Changing the climate at the Assembly

As pictures of hurricanes, flooding and droughts appear with increasing regularity on our TV screens, the reality of the World's changing climate will be conveyed to Assembly Members later today by one of the top experts on the issue.

Sir John Houghton [1], a former head of the UK Meteorological Office and Vice President of the World Meteorological Organization, will give an illustrated talk on the science and impacts of climate change in a bid to raise greater awareness of one of the most important issues of the time. The presentation, which has been organised by Friends of the Earth Cymru and sponsored by Torfaen AM Lynne Neagle, will take place in Committee Room 5 of the National Assembly building at 1pm.

Gordon James, Assembly Campaigner with Friends of the Earth Cymru, said:

"Climate change is one of the biggest issues we face this century. Evidence from around the World is showing that gases, such as carbon dioxide, emitted mainly by burning fossil fuels and forest destruction are causing the weather to become more extreme with more incidents of intense rainfall and flooding, stronger winds and storms, higher temperatures and droughts. This is having a big impact already on people, the environment and the economy."

"Scientist are warning that, unless we succeed in making significant reductions in the emission of the climate changing gases, the consequences for future generations could be dire. Despite this, levels of awareness amongst political leaders around the World is often poor and the response of government's inadequate."

" We hope that today's presentation by Sir John Houghton will raise awareness amongst Assembly Members and will encourage the Assembly to pursue policies, such as providing strong support for energy efficiency, renewable energy and public transport, that will result in a significant reduction in the emission of climate changing gases in Wales."

" The Assembly has demonstrated by its successful opposition to GMs that it can take a lead role at a national and European level. We hope that it will adopt a similarly robust approach to achieving reductions in the emission of the gases and chemicals that are causing climate change."

Lynne Neagle AM said:

"Climate change is an issue that must be tackled head on in Wales and I am delighted to welcome Sir John to the Assembly. We all know that freak weather is becoming frequent weather; last year's summer heatwave claimed 15,000 lives in France whilst the people of Boscastle are still counting the cost of last month's devastating floods.

Though weather knows no boundaries, the Assembly has a responsibility to act on this issue, making sure we in Wales do all we can to reduce carbon omissions and meet our Kyoto commitments whilst using our influence on the international stage to argue for greater action.

Climate change isn't just an issue our children study in school. Unless we take action now, it will be reality they have to live with as adults."

Note

1. Sir John Houghton has held the posts of President of the Royal Meteorological Society, Professor of Atmospheric Physics at Oxford University , Chairman of the UK 's Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution, Vice-President of the World Meteorological Organization, Chief Executive of the Royal Meteorological Office and Chairman of the Scientific Working Group of the Inter Governmental Panel on Climate Change. His latest book, 'Global Warming: The Complete Briefing' has been widely praised, being described by the Times Literary Supplement, for instance, as "the best single-volume guide to the science of climate change". He has now retired to his home in Aberdovey.