The Welsh Government have published the Climate Adaptation Strategy for Wales 2024 which outlines methods to get to grips with the effects and causes of climate change. The document outlines that which the Welsh Government is already doing to face the challenges of climate change as well as explaining their future plans. The publication of the document comes as leaders come together to discuss biodiversity at the COP16 Cali conference in Colombia this week.
The strategy discusses a variety of subjects and themes such as the plan for every part of government to collaborate to get to grips with the challenge, the intention to protect vulnerable transport networks from damage following extreme weather as well as the intention to work collaboratively with the UK Government to ensure resilience and security in food supply. The £75m investment in flood defences is mentioned, as well as the commitment to effectively manage 30% of land, freshwater and marine areas by 2030.
In a statement, the Deputy First Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies said:
‘Climate change is one of the biggest, fastest and most enduring threats humanity faces.
We are already seeing the impacts of climate change with wetter winters, hotter summers and more unpredictable weather patterns.
These changes will continue to become more obvious over the coming years and decades.
The challenges of getting to net zero and adapting to climate change are both equally important and urgent.
This strategy intends to amplify the conversation around adaptation and provide the impetus for us all to grasp the opportunities while protecting our people and our planet.’
The document outlines more than 240 actions by the Welsh Government, while also emphasising the role which institutions and public bodies have to play in ensuring resilience in the face of climate change. The Welsh Government sees the part that partners such as Natural Resources Wales, Public Health Wales, Local Authorities and Public Service Boards have to play as being essential to ensure success.
Huw Irranca-Davies said:
‘The Welsh Government has an important role to play in adapting to climate change, but we cannot do this alone.
This strategy recognises the important work our delivery partners are also carrying out.
The work of communities, voluntary sector organisations, businesses and others will be key to managing climate change.
Climate change presents many difficult, complex challenges and there is still much more to be done but I hope this new strategy published today serves as a catalyst for action.’
You can read the strategy in full by following this link.
