IOM Green Party slams gov't climate change proposal

Government has defended its decision of proposing new targets for reducing emissions on Island.

Today, Tynwald will be asked to approve an interim greenhouse gas reduction target of 45 per cent by 2035.

That's despite a recent public consultation which showed the majority (51 per cent) of respondents were in favour of reaching the interim goal by 2030.

It's sparked criticism from The Island's Green Party, Tynwald Members and Climate campaigners.

Under the Climate Change Act, the gov is required to set an interim target no later than 1 April 2022.

A government spokesperson said:

"There was a narrow majority of 51% in favour of 45% or higher, however, strong concerns were raised regarding the achievability of the transition to renewable energy and some aspects of the expectations for change in property heating before 2030.

Council have proposed further work be undertaken with the plan to ensure further clarity on the policies and proposals which would reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

Once set, an Interim Target can be increased or brought forwards, but cannot be delayed, equally extra targets can also be set.

Therefore, a decision was made to create a target of 45% by 2035 whilst allowing further time for work on the aspects of the plan where most concerns were provided in the consultation, with the expectation that the evolved Plan, which better addresses these concerns will be brought to Tynwald in July.

We believe this approach may allow an even more ambitious interim target to be proposed for 2030 in the light of the concerns being appropriately addressed in the Plan."

Andrew Langan-Newton, leader of the Isle of Man Green Party is deeply concerned: