Summary of responses to the Climate Change Plan 2022-2027 Consultation

Feedback updated 15 Dec 2021

Results updated 15 Dec 2021

Executive Summary

The Climate Change Plan 2022-2027 Consultation sought views on the proposed contents of the plan. This consultation is a requirement of the Climate Change Bill. The responses to the consultation, along with Government and independent research, will help inform the contents of the Climate Change Plan.

Summary of key findings:

• A total of 319 responses from individuals and groups were received, though the consultation was set out in such a way that not all sections had to be answered.
   
• Response rates were fairly consistent across sections, although there were some comments the consultation took too long to complete.
   
• Comments were polarised between those who are sceptical of climate change and those who are deeply concerned. This may suggest that the consultation did not capture the responses of those from the middle ground.
   
• The majority of respondents were in favour of bold climate action, suggesting that climate change is an important and emotive subject for them.
   
• On balance, the respondents supported the proposed actions, although some areas received more support than others:
  • Proposals around Agriculture, Waste Management, Blue Carbon, and Adaptation received the most support.
     
  • Proposals around Transport, the Island’s Vision, and Funding, Taxation, and Finance received the least support.
     
• Vision and Interim Targets – There was majority support for climate action in general, although many respondents wanted to see more action more quickly. Regarding Interim Targets, respondents generally wanted to see more ambition than current plans. This included targets for decarbonisation sooner than 2050, and more ambitious interim targets. Many respondents also felt that focusing on targets was a distraction from making progress. A linked theme was that the Consultation is a further delay and distraction and that Government should ‘get on with it’.
   
• Energy - There was broad support for the proposals relating to the Island’s Future Energy Scenarios (FES). Green energy, resilience, and cost were broadly equal in importance to respondents. Independence of generation was ranked as lower importance.
   
• Energy Use in Buildings – Respondents flagged up uncertainty around available technologies and what solutions are right for their homes. There was a broad appreciation that ‘fabric-first’ measures were important.
   
• Transport – This was the most contentious section, and there was negative sentiment toward any proposals that would somehow limit people’s ability to travel. This was especially the case for private car usage. There was uncertainty around Active Travel, as well as how to decarbonise off-Island travel.
   
• Taxation and Business – Concerns were raised among respondents that businesses, individuals, and the Island economy could suffer as a result of what were seen as potentially damaging taxation to fund the transition / discourage behaviour. Economic competitiveness was cited as a particular concern.
   
• Local Environment – There was strong support for measures to protect the local environment, both on land (e.g. reducing greenfield development) and in the territorial sea (e.g. marine nature reserves). Many respondents supported general environmental protection beyond strictly climate issues.

Files:

Summary of responses to the Climate Change Plan 2022-2027 Consultation

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