Welsh government releases climate change strategy

The Welsh government has published a strategy focused on how the country can tackle the causes and impact of climate change. 

The Climate Adaptation Strategy for Wales 2024 - shared by deputy first minister Huw Irranca-Davies - sets out what the government is doing already and what it will do in the future.

It includes plans for all parts of government working together, from protecting vulnerable transport networks from extreme weather conditions to working with the UK Government to tackle food security issues. 

Published ahead of the Biodiversity COP16 in Cali, it celebrates progress like the £75 million investment to create better flood defences.  

Key areas of policy development are recognised, such as the Sustainable Farming Scheme, which will support farmers to grow high-quality food in a sustainable way. 

The strategy also documents key commitments like protecting and effectively managing 30 per cent of land, freshwater and marine areas; known as the ‘30 by 30’ target.

Irranca-Davies said that the challenges of getting to net zero and adapting to climate change are both "equally important and urgent."

He added: "This strategy intends to amplify the conversation around adaptation and provide the impetus for us all to grasp the opportunities while protecting our people and our planet."

As well as documenting more than 240 actions by Welsh government, it also captures the roles of others, including partner bodies such as Natural Resources Wales, Public Health Wales, Local Authorities and Public Service Boards.

Chris Flynn, National Trust Cymru's head gardener for South East Wales, said: "A lot of the work that we've been doing in the last few years is to look at climate change, how we adapt and also how we play our part in nature recovery.

"Everything we do now, from mowing lawns and restoring meadows to growing vegetables can all be changed so we make a more positive impact in the future.

"We are always looking at our practice; the kinds of plants that we use and also how we work better with the seasons to make the most of what we have here."