The latest Committee on Climate change progress report on UK emissions is out now.
This year, the report includes new advice to the UK Government on securing a green and resilient recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. It recommends that Ministers seize the opportunity to turn the COVID-19 crisis into a defining moment in the fight against climate change.
The report highlights five clear investment priorities in the months ahead:
- Low-carbon retrofits and buildings that are fit for the future
- Tree planting, peatland restoration, and green infrastructure
- Energy networks must be strengthened
- Infrastructure to make it easy for people to walk, cycle, and work remotely
- Moving towards a circular economy
The report also considers opportunities to support the transition and the recovery by investing in the UK’s workforce, and in lower-carbon behaviours and innovation:
- Reskilling and retraining programmes
- Leading a move towards positive behaviours
- Targeted science and innovation funding
Jetske Germing, Business Development and Delivery Manager and Acting CEO, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum (PCF) said: “We welcome the priorities identified by the CCC report, and the call to secure a green and resilient recovery following the Covid -19 pandemic. Our work with local communities and schools to engage them with the opportunities in renewable energy and other skilled, sustainable jobs at the coast aligns closely with the report.
“PCF is a neutral, independent and unbiased organisation. We are experienced in delivering engagement events on behalf of all our stakeholders including local communities, public bodies, private sector and for Government.
“To achieve this kind of recovery we know that the involvement of a diverse range of stakeholders will be needed, bringing them together to facilitate smart solutions to big sustainability challenges.”
A key programme of PCF work is as a partner in the Coastal Communities Adapting Together project. PCF is one of six partners working together on developing innovative ways to help coastal communities plan for climate change, to act, to adapt, and become more resilient.
PCF are also proud to support WWF and Swansea University in working with the local stakeholders in Dale to develop agreements on the seagrass restoration project and work with local schools looking at climate change and take climate action and helped scientists from Swansea University plant seagrass seeds. The first project of its kind to reinstate a seagrass meadow and capture many tonnes of carbon.
Read the full report from the Committee on Climate Change here.