Jersey has released detailed policies setting out how the island can reduce its carbon emissions on a pathway to net-zero, in the draft Carbon Neutral Roadmap.
It marks the start of a consultation period, with Islanders encouraged to feedback on the proposals that will shape how Jersey plays its part in tackling the climate emergency.
The Roadmap outlines the steps to achieve net-zero by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement on climate change. Net-zero means reducing emissions in line with the globally agreed, science-based targets needed to limit global warming to below 1.5°C, and balancing out any emissions that are left by removing the equivalent amount.
The draft Carbon Neutral Roadmap also includes a plan, with around 30 new policies, to increase the pace of decarbonisation in the next four years and beyond. The policies are split into four areas: transport, heating, other emissions, and enabling policies. They include:
- Providing financial support for Islanders to buy electric vehicles
- Financial incentives to scrap old, polluting vehicles
- Ending the importation, registration and sale of petrol and diesel cars and small vans in 2030, in line with the UK
- Providing financial support for Islanders to upgrade to low-carbon heating systems
- Ending new oil, gas and coal boiler installations from 2026 (but allowing for existing boilers to be retained and repaired)
- Making Energy Performance Certificates mandatory so Islanders can understand what they are renting or buying
The draft Carbon Neutral Roadmap and the consultation follow on from the States Assembly declaring a climate emergency in 2019 and the Citizens’ Assembly on Climate Change earlier this year, which made a series of recommendations for reducing Jersey’s carbon emissions.
Minister for the Environment, Deputy John Young, said: “We have adopted a people-powered approach throughout this process, underpinned by the convening of a Citizens’ Assembly. Since the States’ declaration of a climate emergency, we’ve involved Islanders in the development of policy proposals to help us eliminate our carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050, to meet the Paris targets.
“It is essential that we maintain public commitment, so we are publishing the draft policy proposals, for implementation in 2022-25, and inviting final feedback before we lodge the Carbon Neutral Roadmap for States debate early next year.
“The policies offer a series of incentives to encourage Islanders to make low carbon choices in the way we travel and heat our homes and businesses. There are additional proposals to phase out technologies that are based on fossil fuels, over the coming years.
“I encourage Islanders to look at the detailed proposals being put forward, and to provide us with considered feedback during this consultation period. By necessity, the Roadmap and supporting documents are comprehensive and technical, so we are also publishing a summary version.”
The consultation, which runs until 31 January 2022, includes focus groups, the opportunity to submit formal written submissions, and a survey. Paper copies of the consultation survey are available from Parish Halls and have been translated into Portuguese, Polish and Romanian.
The feedback will be considered, and an updated Carbon Neutral Roadmap then put before the States Assembly for debate (in April 2022).
