15/1/2007

Snowdon could be without snow by 2020.

Commenting on warnings from Welsh academics that climate change could leave the mounain range without snow by that year, Lembit Opik, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats and
MP for Montgomeryshire, said: "Snow-capped Snowdon has been an iconic Welsh image for centuries. It is shocking to think that as a result of climate change, in just 14 years, snow on this great mountain could become nothing but a permanent and distant memory.

"This is just the latest evidence of the impact of climate change in a rapidly growing list that includes melting polar caps, glacial retreats in the Alps, extreme weather patterns and rising sea levels. The difference is, this time it's right on our doorstep.

"This must be taken as a clanging alarm bell to the Government and to the people of Wales. We all have a very serious and real responsibility to do everything we can to reduce our carbon emissions.

"The Government must end its campaign of tinkering and half measures that utterly failed to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. That's why the Liberal Democrats are putting environmental policies at the heart of our manifesto commitments for the forthcoming elections.

"We hope other parties will join us in this initiative, because the climate is more important than political advantage. Without a comprehensive and concerted effort to develop a green economy with green jobs, fuel efficient transport and low-carbon
living, we're going to leave a climate catastrophe for our children to inherit."