Written - Analysis of the consultation responses to the Climate Change Strategy – High Level Policy Statement consultation

In January I published a consultation the Assembly Government’s Climate Change Strategy – High Level Policy Statement. 

The purpose of the consultation document was to set out the Assembly Government’s policy objectives in relation to climate change, build on the commitments contained in One Wales and recognise the new statutory framework established by the Climate Change Act 2008. 

The consultation document set out a comprehensive definition of our 3% emission reduction target, but also recognised that action on adapting to the impacts of climate change would be a key element of our final strategy. 

The consultation on stage one closed on 22 February. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who participated in the consultation.  Respondents provided constructive comments for improvement to the document and identified actions that could be included in the second stage of the strategy – the programme of action.

In summary, fifty six responses were received.  These represented the views of the business sector, third sector, local authorities, public sector, academic institutions, agricultural organisations, professional bodies and individuals.

Respondents were broadly supportive of the general vision and policy direction set out in the High Level Policy Statement and supportive of the need to take action in the sectors identified.  A number welcomed the statement, its clarity and refreshing format as well as its discussion on enabling people to act. 

A number of key themes emerged which include:

• Welsh Assembly Government needs to demonstrate leadership and the Welsh Assembly Government and the wider public sector need to lead by example.
• A critical element of all of action to tackle climate change will be effective communication and engagement with people, communities and organisations across Wales to encourage behavioural change. 
• The need to inform everybody on their contribution to climate change and how they can become more energy efficient and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
• All the sectors mentioned in the High Level Policy statement have their part to play in emission reduction and adaptation and all sectors need to be taking action now to contribute to the 3% target.  Consideration should be given to introducing sector specific targets.
• Concern that the 3% target may not be enough to deliver what the science is telling us.
• Wales Spatial Plan groups and local authorities will have important roles to play in implementing climate change policies.

A number of respondents also recommended actions that specific sectors could undertake to contribute towards emission reduction and/or adaptation and deliver the vision set out in the High Level Policy Statement. 

We are now working on the next stage of the consultation on the Climate Change Strategy, the programme of action which will be published for consultation in summer 2009.

As well as using the responses to the consultation to inform the development of our programme of action, we will also draw on the reports produced by the Climate Change Commission Sub Groups and the advice of the Committee on Climate Change as set out in their report Building a low-carbon economy – the UK’s contribution to tackling climate change, published on 1 December 2008.  The report not only provides advice on the level of reduction the UK as a whole needs to achieve, but also provides a detailed assessment of where potential emission reductions can be found and the sorts of policies and programmes required to deliver them.

Responses to both consultations will be used to inform and develop the final Climate Change Strategy due to be published by the end of 2009.