Tynwald recognises role net-zero plays in 'strengthening Manx economy'

MHK's motion to have targets re-looked at is unsuccessful

Tynwald has voted to recognise the role that net-zero targets play in ‘strengthening the Manx economy’.

But not all politicians have favoured the move with one describing feeling ‘mugged’ at the debate this week around how much priority government puts on the topic.

Middle MHK Stu Peters, had tabled a motion for the December sitting of the court, calling on government to urgently revisit its net-zero targets and budgets.

He said he believed a more 'pragmatic approach' to tackling climate change was needed and criticised the £40 million allocated to the Climate Change Transformation Board in 2022.

Although the Island’s net-zero targets are legally binding the chief minister has previously acknowledged the challenges of achieving the 2030 interim goal of a 35 percent reduction in emissions.

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In Tynwald Mr Peters said it was time to listen to the Manx public:

But his motion faced an amendment from Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper.

He asked the court to recognise ‘the role the net-zero targets play in strengthening the Manx economy for the benefit of all Island residents, as evidenced within the Economic Strategy, and notes the continued focus on delivering the Island’s emission reduction targets.’

Mr Hooper’s amendment to the original motion garnered support from the majority of his political colleagues.

However six voted against – Tim Glover, Jason Moorhouse, Julie Edge, Kate-Lord Brennan, Stu Peters and Chris Thomas.

Mr Moorhouse, who represents Arbory, Castletown and Malew, spoke to Manx Radio following the debate:

Former Cabinet Office Minister, and Glenfaba and Peel MHK, Kate Lord-Brennan said she believed Mr Peters’ original motion was ‘completely reasonable’:

The Climate Change Transformation Board now sits within the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

It's chaired by DEFA Minister Clare Barber. 

Former Chair Daphne Caine told Manx Radio she doesn’t believe enough money has been spent on climate change so far: