Should the parties discuss the environment?

Should environmental issues be higher on the agenda?

The main parties are being "irresponsible" by ignoring the environment during the election campaign, according to Greenpeace.

All three major parties have claimed they have green policies, but little time has been devoted to environmental issues on the campaign trail.

The row comes as a new study published in the magazine Science shows that 90% of glaciers on the Antarctic peninsular are melting.

Green Party spokesman Keith Taylor said: "I don't think any of the Westminster parties are giving this issue the importance it deserves."

What do you think of the main parties environmental policies? Should green issues play a bigger role in the election campaign? Do green policies affect the way you vote? Send us your views using the form.

BBC NEWS: VIDEO AND AUDIO Your campaigning questions answered

Labour's Margaret Beckett, Tim Yeo, Conservatives, and Matthew Taylor from the Liberal Democrats answered your questions on environment policies. Click on the link to watch.

This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

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If you are going to vote at all, make it count for the planet. Check out which party matches your views and true beliefs - you might be surprised. There is so much gossip and noise; the things the parties stand for get ignored. If we trust our hearts, and vote for the children, the Green Party would sweep to power. Just because the polls and media tell us it isn't going to happen, don't let them make it so.
Dave Hampton, Marlow, UK

Capitalism is affording us cheap goods and services to the detriment of the ecology of our world. I'm no veggie, but seeing the staggering statistics about the waste involved in feeding cattle; the grain they consumer, the fresh water required to feed them, the space they take up, and the greenhouse gases they emit, when there are people dying because of poverty and the polar ice caps are melting, seems a gross injustice to me. It is easy to hide behind the selfishness that capitalism brings, but we are sooner or later going to have to face up to the responsibilities of our actions against our planet since the dawn of the industrial age, and accept that we are collectively going to have to change our habits if our species is to survive.
Rob Scott, Liverpool, UK

Environmental issues aren't just about global warming as the naysayers appear to think. Depleted fish "stocks", pollutants, pesticides in the water table, erosion of top soils, destruction of hedgerows and other animal havens etc. are all issues. The Greens aren't narrow-minded as someone suggested here, but actually the most pragmatic and imaginative thinkers of the lot.
Chris, London, UK

Every action against the environment they take today is going to have an economic cost tomorrow Frank

People and firms must understand that every action against the environment they take today is going to have an economic cost tomorrow, a cost for which we neither account nor pay. Carrying on like this is simply unsustainable both environmentally and economically.
Frank

The greens and other narrow minded environmental groups do not have the courage to tackle the energy crisis head on. The option of not burning fossil fuels, no nuclear power and no cars/ let's take the bus will never win any election. I believe nuclear power will return to solve the energy crisis but it will be costly.
Steve McDermott, Sandbach, Cheshire

Something must be done about global warming, but nuclear power would be a cure worse than the disease. Wind and solar power will help but both would need back-up or energy storage in order to provide constant supplies to consumers. One energy source largely ignored by the media is that of zero emission clean coal technology. This is now being developed in Australia, Canada and the USA.
Owen Dumpleton, Washington, Tyne and Wear

It is a challenge I had hoped they would rise to Jules Woodell, Swansea, Wales

Environmental issues, particularly climate change are not about the next parliament, even the next decade, they are about what we hand to our grandchildren in 50 years time. As such they expose a fundamental weakness in our democracy. How can party leaders vying for our votes in a short term system take the leadership needed to make tough choices now when we will not reap the benefits for many years? It is a challenge I had hoped they would rise to, so far they have failed.
Jules Woodell, Swansea, Wales

All parties should address the "environment issues" of world pollution on land and in the sea. However, Greenpeace's solution of wind farms is ludicrous. The whole world would have to be covered in the things for them to make any significant difference to the creation of usable energy. I'm sure that the scientists are working on alternative fuel, but at this moment only nuclear fuel seems to offer an answer. The dangers of the waste from this production can surely be overcome or at lest reduced a great deal as time goes on.
Margery Comer, Darwen, Lancashire

