Future flooding problems, storm surges, a shortage of fossil fuels and the threat of disease from rising temperature — environmental challenges lurking around the corner will come under the spotlight in the House of Assembly today.

Shadow Environment Minister Cole Simons will once again ask Government what it's going to do about the alarming list of green issues highlighted in Anne Glasspool's recent report on global warming.

Premier Ewart Brown will kick off a debate on Dr. Glasspool's "The Impact of Climate Change on Bermuda" by pointing to some of the difficulties Bermuda faces due to modern factors such as the booming world population.

Dr. Brown told The Royal Gazette yesterday: "With the recent oil tragedy in the Gulf, the issues surrounding the environment are of critical importance. We look forward to an enlightening debate that will focus on preserving Bermuda's environmental future."

Dr. Glasspool's report, commissioned by the National Trust, draws attention to the predicted disappearance of beaches, potential flooding affecting hundreds of acres of land, and increased chances of strong hurricanes.

It warns of future food shortages due to crops being impacted by climate change and urges Bermuda to protect its fish stock.

United Bermuda Party MP Mr. Simons has been a frequent critic of Government's approach to the environment, accusing the Progressive Labour Party of not taking action to protect the Island for generations to come.

"We are behind the curve if we compare ourselves to other international jurisdictions trying to tackle the impact of global warming," said Mr. Simons, who will lead the UBP response today.

He asked what had been done in recent times beyond signing the Kyoto Protocol agreement two years ago.

"They say they want to do it, but they haven't delivered anything substantial to show their real commitment," he said.

"We are looking out for our children and grandchildren because it is them who will suffer so we must act now."

Mr. Simons said he wants to know how Government will go about reducing carbon emissions, coast erosion, flooding and global warming, which he said could increase chances of disease. "So far the Government has been silent on this issue," he said.

Also today, UBP Deputy Leader Trevor Moniz will launch a debate on his motion calling for a review of the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act.

Under the law, some Bermudians married or living with foreigners must apply for a licence for homes they own by Tuesday, June 22, or face a jail term and/or a $1 million fine.

Mr. Moniz believes the bill has confused homeowners and needs rethinking due to the recession.

But he faces an uphill battle convincing Immigration Minister David Burch to take his concerns on board, with the Senator last month dubbing critics of the legislation incompetent, lazy, ignorant or just naive.

The Telecommunications Amendment Act, tabled last week, has been earmarked for possible debate, but both Opposition parties have voiced caution at some of the wording and the legislation is likely to remain on hold for a week.

This bill will mean carriers providing public communications services are required to help Police carry out "wiretapping" for law enforcement purposes.

Sources from the UBP and Bermuda Democratic Alliance both said they understood the bill would not be debated for at least another seven days, giving them enough time to assess any potential ramifications.