WLGA welcomes carbon reduction report
01 April 2009
The WLGA has today welcomed a report which aims to further cut carbon reduction by industry and public bodies in Wales.
The 3rd report of the Welsh Assembly Government’s sustainability committee into the seriousness of the threat of Climate Change and what it means for our communities, places added responsibility on public sector organisation to look at all the options for tackling this global threat.
Cllr Aled Roberts (Wrexham), WLGA Environment Spokesperson said:
“Tackling the threat of climate change will mean public bodies in Wales looking at all the possible options for reducing their carbon emissions. The WLGA is part of the Climate Change Commission for Wales and we would expect that as part of the Commission’s work it will be considering today’s recommendations in detail.”
“The sustainability Committee suggests that the public sector should consider going and above and beyond the 3% target set out in the One Wales document. It is clear from what the latest science is telling us that all sectors will have to do more than what they are currently doing if we are to avert the most dangerous consequences of Climate Change. Indeed as part of the work of the Climate Change Commission we have already looked at 3, 6, and 9% reduction scenarios. Many local authorities have already partnered with the Carbon trust and are looking at ways to achieve targets far higher than their 3% annual target.”
“Local government have a key leadership role to play in tackling climate change; both in terms of its own services and in helping communities to change the way they live. We welcome the sensible suggestion made by today’s report for a capital grants programme to enable current activity to be stepped up. However, it is important that investment decisions are taken on the basis of sound evidence, of an understanding of the carbon abatement potential and decisions prioritised according to where the biggest change can happen.”
“The WLGA looks forward to working with the National Assembly and the Welsh Assembly Government on delivering what needs to be done in terms of both carbon reduction and dealing with Climate Change adaptation.”
Ends