Senior Government officials and private sector representatives met last week for a series of workshops assessing progress towards climate targets. Organised by the Department of the Environment, Sustainability, Climate Change and Heritage and climate consultants Ricardo, the workshops provided a platform for frank discussion on the current challenges in delivering climate action.

The workshops centred on the measures contained in the Climate Change Strategy, which was published in 2021 and defines the legally binding emissions reduction targets contained in the Climate Change Act. These require emissions to be reduced to 42% below 1990 levels by 2030 and to 100% below 1990 levels by 2045. It includes several ambitious measures across different sectors such as energy, buildings, transport and waste.

Across both sessions, participants agreed that Gibraltar needs to do more in order to meet many of these and that even with increased effort and focus, some measures might be getting out of reach within the required timeframes.

Renewable energy delivery was highlighted as a linchpin for achieving wider climate objectives as some of the progress in the transport and building sectors is dependent on a significantly decarbonised electricity supply. Space constraints and funding limitations were highlighted as two of the main barriers to improvements in this area, and the possibility of importing renewable energy was discussed.

Travel and transport were also recognised as important areas for reducing emissions where improved electric vehicle charging infrastructure and the provision of more extensive pavements and cycle lanes will help greatly.

Public attitudes and perceptions toward climate action also featured prominently. Workshop participants noted the importance of increasing public awareness of climate benefits, addressing misconceptions, and ensuring that policies are communicated in ways that foster public trust and participation. Public attitudes towards recycling also need to be improved.

In terms of waste management, the development of a dedicated waste sorting and treatment facility locally was welcomed, as was the long-planned wastewater treatment plant, a project which is now getting under way.

Minister for the Environment, the Hon Prof John Cortes, who opened both sessions said:

“Climate action cannot be achieved in silos. These workshops demonstrate the value of bringing together policymakers, businesses and communities to better understand the barriers we face and co-create solutions that are both ambitious and achievable.”

The feedback from these sessions will now be collated and additional measures will be suggested and modelled. A revised climate change strategy will be published in the New Year.

ENDS