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Welsh plans to cut carbon as SMMT launch EV group
publication date: Jun 29, 2009
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author/source: Robin Roberts
The Welsh Assembly Government has revealed plans to cut carbon emissions in Wales
Environment
Minister Jane Davidson says the WAG target is to reduce greenhouse gases by 3
per cent per year from 2011 in devolved areas.
In total Ministers are
committing £300 million across all departments to contribute to the target as a
result of the proposals set out in the consultation document. |
Launching
the plan, Environment, Sustainability & Housing Minister Jane Davidson
said, "Climate
change is not some academic concept, but a real threat to Wales and the world.
As the latest predictions released just last week show, Wales faces drier,
hotter summers and warmer, wetter winters.
"There is no
silver bullet or easy answer, but we must take action now if we are to have any
chance of limiting the damage that could be caused.
"The latest, cutting
edge science says we need to act now. Climate change requires all of us to
change our behaviour, change the way we live and work to reduce the emissions
which are affecting our climate.
"Some
climate change is inevitable due to the impact of past emissions. We need to
adapt the way we live and work to cope with a future Wales where there is an
increase in severe weather events like heatwaves, droughts and floods.
"The latest projections show by2050 the average annual temperatures in
Wales will increase by 2.3°C. Rainfall in winter will increase by 14 per cent.
Sea levels around our coast could rise by 20cm over the same period. We must
take action to prepare and adapt to this new world.
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A cross-section of the motor industry representing
volume manufacturers, niche vehicle producers and component suppliers will form
the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' new Electric Vehicle Group.
Seeking to
interact with government, stakeholders and industry both in the UK and
internationally, the Electric Vehicle Group will promote a collaborative
industry-wide approach to the development of ultra-low carbon technologies.
Addressing a
wide-range of issues including government policy and legislation, research and
development, technical regulations, market development, supporting
infrastructure and consumer incentives, the diverse group of companies will act
to develop the UK's role in this globally competitive field.
"The UK has
a strong emerging electric vehicle industry which will benefit from working
together on a strategic approach to the issues that affect each and every one
of them," said SMMT chief executive, Paul Everitt.
"The
development of ultra low carbon vehicles provides an important opportunity for
the UK motor industry and SMMT is determined to provide the support mechanisms
needed to maximise the value to our national economy."
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"Many of the
levers to fight climate change rest with the UK Government, but the Welsh
Assembly Government is determined to play its part in leading action in Wales.
These proposals outlined in this consultation document represent an
investment of around £300 million over the next four financial years.
"However,
this is about more than government investment, everyone has a contribution to
make to tackling climate change, in every sector and walk of life. Our
earlier consultation focused on our objectives - what we want to achieve. This
plan sets out how we will go about achieving it."
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The plan
sets out a number of initiatives, including:
·
New climate
change development officers for Welsh communities
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Development
of funding to support micro-generation for businesses and households
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New pilot to
lower the carbon footprint of cities
·
Rolling out
of Sustainable Travel Towns
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Support for
green energy production
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Advice and
support for businesses to go green
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Buildings
skills and research and development for a low carbon economy
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Creation of
a climate change charter for organisations to sign up to
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