Jersey’s first Climate Council begins its review

Monday, 13 October 2025 14:37

The island’s first independent Climate Council has begun its first review of the government's progress towards net-zero.

The Carbon Neutral Roadmap, agreed by the States Assembly in 2022, aims to reduce the island’s greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050.

READ: States Approves Carbon Neutral Roadmap

Appointed members of the council include Professor Liz Bentley, Mark Bowden, Dr Paul Hodgson, Philip New and Dipak Vashi.

They combine decades of experience in sustainability, energy systems, environmental science and climate science.

Environment Minister Deputy Steve Luce welcomed the Council’s formation:

“The inception of Jersey’s Climate Council is a vital step in ensuring transparent, independent oversight of our climate commitments.

"This was the Scrutiny Panel’s priority in proposing the amendment to the Carbon Neutral Roadmap, and it remains my priority as the Minister responsible for the Island’s emission reduction programme."

The Climate Council was created following an amendment by the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel - which called for the creation of an independent body to review progress and advise on future climate change mitigation action.

To ensure independence from government during the review process, the council will be supported by a Secretariat within the States Greffe.

The total cost of the council’s review is expected to be £40,000, which will be funded by the Climate Emergency Fund.

The council will convene for short reviews towards the end of each term of government.