26-Jul-2006
- The man in charge of Environment Agency Wales,
the Assembly Sponsored Public Body which protects
and improves the environment in Wales will be
giving a clear message at the Royal Welsh Show
that this is no time for complacency and we must
act now if we are to limit the effects of climate
change for future generations.
Speaking at a climate change
event at the Royal Welsh Show, Chris Mills, the
Environment Agency’s Director Wales, will outline
to guests the issues facing Wales, which will
then be followed by an open debate with an opportunity
for key policy makers to discuss how Wales can
mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change.
Over 42 million tonnes of Co2 are emitted every
year in Wales. Scientists predict that if we don’t
take action by 2080 Wales will experience wetter
winters and hotter summers like the one being
experienced this year. Droughts, heatwaves and
flooding will become the norm. But as well as
the environmental impacts there will also be economic
and social risks to contend with. These include
increased pressure on energy supplies, increased
demand for limited water supplies, effects on
insurance premiums and property values, and potential
mortality from storm events and increased rates
of skin cancer.
Chris Mills said: "Climate
change is the biggest environmental threat we
are facing. The Environment Agency has a key role
to play and we are working with a wide range of
partner organisations on a number of levels. This
includes working with local authorities on managing
flood risks, industry to reduce pollution, water
companies to ensure adequate water supplies, as
well as ensuring we do everything we can to reduce
our own carbon footprint as an organisation".
Our main stand in the Countryside
Care Area will focus on climate change throughout
the week with a 6ft polar bear showing how the
world’s climate is threatening their existence.
We will also be promoting our flood warning direct
service, and emphasising how climate change will
probably result in increased flooding.
‘Weapons of sound’ will be attracting
the crowds playing kitchen sinks, gas pipes and
shopping trolleys and emanating a unique sound
of funk fuelled junk percussion.
All well as our main stand we
will have a presence near the angling pond and
with the Wales Young Farmers Clubs. We will be
talking to farmers, angling enthusiasts and the
wider public about how they can help us to protect
and improve the environment for people and wildlife
across all parts of Wales.
Don’t forget to come and say
hello to our bear
Indeg Jones
