NEWS RELEASE: under embargo until 00:01 Tuesday 1 April 2003

Rooftop forest to save EU from emission cuts

The European Commission is considering planting trees on the roof of the newly-refurbished Berlaymont HQ to act as a carbon sink and improve environmental performance, according to a document leaked to FERN¹ today [1.04.03].

The document² states that the renovated building may be topped by a “mini forest” that will “make a positive contribution to the carbon balance of the European institutions”. The plan includes fast-growing pine species genetically modified to reduce stress on the building below. Conservation organisations opposed to the use of genetically-altered species are promoting an alternative plan using endemic beech and oak.

“This is a ludicrous suggestion,” said FERN’s climate change campaigner Jutta Kill, “Carbon sinks are nothing more than a smokescreen to pretend the EC is serious about halting climate change when, in reality, every carbon credit will justify yet more carbon releases from fossil fuel – the very cause of global warming. The EC should not be fooled by the myth that carbon sinks are an environmentally-useful option.”

The notorious Berlaymont building, in the heart of the Brussels EU quarter, was the seat of the European Commission until 1991 when the discovery of asbestos forced the building to be closed for decontamination. Berlaymont is due for re-opening in Spring 2004.

ENDS

Further information:

Jessica Wenban-Smith, FERN: +32 (0)2 733 0814 jess@fern.org

Editor’s notes

[1] FERN (Forests and the European Union Resource Network) promotes forest conservation and respect for the rights of forest peoples in the policies and practices of the European Union. Web: www.fern.org.

[2] For further information see http://www.fern.org/april_fool.pdf