The pressure's off

The government's refusal to implement its own building regulations, designed to prevent carbon dioxide emissions from buildings, homes, offices and factories, continues to enrage all those involved - except, of course, the builders who can construct cheap and leaky buildings without sanction. Buildings are supposed to have air pressure tests to ensure they do not leak heat, but only a handful of machines are available for the whole country. John Prescott, the deputy prime minister, who claims to be building sustainable developments, is being petitioned but so far is silent.

Rosy outlook

Meanwhile, the government's 68 sustainable development indicators published last week (using red, amber or green indicators) showed as many reds as greens. Among the reds was a staggering plus 90% for emissions for aviation fuel used in the UK since 1990.

Glitterati gathering

The Diamonds exhibition opening at London's Natural History Museum today will probably have more celebrities outside than enjoying the show inside. Supermodels and film stars who might otherwise have been seen wearing DeBeers products have declined to do so in the face of protests by Kalahari Bushmen. The bushmen believe the presence of diamonds is the reason they have been barred from tribal lands. The museum refused to allow them to make their point inside, but they will be picketing on the pavement for tonight's opening.