Welsh Government | Regional governments must not be excluded from a new deal on climate change

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Regional governments must not be excluded from a new deal on climate change

At the start of the last set of negotiations before the crucial climate change talks in Copenhagen, Environment Minister Jane Davidson has called for regional governments not to be excluded from any new deal.

Thursday 05 November 2009

The Minister is today (Thurs 5th Nov) attending the final round of preliminary talks in Barcelona on a new UN climate treaty before December's Copenhagen summit.

The Environment Minister is representing Wales and also regions from all over the world in her role as Co-Chair of the Network of Regional Governments for Sustainable Development (nrg4SD). The group highlights the role that regional governments play in sustainable development.

Ms Davidson said:

“Regional governments such as the Welsh Assembly Government will play a central role in tackling climate change. We are coming together and speaking out strongly to make sure our regional voices are heard in Copenhagen. These talks in Barcelona will emphasise this message.

“As regions we have much to offer and many responsibilities to carry in responding to climate change. It is, and will continue to be important for anyone involved in addressing climate change to engage with all levels of state and regional governments.

“We are ready and willing to work with others, both at home and internationally to make progress on this very important agenda. Any new deal in Copenhagen cannot afford to exclude regional and sub-national governments. I hope our expertise and enthusiasm shine through in the hard work that is to come.”

Wales is already doing its part with a commitment to cut annual emissions by 3% a year from 2011, enabling an 80% reduction before 2050.

Jane Davidson will Chair an event at the talks entitled “Thinking Global, Acting Local: the Vital Role of the Regions” with speakers from the United Nations Development Programme, Algeria, Catalonia, Aragon and Cantabria.

5 November 2009