Media release - September 5, 2005
Intensifying efforts to bring clean energy to Cape Cod, Greenpeace’s Global Warming and Energy Campaign rolled out "a global warming beach patrol" at area beaches this weekend. Patrol members planted signs in the sand, reading, "Danger, Beach Threatened By Rising Seas & Global Warming, Say Yes To Wind For The Cape and Islands" to warn of the threats posed by rising sea levels to area beaches. The patrol also distributed flyers, Frisbees, buttons and T-shirts to beachgoers in support of the proposed offshore wind project. Meanwhile, on the water, two boats unfurled banners that read "Global Warming Beach Patrol: Say Yes to Wind Power."
"Saying 'yes' to wind power is a choice to preserve the Cape and
promote safer, cleaner energy choices," said Greenpeace Campaigner
Chelsea Harris. "By supporting the most significant renewable
energy project in New England, we can prevent additional oil spills
and reduce local air pollution which will improve the quality of
life for residents and tourists alike," Harris said.
The patrol visited beaches on Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard
over the Labor Day weekend to highlight the benefits of the
proposed offshore wind project. The wind farm will provide 75
percent of the area's energy needs without spewing asthma-causing
pollution or adding to the growing threat of global warming.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that global
warming impacts to the coast of Massachusetts alone may cost
between $490 million and $2.6 billion to repair. This estimate
reflects the cumulative cost of sand replenishment to protect the
coast from an expected 20-inch seal level rise by 2100. Global
warming impacts also disrupt marine ecosystems, affecting the
breeding and food sources of marine animals and significantly
increase the growth of "red tides" that are linked with the deaths
of marine mammals and fish species. For over thirty years,
Greenpeace has campaigned to protect the world's oceans. The wind
farm offers a solution to some of the most challenging problems
impacting oceans as a result of global warming.
In coming weeks, Greenpeace's ship, the Arctic Sunrise, will
make its way to the East Coast of the United States where
Greenpeace will be promoting solutions to global warming including
proposed wind farms in Cape Cod and Long Island. Greenpeace's visit
to Cape Cod, Massachusetts is part of Project Thin Ice - Going the Distance to Stop Global Warming.
Ship stops include Boston, Hyannis, Provincetown, Nantucket, Woods
Hole, New York, Long Island and Miami.
Photos available at: http://usaphoto.greenpeace.org/capewind/beachaction/
Other contacts: Chelsea Harris on the Sound at (202) 258-1653 or
Jane Kochersperger at (202) 415-5477
Exp. contact date: 2005-10-05 00:00:00