Until the US signs up to the Kyoto treaty and agrees to reduce its emissions (which are 40% of all the emissions on Earth) no amount of solar panels, windmills and wave power will help anyone.
Sara, Birmingham, England

The duty of politicians is to overcome this problem with insight and vision William Warbrick, London, UK

The human being is generally selfish and limited to short term thinking. The duty of politicians is to overcome this problem with insight and vision. Unfortunately, as we have seen during this election, that's about as likely as Hell freezing over, or as they may say in a few years, the North Pole freezing over...
William Warbrick, London, UK

It is absolutely clear that we are heading towards environmental disaster of the highest order within the next 30-50 years. If glaciers keep melting at the rate they are, millions of people will be living with limited access to water and have little option but to move or starve. Environmental migration will make the current fuss about immigration seem like a drop in the ocean, no pun intended. Climate change is happening and happening fast, and we all need to wake up before we reap the inevitable consequences.
George, Croydon

The environment is very important and the solutions are not simple but to say nuclear power is environmentally friendly is wrong. Let's remember Chernobyl whose effects are still with us 20 years later. Also the waste products will need to be disposed of and as some will remain dangerous for billions of years it will cost trillions which would be better spent on other alternatives.
Adrian Cannon, Edinburgh, Scotland

The perception is that the environment is just about global warming. This couldn't be further from the truth. It impacts every other policy, from transport to education to health to the economy to food to defence to building regulations to farming to foreign policy and so on for now and ever more! Only a party that starts with the environment and builds all other policies around it can ensure the long term prosperity of our country. The Greens come closest, but they still have a long way to go.
Chris Turner, Thatcham, Berkshire

The only really important issues are those that affect the state of our environment and the planet Steve, Wiltshire

I am fed up with hearing the "sweeteners" that the major parties are promising if they are elected. The only really important issues are those that affect the state of our environment and the planet. We only have one planet and it is dying rapidly. We need policies to reduce the use of cars (home working), better public transport (reduce use of cars), protection for wildlife and marine life. We need policies to increase the use of free energy and reduce the use of pollution generating energy generation methods.
Steve, Wiltshire

With oil reserves running low I would like to know which of the three main players will take the chance of using the Longbridge site to produce green cars. It is about time they all admitted how serious the environment is.
Dawn, Halifax

I think it is fantastic that Greenpeace are highlighting the lack of environmental debate in the run up to the election. I hope they're going to make John Prescott pay for his new solar panelling!
Victoria Dawson, Hull

The Tories are the least environmentally friendly party in the UK Glenn Lennox, Nottingham, UK

I agree with Greenpeace, however, I must add that more green issues have been tackled under this government. The Tories did everything they could to ignore green issues when they were in power. One senior member of the Tory government also publicly stated that he would do everything he could to destroy Greenpeace. This shows typical Tory hatred of environmental issues. The Tories are the least environmentally friendly party in the UK - their past record is a disgrace.
Glenn Lennox, Nottingham, UK

People seem to think that a greener option would involve a major change of lifestyle. It is not the case we do not need to cycle everywhere, we just need to push for fuel cells and electric cars, Hemp and recycled plastic and wave energy. Why political parties do not pick up on this is way beyond most normal folk.
Phil, Lincs

Politicians know that it is a vote loser (on balance). It is a classic situation where people are in favour as long as it is someone else that has to give up their car or pay more tax or consume less - eg not use disposable nappies or microwave dinners. For example, Labour will not announce a new build of nuclear power stations in the UK until after the election. People will blindly object before considering how hydrogen for hydrogen cars would be produced, how safe current designs really are, or how much damage conventional power stations lead to (especially in Scandinavia). Until the glaciers melt to such a level that homes are flooded by the million the democratic countries will do nothing serious and politicians will not present options that they know the public will be too self centred to vote for.
Dan, Adelaide, Australia (ex UK)

