Guernsey 'on track' to meet climate targets

Guernsey wants to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050

Guernsey's plans to tackle climate change remain unaffected by the island's financial woes, the politician in charge of Environment and Infrastructure has said.

Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez said the island was "on track" to meet its first set of targets despite a warning from Policy & Resources there would be cuts to some projects after a proposed income tax rise was rejected.

In Jersey, former environment minister Deputy Jonathan Renouf said a levy on fuel should be reinstated if the island was serious about decarbonisation.

Renouf said the island's emissions were coming down but he added hitting net-zero by 2050 was "highly unlikely" without "much more decisive action".

New UK target

The BBC has contacted the Government of Jersey for comment.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced an updated climate change target at a global summit earlier this month.

The UK is now aiming for an 81% cut in its emissions by 2035.

In 2020, the States of Guernsey set a target of a 57% reduction on 1990 emission levels by 2030 and agreed a 30-year energy strategy to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Climate 'pushback'

De Sausmarez said: "I think people are beginning to recognise that the targets are an opportunity to add value to Guernsey.

"In terms of reducing the cost of living, improve the efficiency with which we can use our resources, and material things like bringing household bills down by making people's homes more energy efficient."

In Jersey, a carbon neutral roadmap showed the island was making "good progress" on net-zero but it highlighted more revenue was needed.

Renouf, who has submitted an amendment to the Government Plan, said: "We've stopped increasing the money into the climate emergency fund and I think there is a danger the whole thing will stall and, because there is now pushback in some places against taking action on climate change, it's important that Jersey stands tall."