Wales now has credible plan to reach net-zero, says CCC

The Climate Change Committee (CCC) has published a progress report for Wales, confirming for the first time that Wales now has a credible and affordable path to reach net-zero. 

Today’s report updates previous recommendations by the CCC, which found that under its previous plan, Wales could not feasibly achieve net-zero by 2050.

The Welsh government accepted this advice and developed further plans and ambitions. Thanks to the renewed plan, the CCC confirmed that reaching net-zero is now possible.

However, the report advises that further collective action is needed in Wales and there is also a need for coherent UK-wide strategy developed in collaboration with the Welsh government and other devolved administrations.

Lesley Griffiths, the minister for environment, energy and Rural Affairs, said: ‘We are very grateful to the CCC for its work on these reports, which not only note those actions we have taken in the past to move Wales towards a net-zero status, but also recognise that we have not been diverted from our climate commitments despite the worst impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

‘Recent years have seen us take actions which push at the limit of our devolved powers. Our approach in many areas from housing to international cooperation, and from transport to public engagement, we have been prepared to use our convening and influencing power to drive positive action beyond the limits of our regulatory role, taking an assertive approach within the devolution settlement.

‘We are pleased that the commitments and progress we have made have been recognised, yet both we and the CCC also recognise that there is more to be done. To achieve our goals and to continue to exceed expectations we have to mobilise a collective effort involving communities and businesses as well as government at all levels.

‘With global temperatures set to rise even further, and the increased likelihood of severe weather events in Wales and damage to the natural ecosystems which are the foundation of our wellbeing, it is important to realise every reduction to emissions we can achieve will make a difference.

‘We will now consider the CCC’s advice alongside other information ahead of updating our climate legislation early next year.’

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