MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet
Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs: This Government
is committed to working together to tackle the climate emergency.
That means listening to different perspectives and seeking out
the voices that can be crowded out.
As we look ahead to the annual Wales Climate Week in
November, I'm excited to once again hear the discussions and the
points of view on the opportunities linked to tackling climate
change – and the trade-offs this might involve. We are working
hard to generate a pathway to reduce emissions in the next carbon
budget period (2026–2030) and this year, more than ever, we need
the input of as many people as possible.
We know that it is not just about climate change. Tackling the
climate crisis is fundamental to the future of Wales, but we need
to do so in a way that improves the health of our nation, that
protects our precious natural environments, that protects and
creates jobs, brings energy security and puts money back in
people's pockets.
Today, the Welsh Government is publishing a discussion paper
titled “Enabling the
People of Wales to Deliver and Benefit from the Net Zero
Transition in 2026-2030 and beyond”, which brings
together the latest independent advice and evidence to inform our
approach. The paper draws on the work of the Climate Change
Committee, the Net Zero Wales 2035 Challenge Group and other
expert sources. It sets out the current policy landscape across
key sectors – agriculture and land use, housing, and transport –
and explores the opportunities, challenges and interdependencies
that will shape our next steps on the path to net zero.
November 2025 will also see Brazil host COP30. Ten years on from
the Paris Agreement, this will be a critical moment in worldwide
efforts to tackle the climate crisis. Wales will stand firm and
stand proud as a global leader; building on our successes in
sustainable development, in waste management and recycling, in
transport and in the way we work together to tackle the issues
that block our path.
The publication of this discussion paper marks the beginning of
the next phase of engagement. It will be used to stimulate
discussion during Wales Climate Week 2025, through a
programme of virtual events, regional workshops, and
community-led conversations. The insights gathered will help
shape the development of our next emissions reduction plan, due
to be published in 2026.
The Welsh Government remains committed to a fair and just
transition, and to ensuring that the people of Wales are actively
involved in shaping the policies that affect them. This paper,
and the discussion we hope it will stimulate, is a key part of
that commitment. I encourage stakeholders and members of
the public to engage with its content and contribute to the
dialogue.
The paper is available on the Climate Action Wales website, along
with further details about Wales Climate Week.
