3. 2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:28 pm on 6 June 2017.

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Photo of Jane Hutt Jane Hutt Labour 2:28, 6 June 2017

I think that many here would share that view, Huw Irranca-Davies. In Wales we not only endorse the Paris agreement, but we already have legislation in place to deliver on this important long-term goal. Can I take this opportunity just to reflect on that? The benefits to be realised through a transition to a low-carbon economy are recognised globally, and why we saw the support for the Paris agreement, not only setting the context for tackling the causes and consequences of climate change, but also setting the context of the decarbonisation of the global economy. Through our legislation—we put in place the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and the Environment (Wales) Act 2016—the legislative foundations have been laid for delivery against the Paris agreement.

You also talked about the importance of the regional alliances that have developed. Wales, along with other states and regions, such as those who have just formed the United States Climate Alliance—California, New York, Washington—are already making a difference through collective action, through the memorandum of understanding on sub-national global climate leadership, which covers 33 countries, six continents and collectively represents more than $27.5 trillion in gross domestic product, equivalent to 37 per cent of the global economy. Of course, Wales was a founding signatory to this important MOU, and I think the Cabinet Secretary will want to indeed come forward with a statement to update on our position in Wales, and make our position very clear in order for others to comment.