the growing demand for biofuels could lead to a shortage of food. Studies show biofuel plantations will eat up cropland, and trigger food and water crisis in many parts of the globe, especially

The Netherlands' Fortis Bank has won a bid to emit carbon dioxide in an auction that marks a new phase in the global "carbon market'. The bank paid more than euros 13 million (US $18 million) for the

The International Civil Aviation Organization recently adopted a programme to counter effects of global warming in the aviation industry. It, however, rejected eu proposals to cut carbon emissions made by the industry.

Several leading companies in the uk are now eager to please environmentally conscious consumers. Nine more companies have signed up for a trial to use a draft carbon footprint standard, currently being developed by Carbon Trust, an independent state-funded body, in partnership with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the British Standard.

public anger over lack of regulations to improve fuel efficiency of vehicles has finally set off official action. The Petroleum Conservation and Research Association, an autonomous research body