Greek scientists say the destruction of the forests of Mount Parnitha could have disastrous consequences for Athens' air quality.

The experts said until last month's fire, Parnitha had functioned as the capital's air conditioner by offsetting the heat emitted by about 2.5 million cars in Attica, the newspaper Kathimerini said Wednesday.

"It is as if the number of cars in Athens doubled," said Athens University professor Matthaios Santamouris. "The climate of our city will change."

Scientists are calling for the protection of all remaining open land around the capital to compensate for the lost forest.

The Athens News Agency said scientists have called for restricting the use of private cars in the city, construction restrictions and rules requiring new buildings to have climate-friendly features.

"If we curb the heat emitted by vehicles we may be able to win back part of what we lost on Parnitha," Santamouris said. // Copyright 2007 by United Press International


Publication date: 12 July 2007   

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