Welsh Government sets first carbon budgets

The Welsh Government has set its first two carbon budgets and interim targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the next 20 years and beyond.

The Welsh cabinet secretary for energy, planning and rural affairs, Lesley Griffiths announced yesterday (28 June) that the first carbon budget will cover the period between 2016-20 with an average of a 23% reduction, while the second carbon budget will cover the period of 2021-25, with an average of 33% reduction.

The minister also announced the details of the Welsh Government’s interim greenhouse reduction targets, with a 27% reduction by 2020, a 45% reduction by 2030 and a 67% reduction by 2040.

The announcement follows the publication of the latest annual progress report by the Committee on Climate Change, which concluded the UK is not on track to meet its legally binding fourth (2023-2027) and fifth (2028-2032) carbon budgets.

“Achieving these numbers will be extremely challenging, not least in light of the recently published emissions data for 2016 which showed our emissions have increased compared to 2015,” said Griffiths.

“This was largely due to a 22% increase in emissions from power stations. As a result, Wales has reduced its emissions by 14% since 1990.”

“The figures reinforce the importance of setting targets and budgets, and establishing a clear pathway for decarbonisation,” she added.

“We are working across government to identify what actions we need to take in the short, medium and long-term, and I have been encouraged by the response of Cabinet colleagues to this agenda.

“We will launch a consultation in July focusing on how to achieve our low-carbon pathway to 2030 and maximising benefits on our well-being goals. I look forward to discussing the consultation with members later in the year.”