Commuters recognise impact of the predicted rise in sea level rise

Commuters dressed in diving gear have highlighted the impact of a predicted rise in sea levels in Putney to mark Climate Change Week.

According to a report to the London Assembly, sea levels could rise by four metres by 2100. Such an increase would leave East Putney Station underwater, along with dozens of other London Underground stations.

Office workers dressed in snorkels, masks and fins from development charity Practical Action will be raising awareness of the impact of an increase in sea levels to people living in London, and in Bangladesh.

The event will precede a free training day run by Practical Action and Stop Climate Chaos for people in Wandsworth who want to become effective local climate change campaigners on Saturday, April 6 at St Paul’s Community Centre, Inner Park Road, Wandsworth from 10am. To register, log on to stopclimatechaos.eventbrite.co.uk

Practical Action campaigner Nick Milton said:
“Rising sea levels will result in Putney tube station disappearing in less than 100 years. Our event will help people highlight green issues in the UK and how they impact on international development and we have invited Putney MP Justine Greening to come along and see how important these issues are to her constituents.

“Practical Action is actively helping some of the poorest people in countries like Bangladesh adapt to climate change now. But in 100 years’ time the lives of people here could be altered dramatically by rising sea levels. We need people to make sure our leaders realise that this is happening now.”

In addition to East Putney, other west London tube stations which would be swamped by rising sea levels include Putney Bridge, Parsons Green, Gunnersbury and Kew Gardens.

Elsewhere, iconic stations including Westminster, Embankment, London Bridge and Canary Wharf would also be submerged by a four metre rise.

Stop Climate Chaos coordinator Fiona Dear said:
“One of the most effective ways for people to campaign on climate change is to get active locally. MPs need to hear that their voters care about climate change if they are to push for the strongest action to address climate change.

“Our training event will give people the tools to influence their political representatives. And it will be a great chance for those attending to meet others who care about the same things.”

March 8, 2013