A melting Arctic is prompting questions about climate change, geopolitics and security among other topics, yet one question receiving more attention lately is steeped in nautical mythology - fabled Arctic shipping passages.

The EPA recently commissioned the preparation of a revised Guidance Note for Noise (NG4) - the Draft version has been released for external comment.

Works at Kerdiffstown landfill continue - the EPA has established more permanent offices on site and the site now has electricity and running water.

The most recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report on dioxin levels in the Irish environment shows that the dioxin levels in all of the samples tested were well below the relevant EU limits. 

Plumes of methane - a greenhouse gas 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide - have been seen bubbling to the surface of the Arctic Ocean by scientists undertaking an extensive survey of the region.

Delegates at the recent Durban Summit would have been well advised to consider the role IT can play in cutting emissions and mitigating the impact of climate change, the UN's own technology body has said.

The cleaning products that we use to wipe down our countertops, wash our dishes and clothes and scent our air contain potentially toxic chemicals - and they're getting into our bodies.

European paper-makers have promised to phase out use of mineral oil-based printing inks and processing chemicals in packaging materials that come into contact with food.

The European Commission proposes to reduce noise produced by cars, vans, buses, coaches, light and heavy trucks.

Environment Minister Alex Attwood has advised that air quality in the North has continued to improve year on year.