Welsh Minister for Climate Change, Julie James, has told the world leaders at COP27 that there is “no time to rest” in responding to the climate emergency.
Speaking at a Welsh government press conference, the minister said responding to climate change is an opportunity to create new green jobs and improve health and wellbeing by taking care of the environment.
“Many of the issues we face are interlinked and can be addressed with integrated solutions,” James said.
“Home-grown renewable energy helps to lower our carbon emissions and creates green jobs, but it may also help to protect bill payers from some of the current volatility in the gas and electricity markets, which is causing prices to spike at the moment.”
At last year’s COP26 in Glasgow, Wales joined the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance and called time on coal and fossil fuel extraction.
Last month, the Welsh government announced plans to develop publicly-owned renewable energy developer, which will see profits reinvested in local communities in Wales to benefit the people in Wales.
The chief medical officer (CMO) for Wales has warned of an increase in unusual weather events, such as extreme heat, cold and floods.
The government believes this is likely to disproportionately affect the most vulnerable people living in deprived areas and further exacerbate health inequalities.
“Our transition to net zero must have social justice at its heart and leave nobody behind,” James said.
“We must not shy away from what is needed over the next decade, which will shape the future of our country.
“Just as I’m asking all world leaders at COP27 not to rest when it comes to climate change, I want to ask everyone in Wales to be part of our journey to net zero.
“I want everyone to come together as one big team, to act on the climate and to build a better future for our country.”
