The Plan sets out how Wales aims to meet the first carbon budget (2016-2020) and consequently the 2020 interim target through 100 policies and proposals across Ministerial portfolios.In addition to publishing their low-carbon strategy, they have published a report with the summary of responses on their Low Carbon Pathway consultation. The report can be read in full here.Cabinet Forward:Climate change is the globally defining challenge of our time. The Paris Agreement has set the direction for the international community to come together to take action and the latest Inter-governmental Panel on the Climate Change report was a stark reminder of the urgency that is required across the international community. Climate change is a matter which transcends political and social boundaries and it is often the most vulnerable in our communities who are impacted the most.Decarbonisation offers enormous opportunities to create a vibrant and socially-just economy. We must make a difference and help create a society here in Wales that ensures well-being and tackles inequality as we decarbonise.This Plan sets out the Welsh Government’s approach to cut emissions and increase efficiency in a way that maximises wider benefits for Wales, ensuring a fairer and healthier society. It sets out 100 policies and proposals that directly reduce emissions and support the growth of the low carbon economy. Since the passing of the Environment (Wales) Act, guided by the Well-Being of Future Generations Act we have made progress across a range of policy areas. We have set targets and provided additional support for renewable energy and decarbonising the public sector. We have tested new housing models and are gathering evidence on the types of energy efficiency actions needed to decarbonise our existing housing stock. We have invested in public transport, active travel and electric charging points in order to transition to a low carbon transport system which is accessible to all. We are continuing to invest in tree planting and peatland recognising the well-being benefits they provide. We are shaping our land management policy following our withdrawal from the European Union. We are implementing our Economic Action Plan, which puts decarbonisation as a central pillar for future prosperity and are continuing to deliver our ground breaking policies for reducing waste and move towards a circular economy. This is our first Plan. Over the coming years we will continue to refine our policies and raise our ambition to accelerate action in line with our pathway towards a low carbon Wales.Delivering our ambitious decarbonisation targets will require significant leadership, collaboration with our partners and the involvement of society as a whole. Whilst Brexit creates uncertainty, Welsh Government is clear that the path to decarbonisation puts the welfare of our people, the health of our economy, and the protection and enhancement of our natural environment front and centre. This is a critical time for Wales. We now look forward to working with all our partners both here and on the international stage in meeting the challenge of climate change. They have published an infographic on the future energy system here.Read all documenation on the plan here.