If green issues are being ignored, it's the environmentalists themselves who must take the blame. The attack on John Prescott's house on Tuesday was a classic example of the way they operate. I'm no Labour voter, but I was outraged by the way one of the demonstrators actually boasted that Prescott wasn't there, but his wife was. Nice, easy target, eh? It's a poor substitute for debate from a poor excuse for a campaign group.
Bernie Russell, Louth

I am very angry that all parties are battling over familiar ground and ignoring the very real threats of global resource depletion, pollution, climate change and the social impacts caused by a materialistic society. Economic growth cannot continue forever and much more effort needs to be placed on quality of life indicators that meet sustainable development. We live in an affluent society and letting go of material wealth is going to be a hard lesson, but if we are serious about sustainable development then there is no other way - we can all live a healthy, fulfilled life in a modern society without ruining the very Earth that supports our existence.
Chris Long, Blaenafon, Torfaen

The earth's temperature will rise and fall no matter what politicians think Karen Smith

No, it's a waste of time. The earth's temperature will rise and fall no matter what politicians think. Over the millennia we have had hot periods, icy periods and wet periods. This will continue as long as the Earth keeps revolving and there is nothing we can do to stop it. Politicians should stop trying to play god on something that will happen irrespective and use their time and money on more important global issues such as poverty and Aids.
Karen Smith

Parties pay lip-service to environmental issues by not introducing any policies that actually make a difference, eg imposing taxes on aviation fuel, as no-one would vote for a policy such as this as it would mean no more cheap flights to Spain etc. Most environmental policies proposed by the major parties are designed to appeal to the general public's sense of doing something for the environment but without actually affecting our way of life.
Anthony, Cambridge

Yes!, it should be the most important issue in the election. All parties should be shouting green policies from the roof tops. But we are driven by the greed of capitalism. These environment issues will be the issues of future elections for sure, so why not start now and try to avert the disaster of global warming. In the next 20 years we will see India and China have their version of the industrial revolution in Britain. We will not cope with the pollution from this event, and to a large degree will cause irreversible damage. The USA showed its hand at the Kyoto summit, we need to take a lead, write to your MP and pressurise them to take these issues on. The future of the planet should be the main election issue.
Adrian Reynolds, Shetland

Nice in theory but we'd all be worse off economically and socially in a green wonderland. Cars and trucks provide cheap food and clothing for our poorest citizens, we'd do well to remember that.
Ed, London, UK

Yes they are ignoring the issues. But the only viable solution to energy concerns - nuclear power - is likely to cause even more problems with the environmentalists who don't realise how the real world works. Green issues are a minefield.
Martin, Glasgow

How about investing in creating less-polluting cars? Sam Pritchard, Newbury, UK

Yes the parties should discuss the environment. But they have to think what's practical as well. It certainly isn't practical to carry your weeks' shopping on a bike, and it certainly isn't practical to give every town a congestion charge. How about investing in creating less-polluting cars? The Lib Dems and the Green party need to realise the British public aren't going to give up the car!
Sam Pritchard, Newbury, UK

Yes, Green Issues are being ignored. The government should be introducing legislation and incentives for renewable energy, eg all new housing to have solar and wind power generators; all new cars to be powered by hydrogen or other non-pollutant; invest in off-shore wave and/or wind generation; manufacturers to produce only high efficiency products; mandatory recycling, etc
Cristina Alexander, Harrow, London, Middlesex

UK politicians and public seem quite enlightened from my perspective. Here in the US the government and media barely discuss it (global warming articles, for example, are relegated to the "weather" and "science" sections of the newspapers, and still treat the topic as a matter of scientific speculation rather than frightening fact). The public claim to support environmental protection but haven't a clue what the issues are or how to address them.
Carolyn, Menlo Park, California

When you have an electorate that puts its own interests above the future of the entire planet, you begin to understand how we landed in this mess in the first place. The world will be well rid of our unbelievable arrogance.
Mike, London

