7 September 2004
Alcoa challenged to back Kyoto ratification.
The Greens are backing the global campaign to stop the Iceland Energy Authority’s huge Karahnjukar dam in eastern Iceland and the Alcoa smelter it will feed, Greens Senator Bob Brown said today.
“Alcoa’s claim that hydro power will reduce greenhouse gas emissions rings hollow when the company opposes ratifying the Kyoto Protocol,” Senator Brown said in Sydney.
“As well, big dams like Karahnjukar release huge amounts of greenhouse gases from rotting vegetation.
“Karahnjukar will destroy 1000 km of wilderness and wild rivers, home to pink-footed geese, reindeer, harbour seals, rare invertebrates and lush highland vegetation.
“The scheme parallels Tasmania’s Franklin River experience, with an island state going after hydro-industrialisation, promising cheap energy and destroying the potential for a clean green future based on nature, landscape, and wildness.
“Strahan, at the mouth of the Franklin River, is now the economic powerhouse of Tasmania’s west coast.
“The presentation by Iceland’s National Energy Authority at the World Energy Congress today is titled ‘sustainable generation’.
“They and Alcoa should be challenged on how destruction of wilderness and wildlife is sustainable.
“The Greens will be part of the international campaign by Iceland environmentalists to block Karahnjukar, not the river,” said Senator Brown.
More information: Katrina Willis 02 6277 3170 or 0419 704 095