I once lived in Glasgow.
It is a fine city but, despite being shortlisted for the title of European Green Capital 2015, the environmental credentials of its council and civil servants are abysmal.
The £700 million M74 motorway was built despite clear environmental objections and an independent public inquiry that agreed it was an environmental disaster. That report stated: "The new road is predicted to increase CO2 emissions by about 135,000 tonnes a year – an increase of 5.7% in the study area." It added: "The new road would be of little assistance to those suffering exclusion, and would be likely to worsen travel opportunities for this section of the population by undermining progress towards major public transport improvements."
And: "Policies for environmental protection and improvement would be breached along various section of the route." And: "The policy in support of environmental justice would be breached by the proposed road, as those living along the route would suffer from the adverse environmental impacts, with little benefit, while the main advantages of the new road would accrue to non-resident vehicle users."
The city then went forward and ploughed another £80m into a dual carriageway, euphemistically called either the East End Regeneration Route or Clyde Gateway, through more neighbourhoods. It further encourages private car use and increases pollution as well as environmental degradation among some of its least affluent districts. In the city centre, Hope Street has been repeatedly cited as a leader in air pollution.
Last autumn the city's severe problems were confirmed by the European Environment Agency, which placed Glasgow fifth worst for NO2 emissions in Europe. As the head of WWF Scotland commented at the time: "It is killing people."
In terms of built heritage, city planners have repeatedly allowed existing buildings to fall into disrepair and enabled carbon-intensive redevelopment. City officials have repeatedly threatened neighbourhood green spaces with development.
Given its official environmental track record, the news that Glasgow could even make a short list of European cities vying for Green Capital beggars belief.
Barry Shelby,
Taigh Leur Thob, 6 Earshader, Isle of Lewis.
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