Professor warns of 'greenhouse politics'

The ozone hole over the Earth is growing

A Welsh physics professor has warned that global warming will "dominate world politics" if action is not taken by governments soon.

Dr Phil Williams said evidence of global warming and and holes appearing at the North Pole should be enough to prompt world leaders to respond.

The issue of global warming has split the scientific community, but Dr Williams said positive steps are required to avert potential disasters.

Dr Phil Williams: 'Not too late'

"Hurricanes, floods and freak weather are clear signs that the climate is changing," said Dr Williams, who is also Plaid Cymru's spokesman on economic development.

"Within 10 years the threat of global warming will dominate world politics.

"If we carry on generating carbon dioxide at the present rate in fifty years we will face catastrophe.

"We owe it to our children and grand-children to do something about it now."

There is no need to despair. The technical problems can be solved easily if the countries of the world agree

Dr Phil Williams

He added: "There is no need to despair. The technical problems can be solved easily if the countries of the world agree.

"Within 20 years we can meet all our power needs using wind turbines, hydro-electricity, tidal generators, biomass and solar power.

"These will replace coal, oil and gas which all produce carbon dioxide.

'Cannot wait'

"Fuel cells - invented by a Welshman - are already replacing petrol and diesel engines and fuel cells cause no pollution." Dr Williams said it was important a start on finding practical business solutions were made soon.

"If Wales takes the lead we will develop new, home-based industries with a huge export potential.

"But we cannot afford to wait."

Before being elected to the National Assembly for Wales, Dr Williams was a Professor in the Physics Department at Aberystwyth, studying the whole relationship between the Sun and the Earth.