GREENPEACE CALLS ON GOVERNMENTS TO ACT ON CAUSES OF EXTREME WEATHER

31 October 2000

LONDON -- Greenpeace today warned that the extreme weather that has wreaked havoc across western Europe and the United Kingdom, causing the deaths of at least 11 people and the Italian chemical tanker to sink, are clear signals of global warming. Scientists say that global warming will result in more storms like this and, as they become increasingly severe, more accidents like this will happen. "This is a wake-up call to governments. The time has come for climate-related deaths and disasters to be laid squarely on the heads of the leaders who continue to procrastinate," said Greenpeace campaigner Paul Horsman.

The next UN climate change convention will meet in the Netherlands on the 13th November to decide whether governments will be allowed to flagrantly fail to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions which cause global warming and instead go for loopholes in the negotiations.

Greenpeace is also calling for immediate action to be taken to recover the toxic substances from the Italian chemical tanker, the Ievoli Sun, that has sunk off the Channel Islands, before they leak into the marine environment.

It is outrageous that the French coast is facing the threat of further environmental contamination caused by marine accidents. These incidents will continue to happen unless the production and transport of hazardous materials is phased out," added Horsman. It is reported that the vessel was carrying 6,000 tonnes of toxic chemicals - 4,000 tonnes styrene, 1,000 tonnes isopropyl-alcohol and 1,000 tonnes of methyl ethyl ketone. The most toxic of these is styrene, which is not easily broken down in water and is thought to cause cancer. If styrene leaks from the Ievoli Sun it will rise to the surface and, should the stormy weather persist, it will probably be further dispersed in the sea, affecting fish in the area.

Greenpeace was also angered that the vessel is registered to Rina, the same company that registered the Erika and called for an immediate investigation into the company to ensure other vessels registered to it are safe.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

- Paul Horsman on +44 7801 212 990
- Paul Johnston, Greenpeace Science Unit, +44 1392 263 782 or mobile +44 7887 983820
- Susan Cavanagh, Greenpeace International press desk, +31 6212 96910