This morning will see the official announcement of the government's climate change bill, a piece of legislation which will set targets for the nation's carbon emissions. Before it becomes law, it will be debated - and quite probably amended - by MPs. So it's interesting to get an insight into how they feel about climate change and what, if anything, they are doing to make their own lifestyles greener.
You can do exactly that here, on the Independent's website. At least you can for the 311 who replied to a survey sent out by Rough Guides, along with a copy of its new book on climate change. MPs were asked three questions: How important a concern is climate change? What can Britain do to make a difference? What steps do you plan to take (or have you taken), in your constituency, and as an individual?
Notable absentees include the chancellor, Gordon Brown, who failed to return his questionnaire. Among those who did respond, answers range from the very brief - Sally Keeble, the Labour MP for Northampton North, managed just two lines - to David Miliband's 1,000 words (well, as environment minister he should have a lot to say).
While the response rate from the Conservatives was much higher than from Labour MPs, Boris Johnson seems to belie his party's claim to be at the forefront of green politics, saying: "I have to admit I'm baffled. According to James Lovelock the problem is already so bad there is nothing we can do!"
It is interesting to see what your MP thinks - particularly if the environment wasn't even an issue when you last had a chance to vote for them. My MP, David Lammy, says he has changed his ministerial car to a hybrid and plans to work with local groups to see what can be done to tackle climate change. When the leaflet asking my opinion drops through the door, I'll be suggesting he takes the tube.