It's probably more to the point that the environment doesn't make money. Every natural resource will be used before any one decides that a difference needs to be made. Which will, of course, be too late.
Alex, Surrey UK

If any of the parties were serious about global warming, they'd cut the amount of hot air they spout day in and day out.
Dan, Yateley, UK

Given that everyone appears to want cheap imported foods and want a reduction in the cost of motoring, I doubt very much that green issues will feature at all on most people's agendas.
Ian, UK

I would have thought that anybody in a house near sea level would be daft not to vote with an environmental bias.
Simon Mallett, Maidstone

It is not the politicians that are ignoring the environmental issues, it is the constituents. Politicians will respond to the issues which get votes. When a critical mass of people really starts to care the politics will follow. The question is how do we get the critical mass together.
Daniel Conway, London

Yes, I think green issues are being ignored. None of the parties are willing to take the tough decisions that need to be taken. I would like to see some radical thinking on this - for instance, given that no party will penalise motorists, why not shift the argument round and support those who choose not to run a car? There could be a council tax credit for each household without a car, for example. We already subsidise motorists up to 50% of the true cost of their vehicles, so why not reward us? It seems that money is the only thing to interest most voters.
Pat Oddy, Yarm, England

Nuclear power is the only long term answer for a green and pleasant UK Harry Hall, Chippenham

Nuclear power is the only long term answer for a green and pleasant UK. Who wants a wind farm on every horizon across the land? What's more, we could lead the world and export both nuclear technology and surplus energy. Nuclear power has been proven safe over many decades in many countries: only the frightened and irrational reject it. Our politicians need to have the courage to press on with the next generation of nuclear stations now.
Harry Hall, Chippenham, Wilts

So-called "green issues" are the preserve of the chattering dinner party classes with no real worries. They certainly won't influence how I vote.
Dave, Sheffield, UK

Even if you think that Climate Change is a purely natural phenomenon, or a myth, there are other environmental issues which urgently need addressing, such as the end of cheap oil and gas predicted for the near future, and the effects of pollution on our health. To vote for a party which isn't genuinely interested in these two issues at least, is to vote for an uncomfortable and expensive future.
Candy Spillard, York

One planet, one chance Alan, Witham, Essex

One planet, one chance. We need to take action today or there will be no tomorrow. We're already thirty years too late with strong action
Alan, Witham, Essex

The Green Party appear to be in the same league as the rest of our useless and power-crazed politicians. I visited a Green Party stand on Guildford High Street, enquiring as to their policies. They lost interest when they learned that I wasn't a resident of Guildford, and that there wasn't a Green Party candidate standing in my constituency. Politicians are all the same, no matter what colour they canvass under.
Anne, Haslemere, Surrey

We need as a nation to tackle the naive idea that wind power stations can tackle our energy needs without destroying our countryside. Those suggesting that the environment can be saved by building all over it need to think again.
Stephen Dawson, London

The fact that the globe's resources are finite and diminishing is not for debate. Not one of our leading politicians appears to really care.
Shane Ohara, Woking, Surrey

Haven't we got more important things to worry about? Nick, Southampton

Haven't we got more important things to worry about? Sorry for being so un-PC, maybe I should have paid more attention when I was at the cinema for 'The Day After Tomorrow'.
Nick, Southampton

Why is wave power not discussed? Our coastline receives 30kW-100kW per metre. Technology to convert this to electricity was developed in the last century but sabotaged by a pro-nuclear committee.
Clive, Cardiff

The main parties may start to notice environmental concerns when the ice sheets slip into the sea, as they will need scuba equipment to sit in the Houses of Parliament.
John G, UK

The Lib Dems have finally lost my vote by opposing nuclear power. It seems some people would prefer Britain to become a living museum with people living in grass-covered hobbit holes (powered by windmills) and cycling to work in the rain. No thank you! We must fight global warming, but we must also be a serious industrial power with real manufacturing jobs and technology-driven growth. Nuclear power could help us get there.
Simon, Bristol

