UNITED NATIONS

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has recently launched a new website -- www.unep.net-- on the state of the environment and the effects of degradation across the world. The website, which was launched during the 21st session of the UNEP's governing council, provides environmental information on every country and territory in the world. Satellite maps showing all protected areas are available on the website for each nation or territory. It also contains information on global rankings of protected areas, their number and percentage of protected land area; information on each country or territory's ecology, human impact on climate along with maps. The website will help people monitor polluting activities and companies. "This portal provides capabilities previously limited to military intelligence agencies," said Tim Foresman, director of UNEP.

According to UNEP, India is emitting the least amount of greenhouse gases (GHG), while US is responsible for the maximum. India emits less than one tonne of GHG per capita per year, the US emits 20 tonnes and the European countries emit about 10 tonnes of these gases per year. Klaus Toepfer, the programme's executive director, has urged the US government and industries to cooperate in reducing emissions to combat global warming.