Features, April 2001

CLIMATE CHANGE

NEW HOPES FOR NUCLEAR?N
Could concern over global warming give nuclear power a new lease of life? David Robson and Graham Cooper investigate.

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REPORTING

THE PITFALLS IN MANDATORY REPORTING
The UK government is now threatening to force firms to produce environmental reports. But mandatory reporting elsewhere has had mixed results, says Paul Scott.

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HOW I SEE IT - by Richard Sandor

SO₂ AUCTION SHOWS POWER OF MARKETS
The latest SO₂ auction has underlined the effectiveness of emissions trading and shows the way ahead for dealing with CO₂.

FUND MANAGEMENT

GERMAN DISCLOSURE RULES PROMISE SRI BOOST
Pressure for pension funds to disclose their socially responsible investment policies is building around the world. The inclusion of such a rule in pension reform plans should give SRI a boost in Germany, says Walter Kahlenborn.

JAPAN - WEATHER

WHICH WAY WILL JAPAN JUMP?
Interest in weather risk management is growing rapidly in Japan. But, with most deals thus far resembling insurance contracts, can a traded derivatives market develop? Mark Nicholls reports.

JAPAN - EMISSIONS

JAPANESE INDUSTRY AWAITS CARBON POLICY CLUES
Japanese firms would need to become major buyers of carbon credits under Kyoto. Most, however, are still waiting for policy signals. Mark Nicholls sees evidence that ministers are waking to the issue.

MARKET VIEW

RENEWABLE ENERGY CREDITS: A SUCCESS IN TEXAS
Texas is becoming one of America's most active renewable energy markets - both in terms of new capacity and in green certificates trading. Mike Sloan explains why.

WEATHER RISK

EUROPEAN FIRMS BLOW COOL ON HEDGING
European electricity companies are turning to weather risk management, but at a much slower rate than their US counterparts. Emily Saunderson finds out why.

EMISSIONS TRADING

A TRADING SOLUTION FOR WATER QUALITY
Paul Faeth and Suzie Greenhalgh explain how an innovative nutrients trading scheme could cut the cost of cleaning up US waterways.

PROFILE

ANDY ERTEL
The brokerage founded last year by Andy Ertel has established itself as a leading player in the environmental markets - which, despite worrying signs from Washington, he believes are here to stay.