The planet that we inhabit is our most important responsibility Malcolm, Wirral, UK

The planet that we inhabit is our most important responsibility. Satisfying Kyoto is not an end in itself but a small stepping stone, and much bigger changes are urgently needed. We can quickly slash carbon emissions with some tax adjustments. I will vote for whoever promises the greatest reduction in carbon emissions.
Malcolm, Wirral, UK

Green issues facing the planet are at the forefront of my thinking at present, I am most concerned about Labour's decision to halt all funding to mass production of household solar panels. I think the Green Party needs more exposure on radio and in the press. Thanks.
Michael Knight, Wickford, Essex

The environment should be discussed, but the Green Party can't be relied upon to give nuclear power stations a fair hearing. We desperately need a long term energy policy which is devoid of Green Party spin and major party cowardice and short-termism.
Cyril Ord, Berwick, England

Planets warm up and cool down on their own without human intervention and I think politicians are starting to see through the hype and bogus science. The duped public is a little slower. Best to ignore the likes of Greenpeace for this election!
Lawrence Spiller, Camberley

Subsidies and tax breaks should be introduced, in order to encourage the more widespread use of greener technology. If the cost of solar panels was reduced to the cost of ordinary roofing for new houses, and small wind turbines subsidised for peoples' gardens, we would see a much greater uptake of these technologies, without damaging the rural landscape. People would benefit from reduced energy bills, and it would make the power grid less centralised, making it a less attractive target for terrorists.
Ian, Cambridge, UK

As an environmental student of the USA I thought I would write about your upcoming election and how much emphasis you place on the environment. It seems you are a better country than ours, as by reading the individual commentaries on BBC News, I see that you obviously care a great deal about the environment and that this topic is a must in this campaign. Our environment is getting "Bushed." Don't let it happen to your country!
Laura Edwards, Washington State, USA

The best environmental policy we can adhere to is making all the other countries behave and then follow suit and not the other way around. Charity starts at home!
Lance, Sussex

I think the major parties should install a national recycling system like Germany NR, UK

I think the major parties should install a national recycling system like Germany. You can recycle almost anything. That would be great for meeting EU directives but most importantly the environment.
NR, UK

If the planet can't support life then there is little point in worrying about interest rates etc. Green issues need to be taken more seriously by both parties and voters if they want a world fit for their children and grandchildren to live in.
John Scovell,

There is a wilful blindness about the gravity of global warming. Despite all the evidence to the contrary, people prefer to believe it's scare-mongering. None of the other issues will matter when we're no longer here.
CMT, Memphis, USA

Environmental issues will get my vote this time J Doyle, Bath, UK

Environmental issues will get my vote this time. I will vote Green Party, as the others have failed to plan a cleaner and safer world for our children. Global issues require real leadership and unfortunately Blair has only delivered rhetoric.
J Doyle, Bath, UK

Environmental issues are a sham anyway. Climate change is a natural process and we aren't going to affect it one way or the other.
LJS, Stockport, UK

I would love to vote Green, as they seem to be the only party with the environment high on the agenda. Unfortunately they have some rather idealistic ideas, like disbanding the nuclear arsenal, and combating CO2 emissions without relying on any nuclear power.
Scott, Kent

The most important thing for me as a worker is how much is going to be taken away from me in tax. The environment is important but I do not want to have an already over taxed wage to be taxed any further.
Steve Pennell, Burnley, UK

We already use greener energy than most countries Neil, Skye, Scotland

Green issues are being blown out of proportion, largely by the Lib Dems. We already use greener energy than most countries. Some politicians need to get in touch with reality, there are far more important issues which they refuse to discuss such as Europe.
Neil, Skye, Scotland

There isn't much point in debating the environment because every major party has signed up to the Kyoto agreement. Regardless of whether our next government is left, centre or right wing, we're pretty much guaranteed a greener future.
DB, UK

