Environment moves to the fringe

A beautiful day in Brighton this morning! There were blue skies and sunshine as I walked along the seafront for my first meetings. There is no better way to start the day.

Yesterday the environment was on the main conference agenda. Today they are debating planning, tax and immigration. Of course, all these issues either influence, or are influenced by, the environment, and the Lib Dems are linking to climate change.

But for me today's focus will be on the fringe - that mass of small meetings discussing everything from the NHS to equal opportunities.

This morning I had a private breakfast with the Big Lottery Fund, talking about how the money from the national lottery was being used for environmental causes. They mean well, but I keep wondering whether the environment is turning into the last refuge of a scoundrel. Every one is talking about it, but are they really planning to do enough? Oh, and the strange logic of the proceeds of the National Lottery - which promises endless travel and consumption for its winners - being used to help people do less damage to the planet. Still, I heard about the work of the Soil Association and Waste Watch, two organisations that really do get it and understand that fundamental changes are needed.

Last night the fringe was buzzing. Our political adviser, Simon Clydesdale, went on the attack from the floor at the Nuclear Industries Association fringe event on nuclear waste. He was badly out numbered, but landed some blows on how the nuclear industry deals with its lethal rubbish.

Conference is a great place to talk to people in a more relaxed setting. I spent a fascinating time with the BBC's Sarah Mukherjee about the environmental agenda in general and each party's approach in particular. The Lib Dems clearly have the greenest sympathies; but lots of work still needs to be done to ensure Labour and the Conservatives actually commit to the policies we need.

We are just getting ready for our aviation fringe event this lunchtime. It promises to be a real debate with former Labour transport minister Brian Wilson (and chair of pro-airline group Flying Matters) up against our very own Chief Scientist, Doug Parr. The aviation lobby are being incredibly selfish believing that they alone should be allowed to continue to emit vast amounts of CO2 - supporting a binge flying culture - instead of reducing their impact, like everyone else. It should be a fun debate.