Green issues come to fore in European election

The strong showing of green parties in the European election has raised hopes among some voters that global warming and other environmental issues will be given more serious consideration across the continent.

Provisional results on Monday showed the left-leaning Greens coming in fourth in the balloting with 69 seats, an increase of 17 from the last election five years ago.

The results also showed how environmental concerns can transcend the political issues that dominate most European Union elections.