Climate action plan coming soon

Thursday 28 November 2019

The States of Guernsey will have an energy policy before them early next year, with a climate change action plan coming soon after that.

The President of Environment and Infrastructure has said it has to be a priority for the island's government and he refuted a claim that asking businesses to do more to mitigate climate change is an "onerous burden".

Pictured: Deputy Barry Brehaut. 

Deputy Barry Brehaut spoke at yesterday's States meeting, giving an update on behalf of E&I.

He said Brexit has impacted the work of his committee, taking staff away to deal with other matters. Likewise staff in other jurisdictions we work with are also dealing with Brexit.

However, Deputy Brehaut said work continues in a number of important areas.

"A lot of the policy my Committee is shaping will allow Guernsey to thrive in the future by protecting and enhancing our natural and physical environment and infrastructure. Much of our work is not about putting a spade in the ground now. It is the less visible work of developing policies to ensure we have the housing people will need in the future; the infrastructure to support those homes; the energy to power and heat those homes; and all this while protecting our unique environment.

"To deliver such major strategies we need to understand the concerns of States members, the public, and business, and reflect the ambitions of this community.

The general update statement given by @deputybaz, the President of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure can be read here: https://t.co/GZJDCHPGYl

— States of Guernsey (@Govgg) November 27, 2019

Above: Deputy Barry Brehaut's speech can be read in full via the link above. 

"We should harness the considerable expertise on Island, while also reaching out to other jurisdictions through cooperation on the international stage. Guernsey is a unique island but many of the challenges it will face over the coming years will not be unique.

"Like others we need to reduce our waste, plant trees, manage rising sea levels, replenish depleted soil, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce pollutants, use cleaner, sustainable energy, and protect threatened species and habitats."

Deputy Brehaut acknowledged that in particular the efforts to tackle the climate crisis "is often laborious work, but my Committee has focussed upon its task and that hard work is starting to come to fruition. With the support of this Assembly in the coming months we can meet the challenges Guernsey faces.

"We face serious threats in these unparalleled times. Like Brexit, we cannot say exactly when they will impact upon us or quantify the impact they will have. What we do know is that there is a duty upon us all to act to tackle issues like climate change."

"Climate change is happening right now. The evidence is clear, it's real, as are the consequences." - Deputy Barry Brehaut. 

The States had already resolved, in June during the debate on the island's Policy and Resources Plan, to work on plans for the "Mitigate climate Change" policy letter.

Deputy Brehaut said his committee will be back before the States by next May with its proposals. To ensure that target is met, E&I is working with other similar jurisdictions. 

"Climate change touches many areas across the States, from waste and energy, to off-island travel, imported goods, and even overseas aid.

"We are not the only jurisdiction looking to produce a climate change policy in a short time. Jersey and the Isle of Man, two other small islands, both called a climate emergency earlier this year and are working to a tighter timescale than we are for delivery.

"To capitalise on the work already being done in our fellow Crown Dependencies, the Committee took the opportunity to collaborate with both islands. We will make our own decisions, but it makes sense to share information and ideas, and avoid duplication of effort and cost.

"To continue this fast paced work, in partnership with others, the Committee will attend a summit meeting with Jersey and the Isle of Man in December to discuss climate change policies across the three jurisdictions."

An energy policy will also be before the States early next year, having been designated a high priority for E&I. Fuel deliveries and hydrocarbons will be included in the policy letter. 

Deputy Brehaut said: "Both the energy policy and the climate change policy have carbon emissions reduction as an important theme, and these two policies will complement each other."

Pictured: Deputy John Gollop. 

Challenging Deputy Brehaut on the impact of measures to mitigate climate change on local businesses, Deputy Gollop said additional costs shouldn't be passed on unduly. 

"How far will be E&I be reacting to the climate change crisis and balancing it with the needs of our particular economy - therefore not putting an unduly onerous burden on businesses with additional costs?" he asked. 

Deputy Brehaut said tackling the climate crisis remains a priority and Guernsey has to play its part.

"I'm sorry that saving the planet is such an onerous burden to the community, because it really surely should be as simple as that - the number one priority for this government and all communities is climate change.

"We must meet, as small as we are, we must meet our obligations and set an example. The growth and expansion that other, perhaps America is looking for, and still taking oil and coal out of the ground, is not the most intelligent thing to do and Guernsey is far more intelligent and sophisticated community than that isn't it?"

Pictured: Students in Guernsey marched to demand action on the climate crisis earlier this year.