The highest sulphur dioxide emissions in Europe and floating poo in the sea. This was Britain the 1970's. Essentially an island nation committed to choking ourselves with fumes from our industrial cities.

Britain was a very different place 45 years ago. We were still reaping the rewards and losses of the industrial revolution. Mines were becoming empty and the cities in which we lived were lying snug under a blanket of pollution and smoke. But in 1973, Britain ventured into the European Union (EU), with a vote in 1975 to remain in this "common market". The EU later introduced many environmental laws and legislation.

The European commission, the law and legislation making arm of the EU body, has the exclusive right to propose and introduce environmental policy change. It also has the responsibility to make sure new measures are followed properly.

However, if Britain decides to leave the EU in June 2016, then all environmental decisions will be left to Westminster to make.

Britain joining the EU saw a "Europeanisation" of British attitudes towards environmental policy. For example, the biggest environment conserving actors within Europe, such as Germany, Denmark and Sweden, encouraged Britain to introduce more specific environmental agencies, such as the "national rivers authority".

The EU has also forced Britain to cut all pollution to specific levels in cities and industrial areas. But, Britain has continuously ignored or at least not matched the requirements, with the UK government declaring that targets wouldn't be met until 2030 at the earliest, 20 years after the deadline.

Despite this, the EU has worked wonders for the British environment.

The RSPB and National Trust have said that Europe has had a "hugely positive effect" across many environmental issues. They also warn that leaving the EU would mean Britain going backwards in terms of their environmental policy

European policy also forced Britain to clean up the shores and waters, As an island nation, Britain eats a lot of fish, and so the EU introduced legislation meaning a more green fishing process.

If Britain we're to leave the EU, industry could put huge pressure on the government to soften their stance on environmental policy to allow them an easier time when producing goods for export and internal sale.

"Brexit" would also leave the door open to the government using land set aside for national parks to build housing or industry.

So, what should be done?

Brussels should come down harder on us in the UK. We are, in my opinion, so far behind in terms of environment preservation compared to the rest of Europe. It is essential that as a former and still slightly industrial nation, that we clamp down on environmental degradation.