Building connections one of COP28 gains

NETWORKING with international stakeholders has been said to be the principal benefit of two local politicians attending the COP28 event in Dubai.

Peter Barnes, the States’ head of energy and climate change, talking about Guernsey’s circular economy at a panel event at COP28 in Dubai. Pictured with him are Environment & Infrastructure president Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, left, and Stephanie Glover, from Guernsey Finance. (32803545)

While extending the Paris Agreement to Guernsey was a main reason for the island’s attendance at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, Deputies Lindsay de Sausmarez and Jonathan Le Tocq said that the opportunity to meet international representatives and build connections had been invaluable.

‘Last year we didn’t go physically, we attended remotely and you see it all on a screen, but it’s not the same because you can’t just bump into people and network,’ said Deputy Le Tocq.

‘Particularly because it was in the UAE, so many people, ambassadors, representatives from all around the world were all in one place at the same time.

‘Lindsay and I attended with members of Guernsey Finance and also the financial services regulator, which meant there were a number of opportunities for business.’

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change to accelerate actions and investments needed for a sustainable low carbon future.

The extension means that Guernsey’s emissions will be reported under the UK’s nationally determined contribution, containing information on targets, policies and measures for reducing national emissions.

Guernsey will however continue to set its own targets and levels of ambition, and the island will be expected to report on its emissions, maintain policies and project expected emissions.

Rosie Allsopp, left, communications director at Guernsey Finance, moderating a session at COP28 with, left to right, Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, Stephanie Glover, of Sustainable Finance Guernsey, and Peter Barnes, head of energy and climate change for the States.

The politicians sat on various panels, and Deputy de Sausmarez spoke about Guernsey’s waste strategy, which is held up as an example of best practice internationally, with other jurisdictions keen to learn from our experience.

Other panel discussion topics were energy and issues of interest to Guernsey’s financial services sector.

‘We had discussions from people from other islands and so it was helpful to share experiences, knowledge and information which can help in the future,’ said Deputy de Sausmarez.

‘It was a great opportunity to fly the Guernsey flag in a positive and constructive way on the international stage.

‘We may be a small island, but we, along with every other jurisdiction, have a role to play to take action on climate change.

‘The extension to Guernsey of the Paris Agreement is an important step that formally recognises that role, and we have wasted no time in working towards it.’

She added that Guernsey took a significant step when the States agreed the electricity strategy.

With a focus on interconnection and locally generated solar and wind energy, the foundations have been laid for a more environmentally and economically sustainable future for the island.

Agreeing the extension of the UK’s ratification of the Paris Agreement to Guernsey is one of the main objectives of the Government Work Plan.