Diane P-p-picks up a Penguin!

13 Dec 2007

The environmental MP has tabled an Early Day Motion calling on the government to recognise the dangers that climate change poses to wildlife living in the Antarctic, including four species of penguin.

Penguins that are threatened by the reduction in sea ice because krill - typical foodstuffs for penguins - are suffering a severe decline in numbers. The emperor penguins, black and white icons of the Antarctic, also need an expanse of thick, stable ice for their breeding and protecting their young.

A WWF report released this week highlighted the plight of penguins pointing out that the Antarctic Peninsula is warming five times faster than the rest of the planet and that some penguin colonies have already dropped by over 50%.

Discussing her support for a penguin campaign, Diane said:

"The plight of the penguin is symbolic of the devastating consequences of global warming. It is vital we take notice of the effects our behaviour has on the environment generally and on the unique ecosystem of the Antarctic. I am calling on the Government not to leave our penguin friends out in the cold but to ensure a strong Climate Change Bill protects their habitat."

Emily Lewis-Brown of WWF said: “It’s vital that ministers strike a global deal on climate change and agree a way forward to deliver comprehensive and fair emissions reductions. The UK Government has an opportunity to take the lead on this by introducing a robust Climate Change Bill which calls for a minimum 80% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050 and 40% by 2020. Crucially these targets must also include emissions from aviation and shipping”

Ends

Editor’s notes:

  • The text of Diane Abbott’s EDM is as follows:

EDM 557 Penguins at Risk: That this House is concerned at the plight of penguins living in the Antarctic Peninsula; notes that melting ice due to the effects of climate change is devastating the nesting sites for penguins; recognises that over-fishing is leading to a lack of food available for penguins; further notes that four species of penguin – the emperor, the gentoo, the chinstrap and the Adelie – are among the most at risk creatures in the area; supports the WWF report which states that some of the emperor penguins’ colonies have reduced by half in the past century due to warmer temperatures; and calls on the government to push for comprehensive and fair emissions cuts at the Bali summit.

  • Details of the WWF report “Antarctic Penguins and Climate Change” can be found at: www.wwf.org.uk


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