5th June 2007 - "Young people will live with the consequences of our actions" on climate change

Marking World Environment Day today, Yorkshire and the Humber Euro-MP Linda McAvan is urging local young people to take part in an online debate about the climate change, and what we need to do to avert the worst consequences of environmental damage.

Writing on the 'HeadsUp' website, Linda McAvan - who serves on the European Parliament's Temporary Committee on Climate Change - said;

"Climate change poses the single biggest challenge facing the world today. The world's leading scientists predict a rise of up to 6°C within a hundred years, bringing with it rising sea levels and changes in world weather patterns that will leave billions of people facing shortages of food and water. Those hardest hit will be amongst the poorest in the world."

"It is a frightening vision of the future, conjuring up problems which seem so enormous as to be beyond our control. Yet if we act now - not only as politicians but all of us together - the worst affects of climate change can be avoided. That is why dialogues like this one with the young people who will have to live with the consequences of our actions now are so important."

HeadsUp provides an online service to allow people aged under 18 to debate political issues and air their views with politicians. Anyone wishing to take part should register at www.headsup.org.uk.