FRANCE: Wineries highlight global warming danger

An alliance of wineries and wine experts have warned that more must be done to reduce the threat of climate change to France's wine industry.

In a letter published in France's Le Monde newspaper yesterday (12 August), 35 wineries from across the country joined with another 15 assorted wine experts and industry professionals to argue for more action on climate change.

"Our wine industry is at a crossroads," they wrote. "If we want to curb this downward spiral and prove ourselves equal to our heritage, we must act."

French wine terroirs face ruin at the hands of temperature rises, the group warned.
The letter also called on the industry to put more pressure on politicians to set tougher goals for reducing carbon dioxide emissions, calling for a 40% cut from current levels by 2020.