The clean-up campaign following Europe’s worst oil spill, in 1998, may be the last hope of saving the Iberian lynx. Ros Coward reports.

Looking at Coto Doñana in this year’s sunshine, it’s hard to believe only two years ago it was the site of Europe’s worst toxic spill. The lagoons and marshes, now drying up for summer, teem with wildlife. Flamingos move in the shallows among wading birds. There are storks’ nests on buildings and every so often a black shadow moves across the marshes; usually it’s a black kite but occasionally it’s a massive, imperial eagle. Doñana looks like the world heritage site it is, designated thus because its complex wetland ecology sustains an astonishing variety of plant, bird and animal species, including Europe’s most endangered carnivore, the Iberian lynx.

Full article: http://www.theguardian.com/society/2000/jul/26/endangeredspecies.oilspills

This weekend’s May Day festivities are an affirmation of positive action, not an excuse for anarchy

Nothing has given me as much cause for optimism recently as this weekend’s May Day 2000 festivities. For the first time, environmental issues are at the heart of widespread popular activity. This is a timely rebuff to Westminster politicians who still think only a tiny minority cares about such things and who cynically abandon environmental commitments at the faintest whiff of disapproval from big business.

Full article: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2000/apr/30/mayday.comment