Group 1: Climate Crisis and Ecological Emergency (Amendments 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:34 pm on 2 March 2021.

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Photo of Caroline Jones Caroline Jones UKIP 4:34, 2 March 2021

I will be supporting the amendments in this group. The climate crisis and ecological emergency may be the biggest challenge facing us, but it is younger and future generations who will have to deal with the impact and the costs of our inaction to date. For future generations, the impact we have had on our climate and upon our ecosystems is not just an environmental issue. They will have to be equipped to deal with the economic, cultural and political fallout, and that is why I support the majority of the amendments in group 1. The fact that young people themselves have helped draft these amendments should help sway those who are undecided about supporting them. My only concern is around amendment 57. Whilst I support the sentiment behind this amendment, I believe that section 62 already covers the intent without the need to refer to climate anxiety, which could be used to limit the scope of support. Eco-anxiety, which would encompass climate anxiety, is already recognised as impacting mental health and well-being. I will therefore be abstaining on this amendment, but will support all the other amendments in this group. Diolch yn fawr.