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| Terry Dix and Erica Bayliss with the flag of Tuvalu |
Flag raises concern for tropical paradise in peril
The flag of Tuvalu, a tropical island nation threatened by climate change, will fly over County Buildings in Stafford this week.
Councillor Terry Dix, Chairman of Staffordshire County Council and Climate Change Champion, and Councillor Erica Bayliss showed off the flag before it was hoisted into a prominent position above Shire Hall.
The flag will fly from County Buildings in Martin Street, Stafford from Monday 28th July until 4th August.
The event is part of Staffordshire County Council's campaign to raise awareness of climate change and is the latest step in a growing partnership with Tuvalu.
In June, at the launch of Staffordshire's climate change action website www.staffsoc3.org.uk, the Honorary Consul of Tuvalu, Dr.Iftikhar Ayaz OBE, was guest of honour and praised Staffordshire for taking a stand against global warming.
He spoke for the 12,000 inhabitants of Tuvalu, a nation made up of nine coral islands in the tropical South Pacific. Experts predict that rising sea levels caused by global warming will swamp the islands within 50 years, making more than 10,000 people homeless.
Staffordshire County Council Chairman and Climate Change Champion Terry Dix said: "By flying the flag of Tuvalu in such a prominent position we hope to remind people that climate change is a global issue that we can tackle here in Staffordshire. We are working hard to make a difference and our actions have a big effect on people on the other side of the world."
Councillor Erica Bayliss, Chairman of the Climate Change Working Group, added: "Climate change is one of the biggest issues facing humanity. By flying the Tuvalu flag we are showing the people of Staffordshire's compassion and understanding of the plight of an island people thousands of miles away."
Page Last Modified:
28/07/2008 13:59:14
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