JOHN HOWARD'S GREENHOUSE STANCE PUTS AUSTRALIANS AT RISK

Sydney, Australia 20 October 1997

Greenpeace today mounted a carefully planned and peaceful action to highlight the extreme irresponsibility of the Australian government's intransigence on the climate change issue. John Howard's refusal to sign up to mandatory greenhouse gas emissions puts the Australian environment and economy at long term risk.

Kirribilli House was chosen as a symbol of the need for solar power to be installed in homes all over the country, beginning with a commitment at the highest level of government. The action was timed to cause minimal disruption to the Howard family. No damage was caused to any property and there was no violence of any sort in the course of Greenpeace's dealings with the police.

"Australia is already experiencing dramatic impacts to its economy and livelihoods from extreme and unpredictable weather events similar to those which scientists say could be expected in a globally warmed world", said Greenpeace Climate Campaigner Keith Tarlo.

"Australia is exceptionally well placed to cut its greenhouse emissions and become a world leader in solar power at the same time. Australian research and development is some of the best in the world - John Howard's government is allowing billions of dollars of potential in the solar mass market to escape from under Australia's nose."

For more information contact -

Keith Tarlo tel: + 0414 393 928

Jill Emberson tel: + 0411 742 753

Alison Campbell on + 9261 4666