Sustainability professionals call for environment to be non-political issue

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A survey undertaken by the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA) has found that its members would like to see environment and sustainability issues removed from party politics.

The sustainability and environment professionals want critical issues on resources, climate change and energy to have cross-party support.

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In the survey, 93% strongly backed the concept of cross-party support on environmental issues, and many were frustrated about the lack of prominence these issues have had in the general election campaign.

Indeed, of the 560 respondents, 89% said they were unhappy with the attention given by the major parties to environmental concerns.

IEMA members said these issues had been too low on the agenda, with 68% saying risks from climate change had been missing in the general election debate.

While 55% said resource threats should have had greater prominence and 49% feel that renewable energy needed more discussion.

IEMA policy and practice lead Josh Fothergill (pictured) said: “There is strong feeling from the profession that some really critical issues have not had appropriate prominence during the election campaign.

“Each party had a real opportunity to bring these important issues to the fore. Doing so would have been a wise move as these issues are absolutely vital to the future of the UK’s economy and wellbeing of the UK electorate.

“We certainly hope that the incoming government focuses on these issues during its first 100 days in Parliament, otherwise there is a risk that the UK’s economy, social and environmental prosperity will decrease and we will lose out on the growth opportunities of a sustainable economy.”