We have amongst the most expensive fuel in the world and there are rumours of a second round of fuel strikes and haulage worker go slows with two weeks to go before the election. No party is crazy enough to approach environmental issues with that hanging over them!
Ben, Nottingham

It irritates me that we could be 100% renewable in this country and export vast quantities of power. Yet we choose not to. Whoever has the best green policy will get my vote.
Alex, Aylesbury, UK

No political party has shown any real commitment to environmental issues Lynn, Herts

No political party has shown any real commitment to environmental issues. Why not let that department be run by the Greens with no political or business affiliations?
Lynn, Herts

On the environment nobody thinks it will happen but it will, then it will be too late and no amount of money will put it right.
Terry, Durham

The UK has lost an opportunity - to develop an innovative environmental technological industry. No country in the world has done this, and we desperately need to find a new manufacturing infrastructure. The chances are that this vacuum will be filled by Japan, as a counter-measure against a growing industrial might. What an opportunity lost.
Les Burrows, London, UK

Green policies are in my top three issues and definitely affect the way I vote. We don't have a Green Party candidate in our area so am undecided as to who I'll vote for.
Mrs Budge, Shetland

If only the Green Party in this country would get its act together. I joined several years ago and was never acknowledged as having done so. When I complained I was told that the email address was not working. I kept checking and a good year later it was still not working! Too many beards and wigwams to be taken seriously.
Tim, Mid Wales

All new buildings should be fitted with solar panels and super-efficient insulation Keith, Chepstow

All new buildings should be fitted with solar panels and super-efficient insulation. Dirty water (not foul water) must be reused for toilet flushing. Ordinary light bulbs should be phased out and energy efficient machines should be mandatory. Penalties for driving unclean and fuel thirsty cars should be high to push people into "conservation" mode. They won't do it on their own.
Keith, Chepstow, Wales

I would like to see a few engineers discuss with politicians and environmentalists just what would be needed to offer a "Green World". I suspect that the majority of the population are not as stupid as people here think. Nuclear power is the only answer to a carbon free energy source on the scale we need. Although solar and ground loop heating etc may be useful to alleviate some power requirements. The Green's are as guilty of spin as any major party.
John, UK

They won't worry about environmental issues Sue, Twickenham, UK

All your average voter cares about is how much more or less money they'll have in their pocket under a certain government. They won't worry about environmental issues until they're directly affecting their quality of life, i.e. when it's too late.
Sue, Twickenham, UK

What amazes me is how all the three main parties seem to talk about the "most important" issues of this election, but none of them talk about the most important issue of all - the state of the world we are living in. The Greens are the only party who are committed to the future protection of the environment. What bothers me is that I shall be unable to vote for them, as there is no Green candidate in my area.
Howard, Welwyn, UK

Much more needs to be done to help those who would like to convert cars, have mini-turbines and solar panels rather than subsidising wind farms that simply add to costs.
Jenny, Scotland

Only the Green Party can be trusted on the environment. Other parties have not voted to prevent environmental damage when they are in positions to do so.
Lesley Hedges, Colne Valley, West Yorkshire

As one who supports the Lib Dems precisely because of their environmental policies, recognised by Friends of the Earth as the greenest of the three main parties, I laugh at Jack Stone's comment about the Conservatives' policies. If they had their way, the global warming they completely refuse to tackle would soon change his address to Southend UNDER Sea
Tony Fisher, York

There is a strong feeling that we need to look after the environment Tom, Portsmouth

As an 18 year old, first time voter, I can say that the environment is a very important issue, as it is a problem my generation will end up having to deal with if it isn't looked after now. I know, that amongst most young people, there is a strong feeling that we need to look after the environment otherwise we will end up living in one giant rubbish heap!
Tom, Portsmouth

