The shifting, disappearing sands of Europe

Article Abstract:

The Atlantic coasts of Europe have seen a third of their sand dune areas destroyed or damaged since 1960, the main causes being transformation into conifer plantations, industrial development and building of facilities from golf courses to hotels. Things are even worse on the Mediterranean coast, the 90,000 acres remaining representing a 75% loss this century with the various demands of tourism. Up to another 15% is expected to disappear in the next ten years. Of 23 dune systems in Northern Ireland only one has remained untouched. These dunes are an extremely natural ecosystem where a great variety of flora and fauna can thrive.

Western Europe, Sand dunes, Dunes, Europe, Western

---

A hurricane whipped up by windmills

Article Abstract:

The landscape of Llandinam, mid-Wales is spoilt by 103 130 feet high wind turbines to provide renewable energy. They can produce electricity at a cost of 3-5p per kilowatt-hour. The Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation (NFFO) subsidises renewable energy until 1998. The Renewable Energy Advisory Group found that wind turbines could provide up to 45% of UK electricity needs by 2025. It would need about 30,000-40,000 wind turbines to generate 10% of UK needs. Most would be sited in Scotland, which has the most wind in Europe.

Finance, Wind power, Wales, Alternative energy sources, Renewable energy, Air-turbines, Wind turbines, Windmills

---

Where Britain still fails the acid test

Article Abstract:

UK Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are at risk of acidification because of sulphur deposits. The Joint Nature Conservation Committee published the results of an assessment of SSSIs using a critical loads model in Jul 1993. The model assumed 60% reduction in sulphur emissions by 2003, but these will be exceeded in 1,242 SSSIs covering almost half a million hectares of land, mainly in north Wales, north-west England and south-west Scotland.

Analysis, Chemical industry, Nature conservation, Soils, Soil analysis, Sulfur industry

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: When trust is a four-letter word. When all else fails, call in the big spenders. Flexible packages offer richer range of benefits
• Abstracts: Shock, horror! Reading books can be fun. Who will rule the airwaves? But did Grade get it right?
• Abstracts: Three virgins seeking a home to grace. Empire buildings. A friendly giant to help with the shopping
• Abstracts: Church faces a year of living dangerously. Do your children hate the sight of each other?
• Abstracts: Shy tycoon brings slander case. MPs line up to condemn Bank's role. Needs that fall on deaf ears

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.