Friday, March 30th, 2007

Environment Question

Here’s a response to a question that was posed to me by the Carmarthen Journal recently

Everyone’s talking Green issues: What do you think?

The environment and more specifically the issue of climate change is the biggest challenge facing the world today. That is why the naivety shown by New Labour through the recent comments by Rhodri Morgan is so shocking. To claim that climate change will benefit welsh tourism through increased temperatures demonstrates the lack of understanding and commitment in which this Government views this issue, perhaps that is why under Labour carbon emissions have actually increased. Wales needs positive and proactive polices not a Government that has committed to nuclear power and nuclear weapons.

The environment and more specifically the issue of climate change is the biggest challenge facing the world today. That is why the naivety shown by New Labour through the recent comments by Rhodri Morgan is so shocking. To claim that climate change will benefit welsh tourism through increased temperatures demonstrates the lack of understanding and commitment in which this Government views this issue, perhaps that is why under Labour carbon emissions have actually increased. Wales needs positive and proactive polices not a Government that has committed to nuclear power and nuclear weapons.

When there has been one the warmest January’s on record followed by snow in February it is clear this is an issue the Government can no longer ignore. In tackling climate change, saving energy is easier than finding more. Energy conservation and efficiency is the cheapest, quickest and most practical way of cutting back on greenhouse gas emissions. One of our seven for ’07 pledges is a clear energy plan for Wales. A Plaid Government will cut energy use by 10% – saving you money and saving the environment. To help meet our target of a 3% a year reduction in CO2 emissions we will create a national Energy Saving Plan with non-means tested energy efficiency grants of up to 50% of the costs of insulation – with more available for low-income groups and the elderly and in disadvantaged areas. There will be a similar business energy saving scheme. We will promote a national campaign to phase out the incandescent light-bulb. We will develop a reward scheme for people who cut their energy usage.

The choice at this election can not be any clearer. Inaction and incompetence from Labour – or a radical plan of action by Plaid aimed at ensuring that Wales plays its role in meeting the major challenge of our time.

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