An opportunity we can’t afford to miss

WALES is not keeping pace with the rest of the UK when it comes to reducing carbon emissions.

In 2015 the nation’s emissions were 19% below 1990 levels, compared with an average fall across the UK of 37%.

The analysis by the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) makes it clear that to achieve significant progress Wales needs to decarbonise its electricity production.

This is yet another reason why there is such an earnest wish for the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon to become reality.

Here is an opportunity to harness the power of the waves to bring heat and light to homes and a chance to develop expertise and showcase exciting technology. Reports that enthusiasm for the project is slipping away in Whitehall – despite the endorsement of the lagoon by the long-awaited Hendry Review nearly a year ago – will disappoint many people throughout the nation.

Changes will have to be made for Wales to play a full role in tackling climate change. But, as with harnessing tidal technology, many of these changes will enhance our quality of life.

Improving public transport is a key way to reduce emissions but this will also relieve commuters of stress and spread economic opportunities.

Similarly, the CCC backs planting at least 4,000 hectares of trees a year. Here is a way for farmers to develop new income streams and for Wales to broaden its biodiversity.

Far from hurting the economy by taking on the challenge of doing our bit to slow the warming of the planet, we miss out on opportunities to enrich the country by sticking with old and dirty ways of living.

If we are to hit the target of achieving an 80% reduction on 1990 levels by 2050 we need to up our game, and the challenge is to make progress while securing the widest range of improvements for communities.

There are clear incentives for Wales to be at the forefront of Europe’s renewables sector but such rhetoric will not become reality without political will, investment and sometimes a willingness to accept an element of risk.

Wales was at the forefront of exploiting fossil fuels during the industrial revolution and the coalfields provided fuel for ships around the globe. Have we the vision to play just as significant a role in today’s green energy revolution?

The Aberthaw power station is responsible for 14% of Wales’ greenhouse gas emissions. In the long run we need sustainable ways of powering our industry (including the vital steel sector) and our cars as vehicles switch to electric technology – but people also need rewarding and secure employment.

If we fail to develop our own sources of energy we will be poorer as a nation and we will miss a valuable chance to win important skills. Governments at both ends of the M4 can’t afford to slumber when the renewable prizes are there to be grasped.