Fed: Opera House could be underwater attraction ACF

AAP General News (Australia)
04-06-2000
Fed: Opera House could be underwater attraction ACF

CANBERRA, April 6 AAP - Sydney Opera House could end up as an underwater tourist attraction
if greenhouse concerns are not met, conservationists warned today.

A study published in the Nature journal showed scientists feared a rise in the earth's
average temperature could make oceans rise and swamp low-lying coastal cities next century.

University of California researchers warned the glaciers of Greenland were likely to
melt, with dire consequences for low lying areas.

The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) has urged the federal government to take
a tough stance on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to lessen any adverse affects on climate.

Circular Quay and the Opera House are one metre above sea level but water levels could
rise by six metres, the ACF warned.

"The federal government needs to ratify the Kyoto protocol and commit to cut greenhouse
pollution to prevent global warming, otherwise if the Greenland Glaciers melt, Sydneysiders
will need bathers to see a performance in the Sydney Opera House and scuba gear to catch
a ferry from Circular Quay," ACF climate change campaigner Sam van Rood said in a statement.

Australia is part of a group of developed nations working to reduce emissions as part
of the Kyoto Protocol, which is yet to be ratified and become legally binding.

Industrialised nations established the protocol two years ago to cap and reduce carbon
emission levels, which contribute to global warming.

AAP lm/mfh/ah

KEYWORD: GREENHOUSE (CARRIED EARLIER)

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