Environment information sources
Academic Liaison Librarian: Martin WilkinsonContact: lib-science@york.ac.uk
Electronic journals
- Electronic Journals at York
Provides links to an alphabetical list of full text electronic journals available at York, subject lists of full text and other electronic journals, publishers' collections of electronic journals, online newspapers and news services and directories of electronic journals.
Databases and datasets
- MetaLib (York users only)
A gateway to bibliographic databases, statistical datasets, electronic journals and other Web resources available to members of the University. Includes guides and links to help. Also allows cross-searching of resources, and Alerts. Login with your University username and password to access all of these features. - Center for International Earth Science Information Network - data and information resources on human interactions with the environment (including global warming).
- EnviroLink Library - collection of new and current environmental related research and literature.
- Environmental Change Network - the UK's integrated long-term environmental monitoring network (founded in 1992)to collect, store, analyse and interpret long-term data based on a set of key physical, chemical and biological variables which drive and respond to environmental change.
- Environmental Data Services (ENDS) - provides intelligence on environmental affairs for professionals in the business, regulatory, academic and campaigning communities. The focus is primarily on the UK and Europe. Includes information, plus the full text of some articles and abstracts of other ones, from the ENDS Report.
- Environmental RouteNet - a reference resource of global environmental knowledge accessible through a single Internet gateway. Selected, organised and annotated by CSA. The main database requires a subscription, but some resources are available for guest users.
- JSTOR Plant Science - provides access to around 800.000 plant type specimens, taxonomic structures, scientific literature, and related materials
- International Society for Environmental Protection - access to environmental dictionaries.
- LEAPS - Local Environment Agency Plans for the Dales area. Information on the various action plans for the region.
- NOAA Data Set Catalog - search engine that allows users to search for publicly available environmental data held by public and private sources throughout the world. Data sources include descriptions related to climatology, meteorology, ecology, pollution, geology, oceanography, and remote sensing satellites.
- National Environmental Data Index (NEDI) - a United States Government site, which provides various types of environmental data. NEDI aims to facilitate the use of the widest possible range of environmental data and information to support our ability to protect human health, safety, and welfare; to maintain and restore ecological integrity; and to sustain economic stability and growth. The site includes access to a searchable database containing information compiled by several agencies of the federal government.
- Windspeed Database - Department of Energy and Climate Change . Please note, the data used in this database is historical and has not been updated since approximately 2000, see the database website for more details.
- World Development Indicators (WDI) - the World Bank's premier annual compilation of data about development organized in six sections: world view, people, environment, economy, states and markets, and global links. Text available on line though only limited data tables available. (Full tables are available in the JB Morrell Library at shelfmark Quarto F 3 WOR).
- World Conservation Monitoring Centre - a good site for biodiversity information.
Directories of environmental resources
- Best Environmental Directories - compiled by the Centre for Economic and Social Studies for the Environment at the Université Libre de Bruxelles, has as its criteria for inclusion the number of quality records relevant to European users.
- Biology Information Resources - maintained by the University of York (part of York Information Connections)
- Database of environmental taxes - for European Union member states, and Norway and Switzerland. Data is correct to June 2000 and provided by the European Committee.
- Dept of Environment and Economics Related Links - links from the York University department.
- Digest of Environmental Statistics - key reference document for environmental data information produced by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and provides a handy tool to assist informed discussion of environmental policies and developments both in the UK and in the international arena.
- EarthTrends - online portal on environmental matters, provided by the World Resources Institute. EarthTrends aims to be a comprehensive online database, that focuses on the environmental, social, and economic trends that shape our world. The database is divided into a number of sub-sections that includes population and health, agriculture, and Environmental Governance and Institutions.
- Ecosustainable Hub - intended as a one-stop connection to resources and tools that are made available to visitors and researchers without charge. It is also intended to provide a means of introducing Eco Sustainable Developments to a broader audience.
- ENDS (Environmental Data Services) environmental links - a selective major collection of resources.
- Environmental Organization WebDirectory - a searchable resource directory.
- INTUTE - The Intute Environment Gateway provides free access to high quality resources on the Internet. Each resource has been evaluated and categorised by subject specialists based at UK universities. Our target audience is students, staff and researchers in higher and further education. The Subject headings available to browse include Biodiversity and Conservation and Climate and Environment.
- Science.gov image search - a searchable database of images covering a wide range of life sciences. Provided by three U.S. Government agencies, The National Biological Information Infrastructure NBII, NASA's Image eXchange service and The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Photo Library.
- Yahoo!: Environment and nature
Societies and other organisations
- CAB International - an international, intergovernmental service for information, publishing & scientific services in support of sustainable development, with emphasis on agriculture, forestry, human health and the management of natural resources.
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology - The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology is one of five Centres and Surveys funded by the Natural Environment Research Council. The Windermere Laboratory is also home to the Freshwater Biological Association.
