From Tanja Rebel, Cowes:

This summer the IW saw an interesting environmental conference, where the council expressed its green ambitions and where it launched a bid for the Island to become a Unesco Biosphere Reserve. Shortly after this, we learned the PFI contract with Island Roads was being re-negotiated, at considerable cost.

In light of stated ambitions, it would be good to include the following in the contract:

1) Clear specifications for the colour temperature of street lighting — maximum 2700K instead of the current 5700K — so the Island finally gets lighting which is benign for public health, ecology and sky glow.

2) A ban on the use of glyphosate and other harmful chemicals in parks, verges, hedges as well as other public spaces. The recent court case in the US regarding the carcinogenic effects of glyphosate should make this an absolute priority.

3) Proper tree protection so that iconic trees, such as the umbrella tree in East Cowes, are not chopped down as a cost-saving exercise and so trees in general are not removed to make room for 5G technology. Better still to keep this dangerous technology off the Island as it will be harmful to humans, wildlife and plants. Scientists from across the world have appealed for a moratorium on its roll-out until more rigorous research has been conducted and it would be wise to listen to their arguments.

Further to the above, if the Island is to live up to its green potential, it is time to start investing in a comprehensive, fully connected and fully commutable Island-wide cycle network as well as a train/tram/pod car network, which would de-congest our roads and help us step into the 21st century. Add to this more local production of food and the growing of hemp to make high-grade paper, biodegradable plastic and clothes as well as sustainable building materials and the Island will be well on its way to become a true Eco Island.