Ministers reach deal on greenhouse gas emissions trading within the European Community

From 2005, the EU will have the first international trading system for greenhouse gas emission allowances. Under this scheme, Member States will set a maximum limit on the amount of carbon dioxide that an industry installation can emit, in the following sectors: power generation, oil refineries, steel works, cement, glass, pulp, and paper production. If the installation breaks that limit, it will be able to buy "pollution rights" from other EU companies that have reduced their emissions.

The scheme would enter into force in two stages starting in 2005: a first phase from 2005 until 2007, and a second one from 2008 until 2012, coinciding with the launch of an international scheme under the Kyoto Protocol.

Recycling of mobile phones tops agenda at UN waste conference

The recycling of mobile phones and other electronic waste topped the agenda during December 9~13 meeting of signatories to the Basel Convention on the Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal.

The number of worldwide mobile phone owners are estimated to increase from one billion at present to 1.5 billion by 2005.

Klaus Toepfer, the execute director of the United Nations Environment Program said, "With some 150 million tons of hazardous wastes produced every year, the industrial world needs to accelerate its investments in cleaner production technologies and processes that can reduce wastes."

EU strengthens environmental regulation measures beginning in 2003

Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency(Kotra) published a report on "changes in EU's trade management for 2003".

Some of the main topics are:
-Beginning in January, the ozone-depleting substances, such as Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), will be prohibited from use. Also, the electronic manufacturers will take a full responsibility for the recycling and disposal of their products.
-Beginning in April, EU plans to restrict the sale of 43 hazardous chemical substances, which are cancerous, or have negative effects on the human genes.
-Beginning in July, the mercury and lead will be prohibited from the vehicles; but the cadmium will be allowed until Dec. of 2005, in order to promote the use of electronic vehicles.