- Foundation for Research on Economics and the Environment
- Friends of the Earth - has pointers to many other sources of environmental information. International (US) site
- Green peace International - news and information service.
- Institute for European Environmental Policy - an independent body for the analysis and advancement of environmental policies in Europe. IEEP undertakes research on the European dimension of environmental protection, with a major focus on the development, implementation and evaluation of the environmental policy of the European Union, international bodies and national governments.
- Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment - the UK's leading professional body for individuals involved in environmental management in industry, commerce and local government.
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration US Organisation.
- Natural Environment Research Council - NERC is one of the Research Councils which fund and manage research in the UK.
- Soil Association - The Soil Association is the UK's leading campaigning and certification body for organic food and farming. Develops and provides practical and sustainable solutions which combine food production and environmental protection and human health.
- U.S. Geological Survey- contains a lot of environmental information.
- World Watch - a non profit public policy research organization dedicated to informing policymakers and the public about emerging global problems and trends and the complex links between the world economy and its environmental support systems.
Teaching and learning
- Sociology of Science and the Environment - links to related information from Sociology Information resources page.
- Second Nature - an educational nonprofit organisation that works with colleges and universities to incorporate sustainability concepts into campus life. Serves as an information clearinghouse and a connector.
- Watershed Academy - a set of self-paced training modules that provide a basic but broad introduction to the many facets of watershed management. Includes Slide show/lectures, exercises, on-line downloadable documents, hot links to related sites and self-tests.
General environmental services
- CIA World Fact Book - Mostly useful guide to facts and potted commentaries on the countries of the world (updated to 2001), though occasional errors can be spotted (c.f. Public Holidays in the UK). Site includes freely available downloadable version.
- Eco-Compass - a service from Island Press, the leading American publisher of solutions-oriented information for all those working to solve local, regional, national, and global environmental problems.
- United Nations Atlas of the Oceans - an information system designed for use by policy makers who need to become familiar with ocean issues and by scientists, students and resource managers who need access to underlying data bases and approaches to sustainability.
Digital mapping resources
- The Library's resources and futher information can be found on the GISc (Geographical Information Science) and Maps page
- See the Digimap digital resource in the Library's Metalib gateway
Biodiversity
- Biodiversity Heritage Library - Ten major North American natural history museum libraries, botanical libraries, and research institutions have joined to form the Biodiversity Heritage Library Project. The Library provides access to many full text items in including journals and books as well as promoting the use and inclusion of Open Access resources. Subject areas covered include all major aspects of biodiversity.
Environmental news services
- EnviroLink News Service - environmental news from news wire services throughout the world.
- Environmental News Network - gathers material from many sources, including wire services, government agencies, industry, special interest groups, correspondents and environmental professionals.
- OneWorld.net News Service - a regularly-updated news feature service offered by the world's largest independent website devoted solely to sustainable human development.
Environmental Law
National (UK) environmental law
Gateways/portals
- Open Government Organisation Index - This is an alphabetical listing of UK government bodies on the internet. If you do not know the name of the
government body which produces the information there is a topic index and a search facility to utilise.
Government Bodies
- Environment Agency - a non-departmental public body established by the Environment Act 1995 and sponsored by the Department of the Environment.
- Countryside Council for Wales - the Government's statutory adviser on sustaining natural beauty, wildlife and the opportunity for outdoor enjoyment in Wales and its inshore waters.
- Department of the Environment Food and Rural Affairs
- Department of Trade and Industry - UK Government department with the overall aim "To increase competitiveness and scientific excellence in order to generate higher levels of sustainable growth and productivity in a modern economy."
- English Nature - promotes the conservation of England's wildlife and natural features. Set up by the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and we are a statutory body funded by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
- Food Standards Agency - an independent food safety watchdog set up by an Act of Parliament in 2000 to protect the public's health and consumer interests in relation to food.
- Health and Safety Executive - its role is to ensure that risks to people's health and safety from work activities are properly controlled.
- HM Customs and Excise - a Government department with responsibility for collecting billions of pounds in revenue each year in VAT, other taxes and customs duties. Also has a vital front-line role in protecting society from illegal imports of drugs, alcohol and tobacco smuggling and tax fraud.
- Office of the Deputy Prime Minister - responsible for policy on housing, planning, devolution, regional and local government and the fire service. It also takes responsibility for the Social Exclusion Unit, the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit and the Government Offices for the Regions.
- Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution - an independent standing body established in 1970 to advise the Queen, the Government, Parliament and the public on environmental issues. The Commission’s reports on the outcome of major studies are available online from this site. Occasional news releases or statements on matters the Commission considers specially important or which arise out of its studies can be found here too.
