Jersey’s first independent Climate Council has commenced its Review, marking a significant milestone in Jersey’s commitment to climate transparency and independent oversight.
As part of the time-limited and focused review the Climate Council will examine the progress made by the Government of Jersey in delivering the Carbon Neutral Roadmap, reducing the Island’s greenhouse gas emissions in line with its commitments under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and recommend actions to keep Jersey on track.
The Climate Council was established following the successful amendment to the draft Carbon Neutral Roadmap in 2022, proposed by the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel, of which Deputy Luce was then Vice Chair. The amendment called for the creation of an independent body to review progress and advise on future climate change mitigation action.
In 2023, the States Assembly voted unanimously for establishment of a Climate Council that would be tasked with producing a report at the end of each four-year delivery phase of the Carbon Neutral Roadmap, the first of which runs from 2022 to the end of 2025.
Minister for the Environment, Deputy Steve Luce, welcomed the Council’s formation: “The inception of Jersey’s Climate Council is a vital step in ensuring transparent, independent oversight of our climate commitments. This was the Scrutiny Panel’s priority in proposing the amendment to the Carbon Neutral Roadmap, and it remains my priority as the Minister responsible for the Island’s emission reduction programme.
“I am delighted that we have been able to appoint such a high-calibre and diverse Council, with Members drawn from a range of relevant professional backgrounds, including two Island residents. I look forward to supporting the Council’s Review and to receiving their report in the New Year.”
The Chair of the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel, Deputy Hilary Jeune, added: “It has been a privilege to jointly approve these excellent appointments to the Council, alongside the Minister for the Environment. Now, more than ever it is vital that we ensure Jersey’s response to the climate emergency delivers targeted and effective action to tackle our greenhouse gas emissions. The Climate Council has a key role to play in assessing what has been achieved since the Carbon Neutral Roadmap was approved and in recommending the most effective actions Government can take next”.
The Chair of the Council, Philip New, reflected on his appointment at the Council’s first meeting: “It is an honour to have been selected by my fellow Members as the Chair of Jersey’s first Climate Council. Over the course of this rapid review the Council will bring together experience from the fields of utilities, climate science, financial management, sustainable energy and engineering to address the interrelated and complex challenges of addressing climate change. On behalf of the whole Council, we are committed to maximising this opportunity and helping shape the climate future of this unique Island with independence and integrity.”
