Group warns climate change risks quality of life

Both Guernsey and Jersey governments have climate pledges to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050

A wildlife group warns climate change threatens the quality of life of people living in the Channel Islands and says action needs to be taken.

The Alderney Wildlife Trust said consistent unstable weather, drought and rain could have "huge implications" on biodiversity, soil, drinking water and air quality.

Trust manager Roland Gauvin warned it could impact the "quality of life" in the Channel Islands if "cohesive and concretive action" was not taken.

Both Guernsey and Jersey governments have climate pledges to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

'Huge implications'

Mr Gauvin said: "As islands we will be exposed to some of the more significant effects like weather.

"We always think about sea rise and sea temperature change which are both dramatic and scary things.

"Weather change, consistent unstable weather, more drought, more rain have huge implications for the Channel Islands.

"We are small places and we need to manage our response effectively given tight budgets and huge problems facing us."

Mr Gauvin said: "The increase in invasive species, the arrival of things like Asian hornets which have a dramatic effect on pollinator populations, not just honey bees but across the board.

"Our agricultural team has cleared 40 nests this year at real expense.

"If we can stop the arrivals of invasive species, or adjust our islands to manage them, we have a much better economic future and a more stable biodiversity.

"Going for a walk on a Guernsey beach, walking through the woodlands of Jersey or Sark. Those are all real experiences of life in the Channel Islands that are all under threat if we don't take cohesive and concretive action."

On Thursday, Guernsey's government said it was on track to meet its climate targets.

While in August, Jersey's government said it was making good progress in achieving its climate commitments.