Green Man Projects

Reports last week that another large sheet of ice had broken away and might affect weather patterns in the North Atlantic, was shortly followed by news that Chile had been struck by an earthquake, in turn leading to a tsunami warning across the Pacific. Closer to home, France, Spain and Portugal have been struck by severe storms and coastal flooding. 

It seems that the sea god, Poseidon – also known as “Earth Shaker” – is reminding us of his presence. This statue of Poseidon is located in the Port of Copenhagen, a city which now has strong associations of recent stalled negotiations on tackling climate change. Poseidon is also known as Neptune, who is linked to the watery sign of Pisces in astrology, and, in turn, with some interpretations of “The Tower” Tarot Card. This suggests that some  transformational change is on the cards, calling for new kinds of human co-operation on the environmental challenges ahead.

An exhibition has recently opened at the Tate Liverpool art gallery entitled “Journeys through the Black Atlantic”.

This theme reflects the area of interest – ie the British Maritime Diaspora – explored in the Nautilus Project,  from challenging historical and contemporary perspectives. For more information please see :

www.tate.org.uk/liverpool

Source : David Williamson, Western Mail 29 October 2009

A “COMPLACENT” attitude to protecting Wales’ coastal defences has left them neglected at a time when the danger of flooding is expected to rise, a major report from the Wales Audit Office warns.

A report published today by In it the Auditor General claims that in the future it may not be possible to protect all communities from the threat of floods and residents may have to leave their homes.

Today’s report, Coastal Erosion and Tidal Flooding Risks in Wales, advises that severe storms will become more common as a result of climate change and sea levels are predicted to rise by around one metre over the next 100 years.

Six out of 10 people live on coastal plains in Wales today and flood risk is predicted to increase by up to 20 times in the next 80 years.

Areas in high risk include:

The Gwent Levels in South Wales;

Aberaeron, Aberystwyth, Tywyn and Borth in Mid Wales;

Kinmel Bay and the stretch from Towyn to Llandudno in North Wales