29/04/10
Cast your mind back to the days before the banks crashed and recall that the environment was a top political issue. Mr Cameron urged us to Vote Blue, Go Green. Mr Brown championed the environment in the EU and on the world stage. The Lib Dems were green before it became cool.
With the economy in dire straits, and doubts expressed in some quarters about the science of climate change, has the environment fallen off the agenda?
You might have thought so until this week, when the three main parties published environment policy documents. They all pledge to tackle climate change and promote a low carbon economy and to promote water efficiency, particularly through metering. Green banks are promised to promote investment in green technology.
For many it will be a relief to see the environment re-emerging from the shadows, albeit at this late stage in the campaign.
Whatever the outcome, and as the economy recovers, for the water industry the health of the environment remains a top priority. The industry's business depends on it entirely, but then so do governments, elections and everything else, shadows or no shadows.
Where there is harmony, let there be action
Water UK press release and summary of manifesto pledges relating to water
Contact: Dawn Waterman
