"Whatever Happened To Cameron, the Idealistic Young Eco-Warrior?"

"After spending five years in opposition trying to detoxify the Tories' image, David Cameron promised to lead 'the greenest government ever' when he entered No. 10, exactly two years ago. Matt Chorley investigates what became of that pledge."



"David Cameron is today accused of doing no more than pay lip service to his boast that he would lead the "greenest government ever" and of leaving Britain vulnerable to the economic and environmental dangers of failing to tackle climate change.

On the second anniversary of his speech setting out his "simple ambition" for the coalition, the Prime Minister comes under fire from business leaders, eco-campaigners and politicians who warn that ministers' anti-green rhetoric, policy U-turns and turbulent backbenchers are thwarting efforts to foster a low-carbon economy.

Samantha Smith, the environmentalist who took Mr Cameron to hug huskies in the Arctic to show a new Tory enthusiasm for the green agenda, leads the criticism. She claims the PM's reluctance to lead the way threatens investment in renewable energy and undermines attempts to persuade developing countries to go green."

Matt Chorley reports for the Independent May 13, 2012.

Source: UK Independent, 05/14/2012