Welsh Government seeks views on a low carbon future for Wales

12 Jul 2018 12:28 PM

Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, yesterday launched a consultation on reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to a low carbon economy in Wales.

‘Achieving our low Carbon Pathway to 2030’ presents a series of ‘ideas for action’ to reduce greenhouse gases, while maximizing the opportunities a low carbon economy will present. 

The Welsh Government is required by law to reduce emissions in Wales by at least 80% in 2050, compared to levels in 1990, with interim targets for 2020, 2030 and 2040. The consultation focusses on key areas including agriculture, industry, power, transport and waste, to help reach the Welsh Government’s proposed target of reducing emissions by 45% in 2030. 

Recent years have seen growth in a number of new greener industries, including electric vehicle and battery manufacturing, low-carbon energy technologies, low energy buildings and heating and cooling systems. 

However, a large proportion of Wales’ energy still comes from fossil fuels, while a high share of the UK’s heavy industry is based here. Many homes have solid walls, making them more costly to insulate, and many homes are ‘off-grid’. The rural nature of much of Wales can make environmentally-friendly travel more difficult. 

Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, yesterday said: 

“The Paris Agreement not only sets the context for tackling climate change, but for the decarbonisation of the global economy.  Action on climate change will result in cleaner air and water and will not only improve our health and wellbeing, it will lift people out of fuel poverty and create new opportunities for green industries."

This consultation will open up a dialogue on how we tackle the challenge of climate change together in Wales.” 

Economy and Transport Secretary, Ken Skates, said: 

“From embracing new modes and mechanisms of transport, to pioneering and manufacturing green technologies, there is huge potential for growth in a low carbon economy. That is why my Economic Action Plan has helping business to future proof, innovate and become carbon light, or carbon free, right at its heart. 

We must ensure Wales takes advantage of the transition to a low-carbon society so we can continue to compete with the rest of the World and ensure that the benefits of low carbon economy are felt in communities right across Wales.”