Wind power, expected to provide 7-8% of
the 2010 target for renewable energy
(BWEA)
Those three little words
Thankfully, it looks like our politicians are beginning
to tune in to the grim realities of greenhouse gas emissions.
Labour’s talking about the ‘green policies’ in their election
manifesto. The party’s private polling shows that what they call
‘progressive voters’ have the environment at the top of their
agenda. They aim to cut carbon emissions by 60% by 2050, take
more action to reduce waste and increase recycling, especially
doorstep recycling. Their policy includes providing help for households
that can’t afford to keep warm and reducing the amount of carbon
dioxide currently pouring into the atmosphere.
The Conservatives have their ‘Blue-Green agenda’ to honour the
Kyoto targets for cutting greenhouse emissions. They’re also on
about cutting waste and encouraging recycling, as well as using
other methods of providing energy – for example, through wood,
solar, wind or water power. Cracking down on unsuitable road traffic
is also on their ‘to do’ list.
As for the Liberal Democrats, they want the UK’s electricity
to come from safe, renewable sources and are calling for Britain
to achieve its own targets ahead of any agreed deadline with the
industrialised nations. They’re also looking for new housing to
meet improved energy and water efficiency standards, with builders
using environmentally friendly materials and techniques.
Let’s hope it’s not just political posturing. There are currently
4,000 landfill sites in the UK, where 111 million tonnes of waste
a year are dumped. That little lot generates 1.5 million
tonnes of methane – just dandy for the earth’s already clogged
atmosphere. |
