The Climate Change Commission for Wales – 2015/16 Forward Work Programme

The Commission seeks to advise Welsh Government on climate change, mobilise action, build consensus across sectors and report on progress.

The Work Programme for 2015/16 is based around the core functions of the Commission in providing:

  • independent advice to Government on strategies for mitigation and adaptation
  • communicating an understanding of the science and the opportunities of a positive response to managing the risk of climate change
  • mobilising action across all sectors of society to meet emission reduction targets and build resilience to climate change impacts
  • reports on progress which identify barriers and examples of success

It also builds on the Commission’s 7 key areas for action:

1.  Building resilience to manage the impact of climate change

2.  Accelerating the transition to a low carbon economy

3.  Reducing emissions from the built environment

4.  Managing our land use

5.  The transport challenge

6.  Leadership action in the Public Sector

7.  Engaging civil society

The Climate Change Commission’s Work Programme for 2015/16:

Providing Independent Policy Advice

  • Continue to work and build relationships with all departments of Welsh Government to take forward specific recommendations identified in the Commission’s response to the Policy Refresh, to support the Commission’s 7 key areas for action.
  • Provide input through the sub-groups (see below) specifically advice on the Sectoral Adaptation Plans, the National Transport Plan and to take forward the review on Land Use & climate change.
  • Work with political parties to develop a Political Agreement on climate change in the run-up to Welsh elections in 2016.
  • Look at opportunities to promote Disinvestment from fossil fuels, supporting national campaigns.

Joint working with the UK Committee on Climate Change & Scotland

  • Ensure our activities for 2015 align and complement those of the UK Committee; and build relationships with key personnel from the UK Committee to enable relevant information, support and advice to be shared with Commission and its sub-groups and Welsh Government.
  • Explore joint-working across the UK and establish a working relationship with key individuals from the Climate Ready (Environment Agency), Scotland 2020 & 2050 Groups, Climate Exchange (Scotland) to share knowledge, best practice and key learning relevant to climate change action.
  • Reflect the international dimension through WCIA and Wales for Africa programmes, and highlight achievements as part of preparations for COP 21 in Paris (30 Nov - 11 Dec, 2015).

Communication to build consensus & mobilising action across all sectors of society

  • Work with Welsh Government, COIN and others to disseminate the findings of their work on climate change narratives; and share relevant information with stakeholders and the wider community in order to support wider CC communications and messaging.
  • Build on the 2014 Annual Report to capture case-studies of climate change action across Wales, and work with the Commission members’ communications teams to support each other’s communications.
  • Work with Children in Wales, GwirVol and others to develop a platform for better engagement with young people on climate change action.
  • Deliver a new website for the Commission which will be a central portal for information and advice on climate change issues and activity in Wales.
  • Promote specific initiatives including Climate Week and key messages for the international discussions at Paris.

Reporting on progress

  • Provide an independent commentary on the Welsh Government’s Annual Climate Change Report which will be shared with all relevant Welsh Government Ministers.
  • Reporting on the findings of the six research projects funded by the Commission in 2014/15, and use the evidence base to influence delivery of future programmes.

In addition to the above we will support Welsh Government to undertake an evaluation of the work of the Commission, which will feed into the work of the new Sustainable Futures Commissioner.

Priorities for the Commission’s sub-groups:

Adaptation:

  • Work with Welsh Government officials on the production of the five Sectoral adaptation Plans (SAP’s) – starting with the Natural Environment SAP, and then progressing to Communities; Infrastructure; Business and Tourism; and Health.
  • Consider and promote adaptation work being undertaken by organisations throughout Wales, independently of the SAP production process.

Transport:

  • Respond to the National Transport Plan for Wales.
  • Consider and disseminate the findings of the car clubs study; and discuss specific topics including Adaptation & Freight.

Land Use:

  • Take forward specific recommendations from the Land Use & Climate Change report

Wales Low Zero Carbon Hub:

  • Through CEW continue to promote built environment issues and low/zero carbon building solutions.

Green Growth:

  • Create a Green Growth hub/website within CCCW website site to showcase case-studies and exemplars.
  • Help with the organisation of a major conference in September on global green growth and what it means for small nations.

Dates for 2015 meetings

Full Commission meeting will take place on:

  • Thursday 5th March, Cardiff (Climate Week)
  • Weds 17th June (location tbc)
  • Tuesday 29th September, Cardiff or North East Wales
  • Weds 9th December – event linked to Paris?

In addition to these meetings we will hold 2 additional meetings for senior representatives from the organisations represented on the Commission – Leadership meetings to Refresh CC action:

  • April 16th – to coincide with UK Committee meeting on 17th
  • 18th / 19th Nov

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