ONE of Lancaster's Green councillors will appear on television on Sunday to argue the case for renewable energy.

Emily Heath will appear on BBC 2's North Westminster to promote the message that renewable energy such as wind, wave and solar power makes economic sense.

Cllr Heath, who is looking forward to her TV appearance, said: "Energy from nuclear fission and fossil fuels carry massive hidden economic costs due to all the pollution and safety risks associated with mining, transport, oil spills, greenhouse gas emissions and radioactive waste."

"They are also very poor creators of jobs, compared to greener kinds of energy production. For example, wind power generates five times as many jobs as nuclear power or coal, per unit of energy."

The Greens believe the UK and especially the local area has great potential for alternative energy sources because of the windy climate and long coastline.

She added: "A recent study showed that we could develop offshore wind farms, as Denmark has done, and create 30,000 new jobs in just 10 years. We could shut down our nuclear power stations, as Germany and Sweden are doing, and gain more jobs overall by investing in renewable energy.

We should also be fitting solar devices to all new and refurbished buildings."

"A new energy economy is emerging - renewable energy technology is improving rapidly, and costs have plummeted in recent years. Many other countries are taking advantage of these clean, safe and cheap energy sources, but, as usual, Britain is still stuck in the dark ages."