WIREDGOV

A new survey has revealed increasing support for measures to tackle climate change in Wales.

The public poll shows strong backing for renewable energy and energy efficiency, just two weeks after government advisers warned Welsh climate targets are likely to be missed.

WWF Cymru, who commissioned the survey, is calling for politicians to step up efforts to bring down emissions.

The nfpSynergy public survey of over 1,000 people found that:

• 73% think the Welsh Government should invest more in improving the energy efficiency of homes across Wales to reduce emissions and ensure no-one is living in a hard-to-heat home (compared to 65% last year);

• 68% would like to see a Wales that generates all of its electricity from renewable sources (up from 64% in 2016);

• 66% think the Welsh Government should invest in projects that reduce emissions, like public transport and affordable heat networks, to create a low carbon Wales (up from 59% last year); 

• 64% would like to see Welsh Government increase jobs in the low carbon ‘green’ sector, such a renewable energy and energy efficiency and also develop peoples’ skills in these areas (new question).

The results come as WWF Cymru launches its ‘Message in a Bottle report’ on public support for climate action. Hundreds of messages from across Wales were gathered as part of this year’s Earth Hour activities. Energy, waste and transport emerged as the key issues.

Messages gathered include:

Claire from Cardiff: “I want our government to think about long term plans for the environment rather than short term gains.”

Kaye, Newport: “Please invest in public transport to make it greener and a viable alternative to driving a car. Cut emissions and pollution!”

Petra, Machynlleth: “Please use the fact that the UK is leaving the EU and Welsh farmers will be losing their EU subsidies as an opportunity to instigate positive changes in land use and agricultural policy. Subsidies need to be used to support farmers in tackling climate change, flooding, biodiversity loss, soil depletion.”

Jessica McQuade, WWF Cymru, says “These latest figures and messages are a clear indicator that people in Wales support action on climate change. We hope politicians in Wales use this signal to push forward with significant programmes to reduce our emissions. Climate change will have a big impact on peoples’ lives, here in Wales and around the world. Many programmes to tackle emissions also have benefits to our health, economy and communities and that why so many people want more action”.

Recent findings of Committee on Climate Change show Wales is reducing its emissions at a very slow rate, which is not in line with existing Welsh Government targets. WWF Cymru welcomes the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs recent re- commitment to reduce emissions by 40% by 2020 and hopes to see the detail on how this will be achieved - including through the anticipated government strategies in support of the Programme for Government

#WWFMessageinaBottle is a project supported by the Arts Council of Wales and players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Editor’s notes

nfpSynergy is a research consultancy that aims to provide the ideas, insights and information to help non-profits thrive. We help charities track their profile and engagement amongst their key stakeholder groups through regular, syndicated surveys. We also work with charities on bespoke projects, providing a range of quantitative and qualitative research services.

nfpSynergy • 2-6 Tenter Ground • Spitalfields • London • E1 7NH

T: 020 7426 8888 E: insight@nfpsynergy.net

For further information, please contact:

Heini Evans   |   Tel: +44 (0) 29 20538505   |   Email: HEvans@wwf.org.uk