Isle of Man tables climate bill to hit net zero carbon emissions target by 2050 – iNews
The Isle of Man has this week tabled legislation that would bind it to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, in a move that would bring it in line with UK legislation.
The island state, which is not governed by UK law, committed to the net zero target in May 2019, but the new Climate Change Bill would make this goal legally binding. The Bill was tabled this week in front of Tynwald, the Isle of Man’s government.
“The drafting of the Climate Change Bill represents a very significant step forward for the Isle of Man’s commitment to reducing our emissions and reaching net zero by 2050,” said Geoffrey Boot MHK, minister for the environment, food and agriculture.
The i newsletter cut through the noise
Alongside the climate bill, ministers also set out a climate plan for achieving net zero emissions. First priority will be to improve the energy efficiency of homes on the island and a ban on fossil fuel heating in new homes from 2025.
Covid-19
An island-wide charging network for electric vehicles is planned, and there is a target for three quarters of the island’s electricity to come from renewable sources by 2035.
The Government said Covid-19 had stalled work on its climate agenda. But it also pointed out that the pandemic had accelerated some of its plans to encourage more cycling and walking, a shift to home working.
It said its plans to help the Isle of Man recover from the impacts of the pandemic would also help to accelerate emissions cuts in these areas.
Staff at the island’s Cabinet Office will be encouraged to work flexibly or adopt a four-day week, new ‘car-free’ zones will be established in towns, and interest-free loans could be made available for home workers to retrofit their houses.
“We expect to make energy efficiency and low carbon travel central in our economic recovery initiatives,” it said in an accompanying report. “In light of the significant changes that have taken place, a pragmatic approach has been taken which aims to build on the positive impacts of the COVID-19 lockdown and accelerate emissions reductions in those key areas.”
Source: inews.co.uk