We need action from all sides

Environmental activists and conservationists have been working hard with communities across the globe to promote environmental wellbeing andgreener, safer spaces in both our urban andrural areas.

Here in Peterborough we have recently stepped this up a notch with the very successful PECT festival. However, if wearegoingtomakeasuccess of this we need action not just fromlocal authorities but also from communities and peers such as parents and schools; manyofwhomarealreadysetting goodexamplesofwhyitis important for our future.

Sadly, theenvironmenthas not normally beenat the front line of political discussion. The recent clash between Professor Brian Cox and climate change denier Malcom Roberts has certainly been a change from the usual typical debates we have had in recent times. I amabsolutelydelightedthatwehavehadthechance to bring global warming and habitatdestructionforwardas akeyconcernforourfutureas it is something which affects us all and one that (along with manyotherissues) futuregenerations will have to pay for if we do not act soon.

The Flash Mob litter picks that have been co-ordinated and delivered by our teams in Peterborough have literally picked and unearthed over 1 andhalftonnesoflitteracross various wards in the city, which even included a crisp packet dated June 1981 (I can assure everyone that this data has not been corrupted/manipulated by NASA).

Most of the rubbish found would normally consist of bottles and packets of various formswhichcanbedamaging for our local wildlife. It is for this reason and for the sake of commondecencythatstronger measures need to be put in place to reduce the amount of litter on our streets.

More effective waste managementandmoreawareness through media are amongst just the few actions that can be taken.

We can also include more sustainable transport methods to combat air pollution such as better bus routes and routes for cyclists.

It is quite often re-iterated that Peterborough is one of the worst places to bewithout a car. This cannot be allowed to continue if Peterborough is to becometheEnvironmental capital of the UK.

Although austerity measures and cut backs to environmental subsides has not helped us promote this cause, I can see a bright future if we come up with the right plans and co-operate fully.

Brian Cox’s debate and the PECT festival are good examples on how we can continue to move things forwardinafairandethicalmanner. Joseph Wells Deputy Co-Ordinator, Peterborough Green Party