Prepare for change says Liverpool MEP
October 23, 2007 12:00 AM
A North West Euro-MP has hosted the first meeting of a new EU network intended to encourage governments and public bodies prepare for the effects of climate change.
Disasters as a result of global warming such as floods, droughts, earthquakes and fires are a major threat to life and the economy. While much attention is focused on reducing carbon emissions that cause climate change, moves also need to be made to adapt to the challenges it brings.
Politicians from around the world will meet in Bali in December to agree stricter carbon emission standards. But Liberal Democrat MEP Chris Davies, who will represent the European Parliament at the talks, says that even if rigorous emission reductions are agreed we still need to deal with an upset climate for at least 50 more years.
He said: "While moves are being made to cut carbon emissions we still have to deal with the fallout from the global warming already working on the atmosphere."
Mr Davies says it is important for all new investments and policies to be 'disaster proof' and this need not require extensive work.
He said: "It is not acceptable for a new hospital to be built in a flood plain, when moving it 100 meters up would extend its life by tens of years."
The network will be used to keep lawmakers and interested groups in touch and informed on key developments in the area of disaster impact reduction.
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