With global warming high on the agenda at the G8 summit currently taking place in Gleneagles, there is little doubt that the carbon dioxide created by human activity is contributing to abnormal weather patterns around the world.

These CO² emissions vitally need to be at least slowed down and our Party would like to further encourage local residents to plant more trees in and around our town. An average tree can absorb half a tonne of carbon dioxide and other pollutants during its long lifetime and release much life-sustaining oxygen into the atmosphere as a by-product. English Nature in the Ainsdale and Formby pinewoods seem hell-bent on continuing to fell thousands of trees, a programme which would appear to oppose the current thinking on tackling climate change

By planting more trees on a large scale and with the collective effort of many people, we can show by example that we are doing our bit for the planet. The Southport Party, as you can see, is concerned about this global threat to the environment. The Government Grant of over £60million being given to Blackpool to beef-up its existing sea defences is further evidence of rising sea levels which could make Southport more vulnerable, as we are on the same alluvial plain, just a few feet above sea level on the South side of the Ribble estuary. So we consider it a duty, not only for ourselves but also for future generations, for us all to make a contribution, no matter how small to reduce this problem. This Party considers, if we all got together on this issue, we could help to make a difference with a tree-planting campaign.

IN A MODE FOR AN ODE:

So more trees, please,
Let’s plant them for all to see.
They’re a joy, when grown,
To call your own
“A poor life this,” the planet says:
It’s time for you all to mend your ways.”