Climate change plans lack ambition

Not just in a series of stormy, sweltering days but in island politics.

The long summer political break is cut short tomorrow with that rarest of events – an August States meeting.

Instead of being on the beach enjoying the sun, deputies will be trapped in an airless debating chamber, talking through a mighty 22 propositions ranging from how to develop the east coast seafront to supporting the Guernesiais language.

It’s a packed agenda, progress through which will not be helped by the inevitable grandstanding of candidates keen to stand out in one of their last opportunities before October’s election.

Fighting for attention in the long list of items is the States of Guernsey Climate Change Policy and Action Plan.

It should be a big deal. Less than a year ago the issue of climate change brought hundreds onto the streets demanding action.

Yet in these difficult times, with Covid-19 dominating the airwaves and a worn-out States Assembly on life support as it clings to power it is struggling for attention.

So much so that Environment & Infrastructure president Barry Brehaut took the unusual step last week of calling on islanders to get behind it and contact their deputies to voice support.

But if the committee truly wanted to generate excitement and interest they would have been better off including one or two bold and imaginative suggestions in the first place.

As it is, the Billet lacks sparkle and ambition. On the key policies of carbon neutrality and the switch away from the combustion engine E&I wants no more than to copy the UK.

Nowhere is there an idea that stands out, grabs the attention and says that Guernsey is determined to use its size, wealth and community buy-in to lead the way.

Calling it an action plan is questionable. Its 19 proposals consist almost entirely of setting up investigations, co-ordinating approaches and prioritising standards.

Sadly, much of it is little more than hot air.