Climate leaders from throughout the world today will today learn about the Welsh approach to tackling climate change.
Environment Minister Jane Davidson is addressing the Climate Leaders Summit 2010 in Cancun which this year focuses on the role of sub national government’s in tackling the issue.
As part of her attendance, the Minister will be promoting the summary of Wales’ Climate Change Strategy, which has been produced specifically for an international audience.
Speaking about her attendance at Cancun, the Minister said:
“ I am delighted that this year’s Climate Leaders Summit recognises the vital role that sub national and regional governments have to play in tackling climate change.
“The truth is that the majority of delivery mechanisms for addressing climate change lie at our level of government. It is vital that this is recognised internationally and that representatives of sub-national government are involved in major discussions on tackling climate change.
“Whilst I am here in Cancun I want to take the opportunity to actively share Wales’ experiences of tackling climate change with others countries across the globe, but I also want to ensure that we are well placed to learn from the experience of others.
“This global exchange of information is key to the development of effective policies throughout the world.”
The Environment Minister is attending the Climate Change Summit in Cancun as part of the UK delegation.
The international summary of the Climate Change Strategy highlights that Wales is one of the few nations in the world to have sustainable development as a legal commitment within its statute.
It also recognises that Wales, as a small developed nation with relatively high green house gas emissions per head, has a responsibility to lead the way in tackling climate change and to support other nations to do the same.
The Minister added:
“Our Climate Change strategy proves just how serious we in Wales are about tackling climate change.
“It is focussed very much on delivery and includes detailed plans that set out how we will achieve our ambition of a 3% year on year reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and also how we will help Wales adapt and become resilient to its changing climate.
“Wales might be a small nation but we really do have lots to shout about and I am determined to share some of the exciting work that we are taking forward with leaders from across the globe whilst I am here in Cancun.”