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Natural Resources Minister Carl Sargeant has set out the key role the Welsh Government and other state and regional governments are playing in tackling climate change as he heads to Paris to take part in the global COP21 climate talks.

Natural Resources Minister Carl Sargeant has set out the key role the Welsh Government and other state and regional governments are playing in tackling climate change as he heads to Paris to take part in the global COP21 (external link) climate talks.

Along with over 150 world leaders who are gathering at the COP21 summit in Paris to reach a binding global agreement on climate change, the event will also see the largest representation of state and regional governments to date.

Carl Sargeant said:

“Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing the world in the 21st century and brings with it significant economic, social and environmental consequences. It is not just an issue that will affect future generations, but one that is already impacting us in Wales.”

“I’m proud of our track record in Wales and for many years we have been working to highlight the importance of the role that state and regional governments must play if we are to tackle climate change and make sustainable development a reality.

“Wales has taken what we believe is a game-changing step by laying the foundation for our future in the Well-being of Future Generations Act earlier this year. By doing so, we have become one of the first nations on Earth to formally place sustainable development at the heart of our public services and legislate for a set of clear goals – linked to the UN’s Global Goals – that set a clear path to a sustainable future. And with our Environment Bill, we are now going further as one of the first State or Regional Governments to propose legislation for carbon budgeting.”

“This builds on our action which has already seen us achieve the 4th best recycling rate in Europe whilst reducing our emissions from the sector by 20.4%. Our Welsh Government Warm Homes programme has also provided energy efficiency improvements to over 20,000 homes whilst tackling fuel poverty and growing the supply chain in Wales. In doing so, these areas demonstrate that action on climate change delivers very real economic and social benefits and underlines our commitment to action that supports the most vulnerable alongside our commitment to realising the significant opportunities associated with Green Growth.”

”I will therefore be highlighting our approach and promoting the vital role that State and Regional governments need to play in delivering on the Paris agreement.”