Science, environment and technology Archives

Research Briefing

Oil embargo on Iran and the threat to the Straits of Hormuz

Thursday, 19 January, 2012

EU countries are preparing to impose a new round of sanctions on Iran, to include an embargo on the import of oil. The US has also enacted new legislation which will target the Iranian central bank and make oil trading more difficult for Iran. Iran has responded with some threatening comments about closing the Straits of Hormuz, leading to a rise in the oil price. It has also signalled that it is open to re-starting talks. This note details these developments and gives some samples of recent expert commentary.
Research Briefing

Daylight Saving Bill: Committee Stage Report

Wednesday, 11 January, 2012

This is a report on the House of Commons Committee Stage of the Daylight Saving Bill.
Research Briefing

Durban Climate Conference

Thursday, 05 January, 2012

This note covers run up and outcome of the UN climate change conference that took place in Durban between 28 November and 11 December 2011.
Research Briefing

Food labelling nutrition – voluntary schemes

Thursday, 05 January, 2012

This note covers the Food Standards Agency's voluntary system of nutritional labelling and the alternative system favoured by manufacturers
Research Briefing

Origin Marking of Food

Thursday, 05 January, 2012

The note explains the EU scheme allowing some regional food names to be protected from use by producers outside the region.
- Research Briefing
- Environment
Research Briefing

North Korea’s dynastic succession

Tuesday, 03 January, 2012

This note briefly surveys the final month's of Kim Jong-Il's rule in North Korea and, following his death on 17 December 2011, the rise of his youngest son, Kim Jong-Un, to power.
Research Briefing

Food Supplements Directive

Monday, 19 December, 2011

This note provides background information on European Directive 2002/46/EC relating to regulation of food supplements containing vitamins and minerals, including permitted contents and maximum levels. Additional information on the UK implementation of the Directive can be found in EU Bibliographies: Food Supplements Directive (SN/IA/05101).
- Research Briefing
- Environment
Research Briefing

Electricity substations and health

Tuesday, 06 December, 2011

Electricity substations, like overhead power lines and electrical appliances in the home, are sources of extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields. These have given rise to health concerns and calls for protective legislation.
Research Briefing

Surface water drainage charge (rain tax)

Wednesday, 30 November, 2011

This note introduces the debate surrounding the surface water drainage charge, or “rain tax”. Following a change in legislation, water companies are now permitted to introduce surface water drainage charge concessionary rates for community groups.
Research Briefing

Tar sands

Friday, 25 November, 2011

Tar sands (oil sands) have potential to provide a significant fraction of future global oil demand but there are concerns, acknowledged in an EC Fuel Quality Directive, about their environmental impact, not least on greenhouse gas emissions.
Research Briefing

Carbon Capture and Storage: additional background

Friday, 25 November, 2011

This note (March 2011) examines the policy and issues relating to carbon capture and storage and in particular, how it relates to coal-fired energy generation.
Research Briefing

UK Fourth Carbon Budget

Monday, 24 October, 2011

The Government has a deadline of 30 June 2011 to set the UK's fourth carbon budget covering 2023-2027.
Research Briefing

Biofuels

Wednesday, 19 October, 2011

This note introduces issues surrounding biofuel policy in the UK and EU.
Research Briefing

Home Computer Schemes

Wednesday, 05 October, 2011

This note updates Government schemes for funding computers in the home, and to increase internet access.
Research Briefing

Energy Bill [HL]: Committee Stage Report

Tuesday, 06 September, 2011

This is a report on the House of Commons Committee Stage of the Energy Bill. It complements Library Research Paper 11/36 (Energy Bill) prepared for the Commons Second Reading.

Total results (page 81 of 92)