'Climate targets may prove too difficult'

DEFA Minister speaks out after IPCC report

I'm not a climate change sceptic, but I am practical - those were the words of Environment Minister Geoffrey Boot when asked how highly he prioritises the issue of global warming.

The government has come under fire in the last week for allowing further exploration for offshore gas, despite a stern United Nations warning to 'drastically' cut carbon emissions.

Critics have also pointed out the contradiction in extracting fossil fuels whilst maintaining our UNESCO Biosphere status.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued a report urging for action to curb the rise in global temperatures over the next twelve years.

The Manx Labour Party, the Isle of Man Green Party, and Friends of the Earth have all called on Manx politicians take leadership on this issue.

Minister Boot says the Island is doing what it can to mitigate climate change, but it's a question of balancing existing priorities with little funding.

'I accept that leadership on this falls squarely in my lap, and the IPCC report does makes our job even more difficult, but we're not being complacent'.

'85,000 people can take the lead on this issue, but we have to accept there are financial limitations'.

Mr Boot insists government is committed to Tynwald's climate targets, which include an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, based on 1990 levels, although admits even that is ambitious.

He lists tighter buildings regulations and adaptation, upland management, and environmental aspect to the agricultural development scheme as steps DEFA is taking towards a 'greener' future.

The issue has been further complicated by developments in the Island's energy industry.

The Manx government issued a licence to the company Crogga this week to allow seismic surveys to take place of a gas deposit off Maughold Head.

Since the announcement, a petition by IOM Friends of the Earth calling for no fossil fuel extraction has received hundreds of signatures, whilst the Green Party has roundly condemned the move.

Mr Boot says electricity generation is a 'big ticket item', so the Island must weigh up the economic benefits if commercial gas extraction becomes an option.

'As long as people are consuming natural gas and there's a market for it then it could be worth millions to our small Island community. I feel gas will still be playing a role in our energy mix for years to come'.

The DEFA Minister told Local Democracy Reporter Ewan Gawne that ultimately, finance plays a major role in what government can or can't do.