Written - Greenhouse gas emissions in Wales in 2006 and update on action to tackle climate change

AEA Energy and Environment produce the Greenhouse Gas Inventories for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on a regular basis. The latest disaggregated figures were published on 18 September 2008.

The “basket” of six Greenhouse Gases is measured as follows:

• emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide are measured against the base year 1990
• emissions of hydroflurocarbons, perflurocarbons and sulphur hexafluoride are measured against the base year 1995

Carbon Dioxide is by far the most significant component of the basket, representing over 80% of the total.

The September 2008 report shows that, for Wales:

• Total emissions of the six Greenhouse Gases in Wales for 2006 were 51.1MtCO2 equivalent. This represents a 3.9% increase on 2005 and a 7.4% decrease on base year emissions of the six greenhouse gases.
• Total emissions of CO2 in Wales for 2006 were 42.5MtCO2 equivalent, which represents a 4.7% increase on 2005 and a 1.8% decrease on base year CO2 emissions

These figures show a reduction in emissions when compared to the base year but an increase in emissions compared to 2005. While year on year fluctuations are inevitable, this points to the importance of taking concerted action if we are to see the level of sustained reductions in emissions over time that will be needed to combat climate change.

Our One Wales commitments as a Government recognise the global threat of climate change and that the Assembly Government must be at the forefront of tackling the causes and effects in Wales. There is a specific commitment to reduce emissions in Wales by 3% per year by 2011 in areas of devolved competence, and to set sectoral targets for residential emissions, transport and the public sector.

The 3% target will measure our future progress in delivering greenhouse gas emission reduction. The Climate Change Commission for Wales which we established earlier this year provides leadership and builds a shared view on the necessary action.

The next meeting of the Climate Change Commission will take place on the 9th October and the Commission will be looking at the outline proposals for delivering the 3% target. In October we will also be seeking advice on the proposed approach from the UK Committee on Climate Change. We intend to consult on our Climate Change Strategy early next year.

We have already taken a number of important steps:

• announced a package of measures to make sure land use planning addresses climate change.
• begun work on a ‘National Energy Efficiency and Savings Plan’.
• developing a scheme to install renewables microgeneration in fuel poor households.
• developing a project to support community energy generation through the EU Convergence Programme.
• held a series of community events on climate change and developed a community information pack.
• appointed the first six Climate Change Champions for Wales (one of whom has also become one of the British Council’s International Climate Champions).
• published the Renewable Energy Route Map proposing that , within 20 years, Wales can produce as much electricity from renewable sources as it consumes.
• published the Wales Transport Strategy which includes reducing greenhouse gases from transport as a key strategic priority. Work is underway on the National Transport Plan which will show how this key priority will be delivered.
• commissioning work from the Sustainable Development Commission in support of our aspiration for all new buildings constructed in Wales from 2011 to achieve zero carbon, continuing to secure devolution of the building regulations and the raising of energy performance expectations for construction work we fund