IPTS reports on potentially controversial issues The Institute for Prospective Technological Studies (IPTS) latest report (issue 31, February 1999) explores a number of multidisciplinary issues not yet on the policymakers' agenda, but suspected to become increasingly topical. It explores the controversial area of biotechnol... The Institute for Prospective Technological Studies (IPTS) latest report (issue 31, February 1999) explores a number of multidisciplinary issues not yet on the policymakers' agenda, but suspected to become increasingly topical. It explores the controversial area of biotechnology in environmentally safe agriculture, and considers whether being over cautious in our approach to applying new techniques is actually more damaging than beneficial to the environment. It also considers how attempts to meet international agreements to reduce carbon dioxide emissions have concentrated on transport and industry, but neglected emissions from buildings. The report details how efforts to construct or regenerate buildings to make them more energy efficient could significantly contribute to reducing emissions. Other issues covered by the report include: - Strategic niche management as a tool for introducing new concepts and technologies for transport into the market place; - The long-term implications of lowering oil prices; - The impact of cooperation between the Southern-Eastern Mediterranean countries and the European Union in the renewable energy sector.
