Welsh Government: COP29 to play crucial role in halving emissions - INTERVIEW

At a time when combating climate change is rapidly becoming a central issue, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is creating high expectations internationally. With 2030 targets approaching, the necessity to achieve the goal of halving emissions shows that this event creates an important opportunity. The Welsh government, contributing to these global initiatives, is moving forward with financial allocations and new strategies to implement climate goals. Among the steps to be taken in this direction, renewable energy projects, carbon tax, and ecosystem protection are particularly noteworthy. One of the biggest obstacles Wales faces is securing funding and public support to reach the zero-emission target. All these issues are directly related to the main agenda of COP29, and this event is expected to be a significant step in launching an effective global climate movement.

In an interview with Report, the Welsh government's press office discussed the country's climate change policy, expectations from COP29, steps taken regarding green projects, upcoming targets, and obstacles.

- What are your expectations regarding the COP29 event?

COP29 presents a critical opportunity for action – with 2030 fast approaching, the need to halve emissions becomes ever more pressing. This COP is a crucial moment to develop concrete plans around key areas for action.

- How does Wales plan to distribute climate funding between emission reduction projects, climate change adaptation, and ecosystem protection programs?

Financing suggests loan funding. It is not clear whether the request relates to finance or funding. For funding, the volume is difficult to calculate. Each Ministerial Portfolio has it’s own climate responsibilities and it will apportion funding as seen fit. In most cases funding is not solely for climate reasons. Climate may be just one objective from the funding. For example, improving the homes of the fuel poor removes financial burdens from householders, stimulates the supply chain, and reduces emissions.

- Is there consideration of attracting private capital to finance major green projects?

Yes. Private capital funding will be essential to our transition to Net Zero. I should note that the UK government is leading the UN climate finance negotiations.

- How does the government plan to monitor the effectiveness of carbon tax in reducing emissions, and what measures are being taken for this?

Wales has some taxation powers of relevance to greenhouse gases, for example on landfill, and is affected by the UK’s environmental tax regime. This includes fuel duty and air passenger duty. Wales is also part of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme. The UK will implement a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism from 2027 to ensure that products from overseas face a comparable carbon price to those produced in the UK.

The UK provides a significant source of revenue through environmental taxes. In 2023, the total revenue from environmental taxes was recorded at approximately £46 billion, which represents 6% of total tax revenues. This reflects an ongoing commitment to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to sustainable energy. While carbon taxes make up the largest portion of these revenues, fuel taxes and climate change levy also play important roles.

- What are the main barriers to achieving this goal, and how are they planned to be overcome?

Wales has a net zero target for 2050 and a series of 5-year carbon budgets between now and then. Net Zero Wales sets out the steps Wales is taking to meet Carbon Budget 2 (2021-2025). The country aims to reduce carbon emissions by 37% by 2025. This budget prioritizes investment in renewable energy sources, development of low-carbon technologies, and improvement of energy efficiency. Significant steps need to be taken in sectors such as energy, transport, and agriculture.

The main challenges include funding, public engagement and achieving a just transition. The Welsh government is developing various strategies to overcome these barriers. To implement financing, it is necessary to invest in renewable energy projects and promote low-carbon infrastructure. Additionally, awareness-raising activities are planned to ensure public support. For ensuring a just transition, it is important to adapt the workforce in economically weak regions to the green economy and eliminate social inequalities.

- What measures is the Welsh government taking to protect biodiversity and restore natural ecosystems, considering climate change?

The Welsh Government is firmly committed to addressing both the nature and climate crisis. The Welsh Government has shown its commitment to tackling biodiversity loss by investing in excess of £100m in projects and programs that directly contribute to tackling the nature emergency.

The Welsh Environmental Law requires all government bodies to protect and enhance biodiversity. The Welsh government plans to implement new targets to ensure climate goals are met. These objectives aim to create a sustainable ecosystem by strengthening biodiversity conservation efforts.

The Welsh government has published a document on Environmental Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets, outlining their approaches such as new principles, biodiversity protection, and increasing sustainability when making decisions. This document, which proposes the establishment of independent environmental audit bodies and the integration of environmental factors at all levels of government policy, aims to develop a more transparent and accountable structure in environmental management.

- Are there specific programs to protect Welsh water resources, especially in the context of possible increases in droughts and floods?

Drought:

There are two water companies operating in Wales: Dwr Cymru Welsh Water, and Hafren Dyfrdwy. Both water companies are required to produce a Water Resource Management Plan (WRMP) every five years. The WRMP must set out how a water company intends to maintain the balance between supply and demand over a 25-year period. This is complemented by a drought plan, which sets out the short-term operational steps the company will take as a drought progresses. Both WRMPs and drought plans are available on water company websites.

Flood:

This financial year (2024-5), the Welsh Government has allocated £75 million to flood risk management in Wales under our Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Program. This is again the highest spend on flood risk management in a single year in Wales, matching our £75m allocation last year in 2023-24.

The National Strategy for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management in Wales, published in October 2020, sets out how we will manage risk over the next decade. It underlines the importance we place on flood risk and the growing risks associated with climate change.

- What renewable energy projects are under development, and what are the plans for their integration into Wales's energy system?

The Trydan Gwyn program (Wales' transition to "green economy" program) aims to accelerate this process. This is achieved through investing in renewable energy and reducing emissions. The program offers incentives to businesses and households to adopt sustainable energy practices with the main goal of decarbonizing the energy system. There is also focus on creating new "green jobs" in Wales and increasing energy sustainability.

The Prime Minister of UK and the First Minister of Wales have made a joint statement aimed at turning UK into a clean energy superpower. This includes the mission to develop renewable energy, wind, solar, and hydrogen technologies. Great Britain's goal is not only to decarbonize the energy grid but also to become a leader in global clean energy exports.

The Ynni Cymru capital grants program (2024-2025) offers capital grants to support the transition of renewable energy projects across Wales. This is specifically directed towards energy efficiency investments and low-carbon infrastructure projects such as wind and solar power plants. The program provides funding for innovative projects and advances Wales' commitment to reducing carbon emissions and increasing energy resilience.

- What strategies exist for waste management and increasing recycling levels?

Wales is recognized as the second-best recycling country globally due to its recycling rate and waste reduction efforts. The country implements comprehensive recycling policies that encourage households and businesses to recycle. This achievement highlights Wales's commitment to sustainable waste management.

The Welsh government has also introduced various programs to promote recycling in workplaces. These programs are designed to help businesses reduce waste, increase resource efficiency, and achieve environmental goals. Businesses are provided with necessary tools and instructions to create effective recycling systems.