- Scottish Environmental Protection Agency - public body responsible for environmental protection in Scotland. Its main aim is to provide an efficient and integrated environmental protection system for Scotland which will both improve the environment and contribute to the Government's goal of sustainable development. SEPA regulates potential pollution of natural waters and the air and the storage, transportation and disposal of controlled waste and the keeping of radioactive materials. In fulfillment of its broader duty to bring about environmental improvement in Scotland, SEPA provides extensive guidance and advice to regulated organisations and works in partnership with others to deliver environmental goals through non-statutory means.
- Scottish Natural Heritage - aims include safeguarding and enhance Scotland's natural heritage, fostering awareness and understanding of the natural heritage, promoting enjoyment and responsible public access to natural heritage, encouraging public support and voluntary effort for the benefit of the environment; promoting improvement of the natural heritage in and around towns and cities, and encouraging environmental sustainability in all forms of economic activity.
- Department for Transport - The Department is responsible for overseeing the delivery of a reliable, safe and secure transport system that responds efficiently to the needs of individuals and business whilst safeguarding the environment.
Legislation and Judgments
- House of Lords Judgments - includes a list of the current Lords of Appeal in Ordinary and the other Lords of Appeal, information on the Judicial Work of the House of Lords, Civil Practice Directions—(the Practice Directions and Standing Orders applicable to civil appeals the 'Blue book'), Criminal Practice Directions—the Practice Directions applicable to criminal appeals (the 'Red Book'), Appeal Committee Reports, and Judgments—the full text of all Opinions delivered since 14 November 1996. The text of Opinions appears on this site within 2 hours of their delivery in the House.
- Legislation - statues and regulations from all parts of the UK since 1988 published by The Stationery Office (TSO).
- Netregs - product of a pilot project aiming to provide practical assistance to help managers of a small or medium sized business located in England or Wales comply with environmental responsibilities. Produced by the Environment Agency and Enviros Aspinwall, environmental management consultants.
- Smith Bernal Casetrack - free to access for academic members of staff, librarians and charities, though you will have to register for an account with the service on 020-7421-4007.
Regional Assemblies (Devolved administrations)
- Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland Executive)
- Environment and Rural Affairs Department Scottish Executive
- Environment Committee National Assembly for Wales
Other Sources
- Hansard (House of Commons Debates)
- Hansard (House of Lords Debates)
- Her Majesty's Stationery Office website - compliments the Official Documents website. Among other functions HMSO oversees the printing and publication of all UK legislation and related official materials in traditional print formats and via the internet and advises government departments on all aspects of official publishing. HMSO also takes the lead in setting up the Government's Information Asset Register.
- Law Commission - the independent body set up by Parliament in 1965 (along with a similar Commission for Scotland) to keep the law of England and Wales under review and to recommend reform when it is needed. UK law is a combination of the common law - decisions of judges of the higher courts - and of statute law enacted or authorised by Parliament.
- Lawlinks - legal information on the Internet, maintained by the University of Kent at Canterbury.
- Official Documents (UK Gov) - site contains a selection of Government titles covering a very broad range of topics including the economy, work and welfare, health, transport and the environment. There are two main groups of documents: Command Papers (sometimes known as White or Green Papers) and House of Commons Papers. The latter category includes many Annual Reports from Government bodies including all the principal Executive Agencies and the annual Financial Statement and Budget Report and Pre-Budget Report. Acts of Parliament and Statutory Instruments can be found on the Her Majesty's Stationery Office website.
- UK government and politics links - York Information Connections Politics page.
European environmental law
EU Institutions
- Court of Justice of the European Communities - includes judgments from 1997 to present.
- Council of the European Union - a European Community institution exercising the powers conferred upon it by the Treaties.
- Europa - the online site of the European Union.
- European Commission Environment Directorate General - online information website of the EU's Environmental Directorate.
- European Environment Agency - aims to support sustainable development and to help achieve significant and measurable improvement in Europe's environment through the provision of timely, targeted, relevant and reliable information to policy making agents and the public.
- European Parliament
- European Parliament Environment Committee - his committee is responsible for matters relating to environmental policy and environmental protection measures, public health, consumer policy, and the monitoring accompanying the implementation of current expenditure for which it has responsibility, on the basis of periodic reports provided by the Commission.
Official Documents
- ECOLEX - a gateway to environmental designed to use IUCN's Environmental Law Information System (ELIS) as its core archival system and links to full text information available with UNEP's Computerised Environmental Law Information Base (CELIB) and other authoritative sources.
- EUR-LEX - aims to offer a comprehensive picture of EU legislation and the decision-making procedures from their concept to their conclusion. The EUR-Lex site incorporates a single entry point to the complete collections of EU legal texts as found in CURIA, CELEX and the official document repositories managed by EUR-OP. official journal, treaties, cases, and consolidated environmental law currently in force.
