4. Statement by the Minister for Climate Change: Net-zero Strategy

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:08 pm on 2 November 2021.

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Photo of Peter Fox Peter Fox Conservative 4:08, 2 November 2021

Thank you, Minister, for your statement. I broadly welcome the Welsh Government's net-zero plan and would like to put on record my support for the continued ambition to deliver net zero in both Wales and the UK by 2050. One of the key factors in delivering on this plan, as I'm sure the Minister will be in agreement with, is how the aims contained within it will be funded. This is a particularly important point given that the Government's best estimate is that meeting net zero will lead to additional costs of between £10 billion and £16 billion in total over the period to 2050. I'm not trying to score any cheap political points here, Minister, and I hope you'll be able to respond in a similar manner, but I would be interested to understand how your climate change department is working with the Welsh Treasury as well as the UK Treasury to better understand the financial implications of achieving net zero, and how to fund it.

Secondly, the plan notes that councils in Wales will play an important role in cutting emissions. Noting that I'm still a sitting councillor in Monmouthshire, I would appreciate further information about what additional long-term support may be provided to councils to help them achieve this.

The final point that I'd like to raise, Minister, is how Wales can attract more private investment to achieve net zero. It is my understanding from what has been reported that the proposed Blue Eden project in Swansea, which will include the tidal lagoon, will not require taxpayers' money, and it's these sorts of cutting-edge projects that we should be encouraging. What steps is the Government taking to attract private sector investment into green initiatives in Wales? And I do hope you feel better soon, Minister. Diolch.