Cambridgeshire scientist calls for investment in environment plea to next government
It's three weeks until voters go to the polls to vote in the general election
A scientist in Cambridgeshire believes the next government must focus more on using renewable energy to better protect our environment.
Political parties are setting out their plans for the environment, with Labour releasing their manifesto today and Reform doing the same next week.
Alan Wheeldon is also a member of the Wisbech Without Incineration group.
'Shift of emphasis' needed
"We've got to have a shift of emphasis away from the traditional fossil fuel burning and certainly put more investment in improving energy supplies," he said.
"If we can lead by example, we can say 'it can be done' if you use wind turbines, solar power, more sustainable sources of energy, we can reduce our greenhouse gases and hopefully they (other countries) will follow suit."
"It's down to money"
Mr Wheeldon, who's been campaigning against a ÂŁ300m incinerator in Wisbech, is also concerned about river pollution which he feels more investment is needed to tackle this.
He also feels more focus on protecting homes from flooding, which has been an issue in parts of Cambridgeshire this year, must be given.
"Within the next 80 to 100 years, I think there's going to be some serious issues in terms of sea levels because of the increase in greenhouse gases, the climate's warming and I think that will have serious implications globally," he added.
"It's down to money and we need to invest in trying to increase our flood defences.
"In the Fens one of the big issues is river pollution; most of it is at or below sea level and so we're quite vulnerable if there is a sea level rise due to climate change, areas in and around the Fens will become seriously flooded."