The climate change policy letter and action plan 2020 – 2050, submitted by the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure, is scheduled for debate at the States meeting next week.
The need for urgent action on climate change is widely recognised and, as a mature and responsible jurisdiction, Guernsey is alive to the pressing need to minimise its carbon emissions and reduce its environmental impact.
The Policy Letter calls for legislation to set the target objective for the island’s emissions, sets the scope of emissions to be included and the hierarchical approach to be applied to reduce emissions, in order to mitigate or compensate climate change impact.
If approved, it is aligned and intended to be fully integrated with the Recovery Plan, published by the Policy & Resources Committee in June 2020, which sets out how we will revive Guernsey’s economy, health & care, the prosperity of Islanders, and improve resilience for the future.
Deputy Barry Brehaut, President of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure said: “Not only does Guernsey contribute to global climate change through the emission of greenhouse gases but, as an island, it is already feeling the impacts of climate change. This Policy promotes a green economy, protects the island’s biodiversity, embraces the use of renewable energy and lays the groundwork for adaptation measures.
“This will ensure our island is sustainable and resilient to possible future climate change impacts for generations to come. I would encourage members of the public to contact their deputies to put forward their support for the Policy ahead of the debate next week”.
A summary of the Policy Letter and Action Plan can be found by clicking here.
