End destruction of NT woodlands - climate change threat

Clearance of tropical forests and woodlands in the Northern Territory has massive environmental costs and the Labor and Country Liberal parties should say how they will stop it, national Greens Leader Bob Brown said in Darwin today.

"Besides its impact in destroying the habitats of Australian wildlife, massive tonnages of carbon are released accelerating global warming," Senator Brown said.

"Together with deforestation in other states, more than 10 percent of the nation's total greenhouse gas pollution comes from deforestation," Senator Brown said.

"Since 2002, the Territory Government has approved the destruction of 70,000 hectares, including 30,000 hectares on the Tiwi Islands alone - this is environmental stupidity," Senator Brown said.

"The Government should have a comprehensive plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions including fitting all houses with solar power and hot water services," Senator Brown said.

Further info: Ebony Bennett 0409 164 603