GUERNSEY is failing to meet greenhouse-gas-emission targets.
Concern has been raised among policy makers as figures released have revealed that the island’s emissions have slipped back to 1990 levels. It means that direct policy changes lie ahead instead of a relaxed approach adopted so far that has relied heavily on the cable link supplying electricity from France.
The island is signed up to the Kyoto Protocol through the UK and is committed to reducing greenhouse gasses – which contribute towards global warming – by 12.5% on 1990 levels by 2010. And the States is also investigating setting a tougher target of a 30% reduction by 2020.
The initial emission data was received by the Policy Council in January, but it was not until earlier this week that more detailed analysis identified where the problems lay:
- Carbon emissions from power generation almost tripled between 2004 and 2006,
- road transport is at its highest-ever level,
- aviation is double what it was in 1990, and
- shipping is up.
The only success stories appear to be in the domestic and commercial sector (heating and cooking). However, this could be due to milder weather.
‘It’s manageable, it’s achievable, but we’re going to have to take some deliberate policy decisions in order to hit the target.
‘We won’t necessarily hit it by continuing with what we’ve got,’ said Paul Veron, head of policy and research for the Policy Council.
Carbon emitted from road transport is the biggest contributor at 30ktonnes of carbon.
The energy-policy Green Paper that went to the States in December hardly touches on this factor.
‘I don’t think we can look at the figures and take such an attitude to road transport,’ said Mr Veron.
‘It’s now impacting with such figures one would expect some policy initiative to stop that growing and nudge it back down again – I would say that’s a challenge these figures really highlight.’
The jump in emissions from power generation to 28 ktonnes of carbon in 2006 was caused by producing more power on island, using oil, rather than French electricity which is generated with a higher proportion of non-fossil fuels and renewable sources.
‘We have to look at areas we can impact relatively quickly on with island decisions: not all sources of carbon fall into that category,’ said Mr Veron.
‘Power generation is one area where we could have policy levers that would ensure we have low emissions.’
Aviation is unlikely to be targeted before other jurisdictions take action.
Efficiency measures within the home and business could, though, be addressed.
Taking into account all pollutants, Guernsey’s greenhouse gas emissions as CO2 equivalents were 578ktonnes in 1990 and 579 in 2006.
The final draft of the new energy policy should go back to the States in June, but a change in membership following the election could delay that.
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3 Article Comments
Get the emission level to what it should be in order to be in line with the requirement for 2010 before making a brave statement targeting a level for 2020.
Another serious deficiency caused by an inefficiect group of politicions, who are supposed to be responsible.
Why are there no restrictions (or even local moral pressure) on selfish rich drivers of 4.0litre engined cars/jeeps sat wasting fuel in traffic jams. Fuel will be affordable for the rich whatever the price/tax rates so people have to be educated or shamed into changing habits (what about Bermuda’s one car policy?).
Supermarket plastic bags will soon be generally banished following a successful appeal - how about a local conscience regarding car emissions?
I’m not suggesting we give up the car as it is very useful but some consideration from those who can afford to exercise choice when spending £40k on a new car would be appreciated.
V8 petrol, clean hybrid or scooter??
“V8 petrol, clean hybrid or scooter??”.
What a silly comment.
It hardly matters which. Traffic is not the greater source of our emissions.