Commenting on the publication of the Climate Change Risk Assessment and the Environment Minister’s subsequent statement to the Assembly, Shadow Minister for Environment Russell George AM, said:
“This report clearly leaves little doubt on the effect climate change will have on the natural environment and biodiversity in Wales.
“Where doubt continues to lie is in the Welsh Labour Government’s ability to meet the challenges this presents.
“Given Labour failed to meet the 2010 target to halt the loss of biodiversity, we need continued assurances that the serious implications set out in the report will be fully addressed. As a new framework for the environment is developed, the effects of climate change must remain at the very top of the minister’s agenda.
“As it is essential that we mitigate our actions now to reduce our long-term impacts on nature and ecosystems, the minister should also commit to referring the report for consideration by the independent Welsh Climate Change Commission and its Climate Change and Land Use sub-group.”
