The international media has been awash recently with news of US President George W Bush's rejection of the Kyoto climate treaty, an agreement that President Bush believes to be "fatally flawed". Despite this new stance from the US, it seems indesputable that fossil fuels (oil, coal and gas) are the biggest source of greenhouse gasses - a major contributory factor to global warming. Thus, the UK Government is committed to meeting agreed national targets to reduce CO2 emissions and has pledged to concentrate efforts on increasing the use of renewable energy sources - ie hydroelectric, wind, biomass and solar power.

In this issue, we take a special look at some of the practical issues surrounding the use of sustainable energy sources, kicking-off with some of the initiatives that Camden LBC has implemented in its drive to spearhead the use of renewable energy in local authorities. Then in the "Generation Game", Daniel Clayton offers a detailed analysis of green energy technologies and explains how a "sustainable energy area" could, in fact, play a key role in regenerating deprived areas. On a different note, but with the theme of pollution in mind, Alan Stubbs explains in detail the complexities surrounding spill contingency plans - something local authorities and commercial organisations alike should be aware of in the event of a water pollution incident.

Then in "As Safe As Houses", Dr Bill Baker summarises the Environment Agency's new guidance document on the safe development of housing on contaminated land. Jon Phillips responds to the negative press surrounding the plans for a fifth terminal at Heathrow airport in "Aiming for Sustainable Growth". He challenges the charge that noise pollution is a major problem for residents and explains the steps taken to tackle environmental and health concerns. Finally, on the subject of pest control, Peter Smithers and Nigel Ramsey detail an investigation into fly nuisance - with surprising results.

Tracey Khanna, Editor