EEL News Service over the coming months. Excellent knowledge of English language is a must. If you are interested, please contact us for more information.
*United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – Associate Programme Officer, P-2 (4 posts in one vacancy announcement)
Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer and the general guidance of the
Registration and Issuance Manager, the incumbent reviews all aspects of requests for registration of
CDM (Clean Development Mechanism) project activity and requests for issuance of certificates of emission reduction (CERs) and validation and verification reports to ensure that reports meet the required standards. The incumbent prepares summary notes for review by the CDM utive Board for registration and issuance requests.
Location: Bonn, Germany
Deadline: 24 February 2009
*United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – Programme Officer, P-3
Under the general guidance of the CDM Manager and the direct supervision of the Programme
Officer Issuance (P4) of the Registration and Issuance Unit, the incumbent provides technical and
substantive support towards the implementation of the work programme as a technical officer on
issuance under the CDM (Clean Development Mechanism).
Location: Bonn, Germany
Deadline: 26 February 2009
*Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations – Legal Officer , P-3
Under the general supervision of the Chief, Development Law Branch, and the guidance of the Legal Officer assigned, to provide support in legal activities, research and related issues pertaining to the Organization’s activities and mandates in relation to development law.
Location: Rome, Italy
Deadline: 23 March 2009
*United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – Programme Officer, P4
Within UNEP’s Division of Environmental Law and Conventions (DELC), the incumbent will: 1. Provide substantive advice on legal, policy and governance matters for integrated freshwater resources management, 3. Strengthening the capacities of stakeholders in water resources management, 3. Providing substantive assistance in the preparation of freshwater governance and other papers for meetings organised by UNEP and the Division, 4. Providing substantive input to the preparation of DELC work-plans, 5. Promoting institutional partnerships for water resources management by: Contributing to implementation of UNEP’s Water Policy and Strategy, among others
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Deadline: 27 March 2009
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Editors-in-Chief:
Wybe Th. Douma (T.M.C. Asser Institute, The Hague)
Jens Hamer (Court of First Instance of the European Community, Luxemburg)*
* All views expressed are entirely personal and can in no way be attributed to the CFI or ECJ
Editors:
Leonardo Massai (T.M.C. Asser Institute, The Hague)
Marianna Kondas (T.M.C. Asser Institute, The Hague)
Technical realisation:
Marco van der Harst (T.M.C. Asser Institute, The Hague)
e-mail: eelnewsservices@asser.nl