6. Debate on the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee Annual report: 'The Welsh Government's progress on climate change mitigation'

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:41 pm on 26 September 2018.

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Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour 4:41, 26 September 2018

It's very important that we have that, and I referred to Andrew R.T. Davies mentioning planning, for instance. It concerns me that so many of our policies fight against each other, if you like. It's really important that we look to make sure that all of those policies are working to that aim, and that's one area where I've certainly highlighted issues and we are looking to address those. 

We have to reduce emissions, but also prepare for the effects of climate change on our communities, our farmers and businesses, such as the impact of drought, flooding and harsh winters, and I will be shortly consulting on a new climate adaptation plan. I do recognise large strides forward are needed to be taken to decarbonise our agricultural sector without stifling growth, particularly in these uncertain times ahead of Brexit. It cannot be stressed enough that the correct management of the land and its natural resources is critical to safeguarding the environment and achieving our emission reduction targets. Members will be aware that in July I launched the 'Brexit and our land' consultation, and I would urge all Members to respond. But I just want to reassure Caroline Jones that we won't have CAP in future; we'll have a specific Welsh agricultural policy.

The committee's report also makes positive recommendations about tree planting, and I remember David Melding taking me to task—I think it was my very first appearance before the committee after I came into portfolio. I held my hands up, and I think it's really important that we have a very pragmatic and realistic woodland strategy, and I know that's something my colleague Hannah Blythyn, the Minister for Environment, is taking forward.

I think recommendation 8, which is the recommendation we've rejected—I think that single target is unlikely to be helpful in taking forward our policies or achieving our woodland creation goals, but I do want to reassure Members that it's something we take very seriously; I know it's a top priority for the Minister for Environment. The refreshed forest strategy was launched on 26 June—'Woodlands for Wales'—and it does detail how we propose to achieve its aims over the next 50 years.

Climate change is one of the greatest threats we face, and we will not jeopardise the well-being of future generations by ignoring the challenge. The Welsh Government is committed to tackling this important issue and transforming Wales into a thriving country in a low-carbon world. Diolch.