Welsh political parties today signed an historic pledge to make the climate deal signed in Paris, December 2015 a reality. The Climate Change Commission for Wales agreement aims to commit political parties to deliver a programme of government to tackle climate change. But Alice Hooker-Stroud, leader of the Wales Green Party, says that it is not strong enough to ensure a climate safe future.
“I am signing this agreement today on behalf of the Wales Green Party. We are committed to working across parties to tackle the threat of climate change, regardless of our political persuasion.
However, I do not believe the commitment in this agreement is strong enough to deliver a climate-safe future. Since the Climate Change Act in 2008, global greenhouse gas emissions have continued to rise, as those in Wales have over recent years. Because of this inaction, we need to reduce emissions faster, and we must aim high.
We need to shake up our thinking on climate change and the economy. What is good for the climate is also good for our communities: decent, future-proof jobs; warm homes that use less energy and lower bills; decent affordable public transport links, and supply chains that support local businesses. These are all part of a sustainable future with clean energy and low – or zero – emissions. This is what we need in Wales and we can, and should be doing it now.
When in the Assembly, the Wales Green Party will push for real action on climate that transforms the economy in Wales to one that benefits our communities now and into the future.”
The Climate Change Commission for Wales agreement will see political parties pledging to:
- To accelerate the transition to a low carbon economy with a clear roadmap for developing and supporting low carbon energy generation and a coherent approach to Green Growth
- To work together, across party lines, to agree ambitious carbon budgets in accordance with the UK Climate Change Act and forthcoming Environment (Wales) Act.
- Maximise emission reduction in Wales across all sectors, and in particular in the residential, transport and land-use sectors.