More urgency needed to hit climate targets, says MHK

The island has already committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050

Greater urgency is needed for the Isle of Man to meet its climate change targets, an MHK has said.

Debating the Climate Change Transformation Programme's latest annual report in Tynwald, Tim Glover said the number of actions delayed or on hold was "startling".

Environment minister Clare Barber admitted "we'd wish to be further on than we are" but said green schemes were having a "genuine impact" on residents' bills and emissions.

The Isle of Man government has committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

Other targets include decarbonising the island's electricity supply by 2030 and the generation of an extra 30 megawatts of renewable electricity locally by 2026.

The report, which outlines progress made and highlights barriers to further movement towards the islands' goals, details why 19 of 63 commitments have not yet begun or have been delayed.

They include the renewal of the active travel strategy and moves to reduce government waste.

Manx data

Echoing Mr Glover's concerns, Chris Thomas MHK also claimed it was "very sad" to be "five years on" from setting long-term climate goals and "five years behind in terms of our delivery".

Fellow Tynwald member Michelle Haywood also suggested future reviews should include more Manx data "that shows what the problem is and how it is already affecting us".

"Then understanding the adaptations, costs and benefits will become much easier in the future," she said.

However, Stu Peters MHK told the court he was "completely convinced" the millions of pounds being spent on the issue "would be better spent in our schools, health service and infrastructure".

In response, Ms Barber said the island had reduced its emissions by 5% since 2018 and schemes such as the Energy Doctor Service, which provided home energy audits, were having a "genuine impact on people’s electricity bills" and carbon footprint.

She said it was in the island's interest "to do as much as we can to meet targets" and "if we do miss things we have to recalibrate".