The problem with political jokes is they get elected . . .

2006 has certainly been a bumper year for environmental issues making the headlines, especially The Independent newspaper here in the UK, but as we know, a plethora of information does not mean that action will necessarily follow.

Environmentalists have finally had it with this Government. Despite lots of warm words about the need to act quickly on climate change, and even a genuine, astute and committed Environment Minister, the promise of joined-up-government is still a distant dream. The DfT announcement last week of further support for the expansion of Britain's airports just proves how dis-connected from each other government department silos still are.

If this lack of leadership and direction were not bad enough, there is an even bigger problem. The public are confused; they are by now aware and even concerned about climate change, but most will only be motivated to act themselves when they see their government take the issue seriously. "If climate change were a serious threat then the government would be doing something" they say.

Hello - is anybody in Westminster listening?