Greenhouse effect studied

Press, 7 December 1987, Page 2

Greenhouse effect studied

PA Wellington New Zealand and Australia will jointly study climate changes caused by the "greenhouse effect” "Climate change over the next 40 years or so due to the greenhouse effect is an Important issue facing most, if not all countries," said the Minister of Environment, Mr Palmer, and his Australian counterpart, Mr Graham Richardson, in a joint statement. They said the implications of such climatic changes extended well beyond national boundaries. “Regional, and indeed international action is central not only to our understanding of the greenhouse effect and the likely changes to climate, but also to efforts to stem the greenhouse effect and

adapt to its impact,” they said.

“Clearly there are considerable benefits to be gained by our two countries working together on this major issue.” They said research was being undertaken on a variety of climate change matters by Australian and New Zealand scientific bodies and discussions were continuing on the details for further collaboration.

The greenhouse effect is the gradual heating of the lower levels of the atmosphere as a result of the accumulation of carbon dioxide and other trace gases in the upper atmosphere. Scientists expect the result to be changing weather patterns and rising sea levels.