Guernsey to be included in the Paris Agreement

Guernsey’s lead member for external relations, Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq, attended the conference where he met Greg Hands, MP, the Minister of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, to open discussions on how the island can move forward in its approach to meet net zero. ‘It signifies our intention to join the rest of the world and do our part to meet net zero, which I don’t think is unachievable for Guernsey,’ he said.

‘Agreement in principle to extend the agreement to Guernsey is exciting news and it demonstrates that our policies in relation to climate change, which will be fundamental in shaping the future of Guernsey, are aligned to international standards. Guernsey is only small, but it too has its part to play in managing climate change, through its domestic actions and through the business we conduct internationally.’

Deputy Le Tocq said it had been agreed that the Crown Dependencies would meet Mr Hands on a regular basis and that the UK government had offered help on technological advances where it could.

The Government Work Plan, agreed earlier this year, included the aim of extending the Paris Agreement to the island.

‘We can’t do it by ourselves, we need to partner and the UK is a good partner to have,’ Deputy Le Tocq said.

Guernsey and UK officials have already started talks about the terms of extension. Guernsey will need to make a formal request for extension of the agreement to the island. The agreement outlines a framework for minimising the effects of climate change by making efforts to limit global warming to 1.5C.

‘Our island’s commitment is important, and it’s also important to make commitments that are proportionate to our size,’ the deputy added. ‘Over the years we have made life more difficult for ourselves, we need to be eating food that is made and produced closer to home.’

He said that action on climate change, could also make the island a healthier and happier place.

‘The global leadership we have in supporting green finance, right down to the fact we have one of the highest recycling rates in the world, demonstrates that we have the drive and ingenuity to deliver our commitment towards net zero.

‘The clear message from COP26 is that we are at a turning point for all governments around the world as we see the pace of development and commitments accelerate to ensure that global climate targets are met.’

Guernsey Finance has delegates at the conference and Environment & Infrastructure president Deputy Lindsay De Sausmarez will be at COP26 next week.