Federal environment minister can’t be seen at Smog Summit. Environment Minister Rona Ambrose was a no-show at the annual Smog Summit held in Toronto yesterday, making it the first federal absence in the seven-year history of the event. [News Source]

Jordan to switch to unleaded fuel by late 2007. By late 2007, petrol stations in the country will only stock unleaded fuel as part of the government's attempts to reduce air pollution. [News Source]

Better HK air could save 1,600 lives a year-study. Better air quality in Hong Kong could save as many as 1,600 lives and HK$21 billion a year, according to a study released on Thursday by three local universities and a think tank. [News Source]

Billboards highlighting city grime come down. Six billboards in Jakarta that welcomed visitors to the "city of pollution" were removed by officials Wednesday, just days after they were put up for World Environment Day on Monday. [News Source]

‘Bajaj’ drivers bewildered by exhaust emissions test. A resident of Cipinang, East Jakarta, has been driving a bajaj -- a three-wheeled diesel-fueled taxi -- for more than 20 years without knowing that it is a major contributor to pollution. [News Source]

China warns too many power plants are being built. China said on Thursday it is battling a proliferation of new power plants that are being built without permission and threaten to upset plans for a more environmentally friendly energy mix. [News Source]

WED: why we celebrate in rural areas – NES. The Rivers State Chapter of the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) says its decision to celebrate World Environment Day (WED) outside cities or capitals is to make sure that the message of WED is spread to the grassroots. [News Source]

Ethanol usage, production heat up in Texas. Lately the alternative fuel ethanol has been on fire. [News Source]

Nuke energy ok: Greenpeace founder. A Greenpeace founder said the positive environmental impact of nuclear energy is indisputable. [News Source]

Exercise and pollution don’t mix. The dangers of urban air pollution are of special concern to those who exercise by running, bicycling or skating. [News Source]

Steelworkers and Sierra Club unite. After decades of fighting between blue-collar unions and green activists, the steelworkers and the Sierra Club say they will use the alliance to battle for energy independence and against global warming and toxic pollutants. [News Source]