Horizons

Return of EcoEyeArchitect, broadcaster and environmental campaigner Duncan Stewart returns to our screens on Wednesday with a new series of EcoEye beginning at 7.30 p.m. on RTÉ 1.

The popular environmental series which covers many of the issues that concern this weekly column, bemoans the Government's lethargy in promoting renewable energies, praises individuals who are making positive strides and encourages everyone else to reduce waste and dispose of it correctly. In the first of the seven-part series, Stewart will examine the dangers of nuclear power and look at the outrageous practise of illegal dumping. In future programmes, he will investigate the potential of wind power, solar energy and wood energy, suggest ways we can reduce our household waste and look at how we can balance ecological needs with human transport requirements.

Concerns over Asia

The environmental impact of economic development in Asia is a growing concern, according to a senior official at the United Nations. "From inner Mongolia to the Indian subcontinent and tropical Southeast Asia, the region's ecology and environment is deteriorating as its factories and economies boom," according to Ravi Sawhney, director of the environment and sustainable development division of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for the Asia-Pacific region. Although governments are rolling out unprecedented initiatives to tackle air, water and land pollution in many Asian countries, the policies are often badly enforced. Sawhney is studying Asia's environment for the 2005 UN State of the Environment Report.

Meanwhile, environmental entrepreneurs from Western countries are seeing opportunities in safe water supplies, sewage treatment facilities and other pollution control technologies in fast-developing Asian economies.

Supermarket challenge

Are supermarkets serving organic producers well? This is a question posed in the current issue of Clover, an Irish organic producers journal. The writer argues that if organic produce is to succeed in this competitive and volatile marketplace, supermarkets need to show serious commitment to the produce. She cites Sainsburys UK and Delhaize Belgium as market leaders where strong sales in organic food led to expansion into fairtrade, sustainable fishery, certified natural cosmetics and cleaning products. This led to increased sales in organic food. In Ireland, consumers are still faced with wilting, poorly packaged organic vegetables and sidelined organic meat. As farmers' markets thrive, one wonders will Irish supermarkets rise to the challenge of better presentation - and concomitant sales - of organic foods.

Co Dublin otter survey

The Irish Wildlife Trust is surveying otters in north Co Dublin. Tomorrow a practical workshop will show participants how to identify otter tracks and learn about habitats. Those interested should meet at the gazebo beside the park gate on Watery Lane, Swords, Co Dublin at 11 a.m.