Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Minister for the Environment and Sustainability, Mick Bates, is calling for an end to the rhetoric on climate change. He is urging the Assembly Government to bring back schemes such as the Powys CO2i domestic energy efficiency and renewable energy project.
Mick Bates was speaking in light of the latest official figures, which show that Wales now ranks 13th in an international league table of the worst emitters of carbon dioxide emissions.
At 15.57 tonnes per person in 2006, Wales’ CO2 emissions are significantly higher than in all three other UK nations, with Northern Ireland standing at 10.17 tonnes per capita, Scotland at 10.02 tonnes and England at 9.26 tonnes per capita.
Mick Bates said: “It is deeply disappointing that with all the Assembly Government’s rhetoric on climate change, carbon dioxide emissions in Wales have only reduced by 1.6% per year since 1990, the base year for calculations.
“If the Labour-Plaid Government has any intention to reach the One Wales target to reduce CO2 emissions by 3% per year from 2011, then they must commit to higher targets. If Wales is to contribute fully to the UK target to reduce carbon emissions by 20% below 1990 levels by 2010, emissions need to reduce by 4.6% per year between 2007 and 2010.
“We urgently need to see more promotion and support for energy efficiency and demand reduction, with more focus on decentralised energy production rather than giving the go-ahead for developments such as the gas-fired power station at Pembroke, which does not even conform to the highest possible environmental standards.”
Powys and Ynys Môn have the highest per capita carbon dioxide emissions from domestic sources, while Cardiff has the lowest emissions per capita from domestic sources.
“Rural areas such as Powys must look to tackle the existing housing stock, as many homes are not on the gas network or have solid walls which are difficult and expensive to insulate” he added
“It is crucial that the Assembly Government invests now to bring back excellent schemes such as the Powys CO2i domestic energy efficiency and renewable energy project. During the 18 months that this project ran numerous energy savings measures were installed, including for example nearly 2,000 cavity wall insulations, over 2,500 loft insulations, 140 solar hot water panels, 300 hot water tank jackets and over 20,500 low energy light bulbs. This type of project will be key to helping to reduce carbon emissions from the domestic sector.”
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