- Directory of Community legislation in force (Environment) - part of EUR-LEX .
- Directorate General Environmental proposals - this section contains summaries and texts of pending environmental proposals, communications and reports published as COM or SEC documents. These documents can be followed through the decision-making process on the Prelex database which also contains a complete list of pending environmental proposals.
- Sixth Environmental Action Programme 2001-2010 - includes the full text of the programme.
Other sources
International environmental law
- Council of Europe - an intergovernmental organisation which aims: to protect human rights, pluralist democracy and the rule of law, to promote awareness and encourage the development of Europe’s cultural identity and diversity, to seek solutions to problems facing European society, and to help consolidate democratic stability in Europe by backing political, legislative and constitutional reform. The Council of Europe should not be confused with the European Union as the two organisations are quite distinct.
- Environmental Law Alliance - founded in 1980 E-LAW gives public interest lawyers and scientists around the world the skills and resources they need to protect the environment through law.
- Environmental Protection Agency (US) - The EPA provides the comprehensive Access EPA document describing environmental information, as well as a number of other pointers to Information Locators that can be obtained from the EPA and related organisations.
- Environmental Treaties and Resource Indicators - a comprehensive online search service for finding information about environmental treaties and national resource indicators.
- Globelaw - dedicated to serving the international law, environmental law and transnational litigation communities worldwide. The Globelaw site is divided into
international and environmental law and transnational litigation sections. - International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) Linkages - multimedia resource site aimed at environmentally and development policy makers. Incorporates The Earth Negotiations Bulletin
- Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development - an international organisation helping governments tackle the economic, social and governance challenges of a globalised economy.
- United Nations Environment Programme Executive Center - describes the various conventions and treaties currently in force providing technical guidelines and downloadable documents and, in addition, details related and future programmes and activities.
Climate change and weather
- British Atmospheric Data Centre - the Natural Environment Research Council's (NERC) Designated Data Centre for the Atmospheric Sciences, and is sited at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. Its role is to assist UK atmospheric researchers to locate, access and interpret atmospheric data and to ensure the long-term integrity of atmospheric data produced by NERC projects.
- Climate Care - is a company aiming to help individuals and organisations reduce their own impact on global warming. Includes Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Calculator that will calculate the amount of CO2 your household produces.
- Climate data from the Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory - uses forms to provide a point and click front end to the scientific analysis and visualization program FERRET. It provides access to a large, research-oriented data base of multi-dimensional, gridded, environmental data collected within NOAA and elsewhere. The data base is maintained by the Thermal Modeling and Analysis Project at PMEL.
- Climatic Research Unit - University of East Anglia. Information on the work of the Unit and links to other climate information sources.
- Greenhouse gases & the Kyoto Protocol - presents data collected by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) for the international summit in the Hague, November 2000.
- NOAA's Drought Information Center - a roundup of the various NOAA websites and information on drought and climate conditions. US and Global perspectives.
- Meteorological Society - the Society exists to advance meteorological science through its journals and publications, meetings, field courses, grants and prizes, and professional accreditation. It acts as a forum whereby meteorologists, both amateur and professional, can interact.
- UK Meteorological Office - a clear and easy to navigate site.
- World Meteorological Organization
Energy
- American Wind Energy Association - includes many links to other wind energy resources.
- Department of Fuel and Energy, University of Leeds - the only department dedicated to teaching and research in the areas of energy production and pollution control. Research areas include; combustion, pollution, fire and explosions, emissions, and fuel recovery from waste and biomass.
- International Energy Agency - the energy forum for 23 industrialised countries (including Australia, Canada, France, Japan, United Kingdom, United States). IEA Member governments are committed to taking joint measures to meet oil supply emergencies, and have agreed to share energy information, to co-ordinate their energy policies and to co-operate in the development of rational energy programmes.
- N-Base Nuclear Information Service - provides an on-line database plus news and analysis on the UK civil nuclear industry, particularly reprocessing at Dounreay and Sellafield, nuclear transports, waste and marine pollution.
- United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA)
- World Energy Outlook - a divisional team of the International Energy Agency that publishes the similarly named World Energy Outlook. In even-numbered years, e.g., 2000, 2002 the organisation publishes a global energy survey, that provides long-term projections, 20 to 30 years into the future, of energy demand, energy supply and CO2 emissions. In odd-numbered years a WEO Insights is published that aims to cover a single aspect of energy, e.g., subsidies or global supply. The website provides information about how to order publications, as well as sample chapters, press reports, and most significantly a collection of reports, and presentations written by members of the organisation.
Career opportunities
- Careerjet.co.uk
- Jobs UK (browse under Biological Sciences/Agriculture)
- Vacancies Environmental Department, York
Subject Arrangement
The following is a summary of the main subject divisions relevant to environmental topics as arranged in the Library. It is not a comprehensive list of all subjects covered.
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