WIREDGOV

Natural Resources Minister Carl Sargeant has yesterday set out the Welsh Government’s refreshed approach to climate change in Wales.

The Minister said that the Welsh Government is committed to tackling the risks associated with climate change and adapting to its far reaching effects whilst reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency and supporting low carbon energy in Wales.  

The Minister outlined the comprehensive, sustainable approach the Welsh Government is taking, including:

- Improving resilience through investing almost £300m on flood risk management in Wales over the life of this Government.
- Working to ensure key infrastructure including NHS buildings and schools are climate ready
- Improving energy efficiency and tackling vulnerability by building on programmes like arbed and the £108 million invested each year to help achieve Welsh Housing Quality Standards and through the development of a new Energy Efficiency Strategy.  
- Stimulating the green economy, for example through the recently announced commitment of £5 million for the development of Green Growth Wales and the launch of the new Recourse Efficient Wales advice service to give people, business and public bodies reliable advice and support to take action.
- Supporting leadership in the public sector through £3 million for energy efficiency projects which will allow public services to increase efficiency and save money.

The Minister said:

“The science tells us that not only is climate change happening, but that we  only have a generation in which to act.  The severe weather we saw last winter is a further reminder of the very real impacts we face and the longer we wait, the more it will cost.

“By tackling climate change now it can help us to not only become more efficient and resilient, but to build a more prosperous, secure future. As a government our focus is on ensuring that we put in place the key foundations to support people to take action, for the benefit of our generation and those to follow.

“By supporting action in all sectors, we can take practical steps with wide ranging benefits, for example in agriculture, where covering farm slurry pits can reduce emissions, provide cleaner fuel, replace expensive fertiliser, reduce water pollution and increase efficiency.

“Our aim is to help everyone to take action and we are launching a national advice service – Resource Efficient Wales - to ensure that everybody in Wales can get the accurate, reliable advice and technical support they need.

“Our commitment to tackling climate change is underpinned by our approach to legislation through the Wellbeing of Future Generations, Environment and Planning Bills. We will also be strengthening our reporting on climate change to give a clearer indication of how each area of Wales is doing and what more can be done.

“In Wales we have shown that we can dramatically reduce waste. The challenge now is to show that we can do the same with our emissions.  The end result will be a more prosperous, secure and sustainable Wales for all.”

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