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.

The bare truth about cycling in a city is that it’s extremely dangerous. That’s the message from hundreds of people who took part in the 14th edition of the World Naked Bike Ride in the Spanish capital, Madrid. Protesters say it’s a reminder that cyclists are constantly exposed with next to no protection. “We don’t want any more deaths of cyclists in Madrid and on the highways. There must be more respect for cyclists and people should go out and ride bikes so there’ll be less pollution,” explained Lucy.