Since the Greens' high vote in the 1989 European elections, the "big three" have claimed they take environmental issues seriously. So why are road and air traffic still rising, why is greenbelt land still threatened by urban sprawl, and why is it now cheaper to buy apples from NZ than from local growers in season? And people tell me my vote for the Greens is wasted!
Peter Barber, Glasgow, Scotland

The Greens, living in some form of idealistic la la land, are driving me nuts. Let's get on with building the next round of nuclear power stations.
Stephen, Marlow, UK

Only the Greens seem to realise that environmental protection underpins everything from food quality and security of energy supply to health policy and aid to poorer countries. It's not some niche interest!
Peter Barber, Glasgow, Scotland

If we had proportional representation I suspect that particular issue parties like the Greens would do much better Chris, Monmouthshire, Wales

The main problem with voting on green issues is that the main parties at Westminster all pay lip service at most to the green agenda. Until we change the voting system many people will continue to vote the best on offer of those with a realistic chance of winning a particular constituency. If we had proportional representation I suspect that particular issue parties like the Greens would do much better, probably at Labour's expense.
Chris, Monmouthshire, Wales

The real answer to this problem is to have some form of proportional representation in the Commons to allow minor parties like the Green Party to have a say in British democracy. Electoral reform is the single most important that the Green Party needs to tackle before they can have a real and deserved voice in British politics.
Craig, London/ ex-New Zealand

The only party that hasn't ignored the environment has been the Conservatives. They have made it plain that they will if elected put a stop to the current greatest threat to our environment, the concreting over of the countryside by John Prescott!
Jack Stone, Southend on Sea

The Lib Dems and the Greens want to introduce new limits on choice and freedom under the smokescreen of "protecting the environment". With the UK economy already looking just a bit shaky, we can't afford to further hobble our economy by introducing yet more 'green' taxes. I'll vote for whoever wants to reduce fuel-duties!
Roger Price, Reading, UK

The lack of time dedicated to green policies is simple. Try as they may, the major parties don't differ all that much when it comes to the environment - not necessarily a bad thing at all. The Green Party only bring it up because it's the only area they have any knowledge of or interest in, when in fact there are many issues that should be covered before coming down to the differences on green policy.
Wesley Mead, Frome, Somerset

Environmental issues are far too great to deal with simply within our own political domain C. Preece, Tamworth, UK

Green issues have always been ignored to a large degree by the main parties. However, environmental issues are far too great to deal with simply within our own political domain. This problem goes far beyond economics. It is very real and is happening now. Some of the problems are already irreversible. We owe it to our children and our children's children to take immediate steps to clean up the filth we are creating.
C. Preece, Tamworth, UK

Green policies could be vote winners if they were presented as tax cuts, i.e. zero rate solar panels, insulation, green electricity. Remove the duty on bio-diesel, bio-ethanol. I would consider changing my vote to a party which took this kind of carrot approach rather than one which uses a stick. At the moment it isn't worth changing.
Colin Smith, Glasgow, Scotland

The environment is the most important issue that the human race faces. I will be supporting the Green Party as they are the only ones who understand this. The Labour government has failed to tax air fuel which is a huge factor in global warming, the Tories would just build more roads, and the Lib Dems, who claim to be green have an awful record.
Nick Foster, Reading, UK

It's high time the major political parties had the guts to face up to the greatest problem we are faced with - that of environmental damage, in particular global warming. While we have a government which continues to give way to the selfish motor lobby, there is little chance of anything changing much, and also little chance of doing much about the appalling rate of death on our roads (roughly 10 per day on average killed in or by cars, 100 per day killed by the fumes.
David, Cambridge, UK

Yes most definitely they are being ignored, probably because none of them want to admit the massive social change and economic investment required to fulfil the Kyoto targets and sort it out!
Emma, Bristol

Environmental issues are always popular until they impact the local scene. As soon as windmills and tidal solutions are planned, the locals complain that they'll ruin their own personal space. The same goes for nuclear energy, which is likely to be the best longer term solution to energy supply needs.
Nicholas, Burgess Hill, UK