The Liberal Democrats have the most ambitious green manifesto policies of the three main parties - but all parties must make climate a bigger election issue, an assessment by Friends of the Earth of the main political party manifestos reveals today.
The green campaigning group said that there was little to choose between Labour and Conservative pledges overall. The Green Party had the most ambitious environmental policies of all.
Friends of the Earth also hit out at the parties' lack of focus on the environment during the election period and called on party leaders to raise its profile in the final phase of the campaign.
Friends of the Earth's Executive Director Andy Atkins said: "Developing a low carbon economy is essential for the UK's long-term security and prosperity - and must be an urgent priority for the next Government.
"The Liberal Democrats have the most ambitious and integrated environmental commitments of the three main parties, with Labour and the Conservatives lagging behind.
"But none of the main party manifestos are bold enough to meet the challenge of tackling climate change and seizing the huge economic benefits of creating a greener, safer future.
"Climate change is the biggest challenge the planet faces and the decisions the next Government makes will have a major impact on generations to come - party leaders must do more to make it a central part of the campaign.
"All party leaders must show their commitment to tackling climate change by explaining clearly how they will keep our environment safe and healthy, and make it cheaper and easier for us all to go green, in the final phase of the campaign."
Ben, Exeter around 1 year, 9 months ago