Welsh Lib Dems call for greater powers locally to tackle carbon emissions

The Welsh Liberal Democrats are calling for greater powers for Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire County Councils to take action to reduce carbon emissions, following the release of new figures that show progress to cut emissions across the UK has stalled since 2016.

In Carmarthenshire, emissions have fallen 5%, from 1,193.7 kilo tonnes in 2016 to 1,133.5 kilo tonnes. Meanwhile in the same period Pembrokeshire’s emissions have fallen by just over 10%, from 831.4 to 746.1 kilo tonnes.

Both of these represent reductions substantially lower than those needed to ensure carbon neutrality by 2050.

Highlighting the need for “action now, not promises”, the Welsh Liberal Democrats are calling for more powers for those who are “best-placed to tackle the climate emergency in their areas”, local authorities.

Alistair Cameron, Welsh Liberal Democrat Senedd Candidate for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire said: 

“We are in the midst of a climate emergency. This is the biggest issue we face, fail to act now and we doom future generations to have to live with our mistakes – there is no Planet #2.

“The Liberal Democrats have an ambitious, but achievable, plan to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2045, five years sooner than the current target of 2050. However, unless we get to grips with our emissions now, we will struggle to even meet the current 2050 deadline.

“We believe that communities are best placed to lead the charge against climate change. That’s why we are calling for local authorities to be given greater powers to act on carbon emissions. For instance, local councils could be insulating homes and renovating and building new social housing to high standards of energy conservation. This will help to tackle fuel poverty, protect our planet and also create the sustainable, green jobs of the future.”

Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for the Climate Emergency and Environment said:

“Unlike the Liberal Democrats, this Tory UK Government does not have a plan to reach net zero.

“These statistics prove – yet again – that we’re not making anywhere near fast enough progress to tackle the climate emergency. We need climate action now, not promises to act tomorrow. Climate action delay is no better than climate change denial.

“The next generation are looking to us and we have a duty to act.”