First Welsh language green magazine to be launched at Eisteddfod climate change debate

The first ever Welsh language environmental magazine, 'Y Papur Gwyrdd', will be launched at the National Eisteddfod of Wales next Monday. The launch will precede an important debate on climate change, organised by Friends of the Earth Cymru, at the Societies Pavilion at 4pm.

The magazine is the brainchild of television producer/director and former newspaper journalist and editor, Hywel Davies, who said:

"My aim is for Y Papur Gwyrdd to provide a boost for environmental action in Wales as we all do our bit to respond to the increasingly serious threat posed by global climate change.

"A Welsh language journal providing news and ideas relating to ecological campaigns throughout the world will, I believe, help link community action here in Wales to the wider picture.

"I hope it will also help swell the number of people who see that we all have a role to play in saving our remarkable Earth for future generations, both through individual action and through pressure on government, industry and commerce."

The launch will be followed by a question and answer discussion on climate involving Jill Evans MEP, John Rowlands of the Environment Agency and Christian Aid, Nia Prys-Williams of Flintshire County Council and Chair of the Wales Home Energy Conservation Forum, Gordon James of Friends of the Earth Cymru and Hywel Davies.

Gordon James said:

"We are very pleased to be involved in the launch of 'Y Papur Gwyrdd'. Environmental issues have become far more important for everybody in recent years, and this new magazine will ensure that these concerns will have a stronger voice in Wales.

"The climate change debate that follows the launch will focus on the most important challenge of our age and how we in Wales can respond to it.

"Scientists are warning that we must act soon to cut the emissions that are already having a dramatic impact on weather patterns around the world. We could and should be doing far more by, for instance, using energy more efficiently, producing more clean energy from renewable sources and investing in public transport instead of roads.

"We urge the Welsh Assembly Government to set ambitious targets to reduce climate changing emissions in Wales and to ensure that policies are put in place to deliver these cuts."