Net-zero targets 'imperative' to bringing about action, says DEFA minister

Clare Barber rules out altering them after report found critical targets are 'at risk' or have already been missed

It's 'imperative' to have targets for the Island's net-zero goals, according to the environment, food and agriculture minster.

The Climate Change Transformation Report found that critical targets - which are set in law to be achieved by 2030 - are 'at risk' or have already been missed by government.

During a debate in Tynwald, some political members suggested either moving the goalposts or dropping them altogether.

But Clare Barber says that's not an option:

The 2030 milestone for reduced carbon emissions includes a specific requirement for the Island's electricity supply to be fully decarbonised.

That goal is heavily reliant on the delivery of a second electricity interconnector between the Isle of Man and the UK, a project that's expected to cost more than £100 million and that work hasn't yet started on.

Another of government's key projects hoping to help achieve that target is the planned onshore windfarm at Earystane and Scard.

But, as Chair of Manx Utilities, John Wannenburgh MHK, explains, that is also facing delays:

If the 35 percent reduction is not achieved by 2030, it would constitute a breach of the Climate Change Act 2021.

However, DEFA believes there are viable alternatives, such as reducing energy exports.

Government has also committed to developing a fully costed roadmap for electricity decarbonisation by the end of this year, and says the Climate Change Fund continues to support projects across energy, transport, and nature restoration.