Written Statement - Written statement on the Climate Change policy refresh

Having taken over responsibility for climate change, I am determined to ensure that we work to drive progress in delivering on our objectives.  There is no doubt that climate change is one of the greatest challenges that we face, and there has been an increasing momentum internationally with significant steps being taken by major countries in prioritising action on climate change.  As a Government, we have been consistent in our commitment to tackling its causes and consequences and recognise that climate action is crucial to the delivery of our priorities.  

In working to tackle poverty and support our most vulnerable, I will be looking to ensure that we combat the disproportionate impacts of climate change.  We must also ensure that we build climate resilience into our work and act to address risks from weather events and improve the resilience of our communities.  In working to create jobs and grow our economy, climate change presents a tremendous opportunity to build on Wales’ strengths and natural assets and our work on Green Growth is therefore key.  I am also determined that the public sector will continue to demonstrate leadership in climate change delivery, supported by key legislative changes through the Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill and the Environment Bill.

I will now be reviewing the progress from the events that we have been holding and the input we have recently received from the Climate Change Commission for Wales and others, which will inform discussions with my Ministerial colleagues to identity the actions we can take to further increase momentum.  Following this process I will make an oral statement on the refresh in the Autumn.