Welsh Government (Rhodri Asby) presentation to CCC
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Wales has made significant strides in climate change policy since devolution in 1998, focusing on sustainable development and setting ambitious targets such as a 40% reduction in emissions by 2020 and at least an 80% reduction by 2050. Key actions include improving energy efficiency in homes, achieving the highest recycling rates in the UK, and introducing legislation for better natural resource management. Despite progress, further action is needed to meet long-term emission reduction commitments and integrate sustainable development across various sectors.
Welsh Government (Rhodri Asby) presentation to CCC
- 1. Climate Change Policy in Wales
- 2. 2 Welsh Context • Devolution since 1998, encompassing a constitutional duty on Sustainable Development Powers Include: • Health • Education • Economic development • Environment • Agriculture • Housing • Planning • Local government • Transport • Social Services • Welsh Language • Climate Change Strategy for Wales covering both mitigation and adaption (2010)
- 3. Overarching Commitments: • 40% reduction in emissions by 2020 • 3% Annual Reduction in areas of devolved competence • At least an 80% reduction by 2050 Climate Change Policy
- 4. 4 Some Examples of Action Taken • Energy Efficiency and Fuel Poverty Programmes have improved the energy performance of 10,000 homes • 74% of the existing 221,000 social homes in Wales now have an energy rating of D or above and we are working to 100% of all homes by 2020. • Highest recycling rates in the UK at 58% (4th in Europe) and first in the UK to bring in a charge for Plastic Bags • Up to £750 million of investment being made through a programme to support local authorities delivering next generation waste facilities • Safeguarded an area of forest the Size of Wales in Africa • Plant a tree in Wales and one In Africa for every child born
- 5. Misc content to add Current Progress • The 3% target is a commitment to reduce emissions within areas of devolved competence by 3% each year from 2011, against a baseline of average emissions over the period 2006-2010 • The graph highlights that in 2012, the emissions were 30.16 MtCO2e which equates to a decrease from the baseline of 10.0%. This reduction is therefore in excess of our 3% reduction target of 6% for 2012.
- 6. Current Progress • The graph shows progress against our 2020 target, including the latest figures from 2012 plus relative contribution made by different sectors to the total emissions. • Overall, the progress against the 40% target highlights that significant further action is required, to ensure that we meet the 2020 target and to deliver against our long-term emission reduction commitment of at least 80% by 2050.
- 7. 7 • One of the first nations in the world to have a constitutional duty on sustainable development Wales & Sustainable Development “Our Welsh account of sustainable development: an emphasis on social, economic and environmental well- being for people and communities, embodying our values of fairness and social justice.” “All our policies and programmes will reflect this commitment to sustainability and fairness so that we make sustainable development our central organising principle”
- 8. Duty: Improve the economic, social and environmental well-being of Wales by contributing to the to the achievement of all the goals WHO Public Service Organisations: Long-term Integration Collaboration PreventionInvolvement HOW Sustainable Development Principle TRANSPARENCY Better information PROGRESS National Indicators WELL-BEING GOALS A sustainable Wales A healthier Wales A Wales of cohesive communities A more equal Wales A prosperous Wales A resilient Wales Annual reporting SUPPORTING THE CHANGE Future Generations Commissioner for Wales Advice Review powers RecommendationsLong term Future Generations Report Advisory Panel Local well-being plan Strategic Needs Assessment Welsh Government National Museum Arts Council Sports Wales National Library HEFCW Velindre NHS Trust Public Health Wales National Park Authorities Natural Resources Wales Fire & Rescue Authority Local Authorities Local Health Boards Community Councils Public Services BoardsOther partners A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh language EXAMINATIONS Auditor General for Wales Examinations Statement Responding to the Commissioner Monitor TRENDS Future Trends Report The Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill A globally responsible Wales
- 9. A prosperous Wales A resilient Wales A healthier Wales A more equal Wales A wales of cohesive communities vibrant culture and thriving welsh language A Wales of A globally responsible Wales Environment Economic Social Cultural
- 10. 10 Evidence shows the capacity of our natural resources to continue to provide the services on which we depend is diminishing Management of Natural Resources There is a need for a better framework for evidence, planning and action – that will enable Wales to develop sustainably
- 11. 11 Introducing Legislation to • Integrate natural resource management, based on the ecosystem approach and principles set out in Convention on Biological Diversity • Provide a stronger legal framework for climate change targets and integrated action on mitigation and adaptation • Further improve performance on waste management Reforming Environmental legislation
- 12. • Commission on Sustainable Development • Convention on Biological Diversity • Framework Convention on Climate Change International Connection
- 13. International Climate Change Activity • A number of key networks of subnational governments • Individual work programmes on key issues - e.g. Green Economy, Renewable Energy, Financing Climate Action, Water Resources and Sanitation 50 Governments and 7 associations of subnational governments 313 million people across 27 countries, with 10 affiliates in China A combined GDP of $9.7 trillion – 11% of global economy
- 14. International Initiatives Compact of States and Regions • A global account of greenhouse gas reduction targets made by state and regional governments • A partnership between The Climate Group States & Regions, CDP, R20 and nrg4SD • Supported by the UN
- 15. • COP Presidency Cities and Subnational Dialogue • Recognition of the Role of Subnational Governments UNFCCC Process
- 16. Policy Innovation • Quebec and California - The Carbon Market Cap and Trade Agreement • South Australia - Renewable Energy and Climate Change Adaptation • Connecticut - Green Bank • British Columbia – carbon tax and carbon neutral Government
- 17. • A clear pathway for decarbonisation with carbon budgets, which are clear on the contribution needed from different sectors and where accountability lies; • Public Sector decarbonisation programme; • Building climate resilience into the assessment of investment proposals in line with Wales Infrastructure Investment Plan priorities and social housing; • Building resilience into social housing and into communities as part of the Tackling Poverty Action Plan and working with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation; • Natural Resources Wales developing a plan to become net carbon positive in the future. Written Statement March 2015 Key Policy Next steps
- 18. • Committed to ambitious targets but also have some key learning • Taking a joined up approach founded on Sustainable Development principles • Examples of successful delivery which show how climate change action can deliver social and economic benefit • Strengthening our commitments through an innovative programme of Policy and Legislation • Integrating action at a subnational level linked to the Commission on Sustainable Development, Convention on Biological Diversity, Framework Convention on Climate Change In Summary
- 19. 19 Diolch / Thank you Further info: www.wales.gov.uk CC&[email protected]