The Carbon Cycle at Ffos-y-Fran

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 06/25/2008 - 11:37

carbon cycle gangOn Saturday 21st June, twenty cyclists and a toddler in a child-seat from Mid-Wales Climate Action, the Welsh Youth Forum on Sustainable Development and Gwerin Y Coed (Woodcraft Folk) completed the 157 miles from Machynlleth to Cardiff to publicise the need for cycle-lanes and provision for bikes on public transport. At the Senedd, where ‘the Carbon Cycle’ delivered a petition, cyclists were welcomed by Leanne Wood AM and Gordon James of FoE Cymru. The ride was part of Bike Week and raised money for Oxfam’s work with people worst affected by climate change. Although cyclists endured some hostile motorists and dangerous driving along the way, they thoroughly enjoyed the experience. ‘Every day was an achievement’, said Ailish, 'moving slower is so much nicer!'

In Merthyr, cyclists met Residents Against Ffos-y-Frân and visited the infamous open-cast coalmine. George Monbiot has calculated that burning the coal from Ffos-y-Frân will be responsible for almost 30 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, equivalent to the sustainable annual emissions of 25 million people. ‘It spoilt the day to see Ffos-y-Frân and its horrible effects,’ said one young cyclist. Others felt sickened, angry, and finally galvanised to do something. Their chance came soon enough when they met with Environment Minister Jane Davidson. Not deflected by talk of the remote prospect of carbon capture and storage or the hollow claim that Ffos-y-Frân is a land reclamation scheme, cyclists found the Minister sympathetic but seemingly unable to fix a problem she inherited. Back on his bike after the meeting, Fred judged Ffos-y-Frân ‘a crunchy square of capitalism coated with a smooth blend of exploitation and greed.’

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