Miranda Newsom, www.theaccidentalecomaniac.com

My green wish for 2009 is...

Will the New Year be a green one? We’ve asked some environmental experts to share their green dreams for 2009 and how likely they are to come true.

Willie Mackenzie, Greenpeace UK Campaigner

"My 2009 wish is action on sustainable fishing. In late November ICCAT (The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna) made a disastrous decision setting bluefin tuna catch limits too high. The maximum sustainable catch is 15,000 tonnes, but the total 2007 catch was 60,000. Fisherman and politicians are so shortsighted – big catches now threaten future fishing.

"ICCAT is incompetent – this issue should move to CITES so bluefin will be treated as an endangered species. We also want dealers and posh restaurants, like Nobu, to boycott bluefin. If we fail, the bluefin tuna will become the dodo of the oceans."

Read more: Renewable Energy Association

Derrick Coffee, Hastings Alliance for Sustainable Transport Solutions, an anti-road building group

"My green goal for 2009 is blocking the proposed Bexhill-Hastings link road. It will increase traffic (and add 6000 tons of CO2 per year) and would harm two SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) and spoil the valley’s tranquillity.

"Our alternative transport plan includes a new train station, real-time bus information, a complete cycle route and pedestrian- and cycle-friendly streets. This fits perfectly with the government’s emissions targets and healthy lifestyles agenda and makes financial sense too, costing just 10% of the proposed road’s £100 million budget.

"I predict the planning committee will be ‘minded to approve’ the scheme, so in 2009 we’ll push for a public inquiry. Environmental groups rarely defeat big developments, but we’ll try our best."

Eva Groeneveld, Public Affairs Officer, WWF

"My main hope for 2009 is a strong and effective UK Marine Act. It should keep fishing and shipping away from sensitive habitats and find safe places for renewable energy projects, which can help us meet ambitious green energy targets.

"The bill was in the Queen’s Speech, and I’m confident it will pass in 2009. We’ve worked hard with MPs, peers and the government and have cross-party support and public support."

Read more: WWF / Marine Act

Rod Gould, Policy Advisor, Environment Agency

"My green goal for 2009 is to support legitimate business by helping the Environment Agency better target professional environmental criminals, particularly the illegal waste sector. We’re having some success.

"Several companies that dumped, burned or in one case buried rubbish near a water supply (putting public health at risk) have been prosecuted and managers jailed. In 2009 we’re working on a Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Act, which will enable us to better restore damage and remove the profit that offenders may have made."

Phil Thornhill, National Coordinator, Campaign Against Climate Change

"My green goal for 2009 is stopping the third runway at Heathrow – the biggest and most controversial symbol of runaway expansion in aviation. Instead we want investment in alternatives to short-haul flights. We expect a Heathrow decision before 2008’s end.

"If they approve the third runway expect major demonstrations like last year’s ‘Big NO’. The government may claim a third runway will help the recession, but they’ll be out on a limb as the Lib Dems and Tories are against it.

"They may simply increase flights, which is equally bad for climate change – and local residents. In aviation the moral aspect of climate change is writ large – only people in rich countries can afford to fly but people in poorer countries will suffer most."

Further Reading

My green pledge for 2009 is... what about these experts’ personal green dreams – and resolutions – for 2009? Read their and MSN Environment contributor Miranda Newsom's personal goals for 2009, then let us know yours.