Campaigners this morning projected a huge message onto the Assembly building in Cardiff. The environmental group Greenpeace emblazoned the words "80% Want Offshore Wind" across the front of the Cardiff Bay building in 30ft high letters. The move came as Assembly Members returned today for the new session, ready to decide the fate of a proposed wind farm at Scarweather Sands off Porthcawl.
An ICM poll released last week showed that 76% of people in Wales support the Westminster government's plans to build more wind farms, that 72% want them built in their area and that 80% support the construction of offshore wind farms, with just 10% in Wales opposed.
Greenpeace campaigner Sarah Shoraka said: "With global warming hitting home and the need for wind power so urgent, we felt the message deserved to be spelt out in a huge way. Wales wants wind, and over the next few weeks Assembly members can give the green light to an offshore wind farm that will power thousands of homes and show the rest of the country how Wales is leading the UK in the fight against climate change."
If they are to overturn the recent decision by the Assembly planning committee to allow the Scarweather project to go ahead, its opponents must secure the support of 10 AMs over the coming days. If they succeed, a debate and a vote will be held by the Assembly. Greenpeace is urging AMs to support the Swansea Bay project as evidence mounts that all areas of the UK face disruption from global warming.
Sarah Shoraka added: "The World Health Organisation says 150,000 people a year are dying from climate change. One of the best ways we defeat this menace is to generate our energy from clean renewable sources like offshore wind. There is some opposition to the Scarweather development, but our poll shows it is a vocal minority. Most people now appreciate the threat posed by global warming and know wind farms like this are the best way to fight it."
The projection began at 4am this morning. The message was projected in English and Welsh.
For details of poll contact Greenpeace Press Office on 0207 865 8255.
