Minister Attending EU Environment Council

15 October 2010

Environment Minister, Jane Davidson is attending the EU Environment Council in Luxembourg this week, which will focus on protecting biodiversity and consider the best way of ensuring that the EU goes beyond a 20 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The Council will also agree the EU position ahead of the December climate change summit in Cancun.

The Minister's attendance of the event follows the launch of the Welsh Assembly Government's Climate Change Strategy, which details exactly how Wales will manage its fight against climate change and achieve a three percent year on year reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

The strategy includes detailed delivery plans that show how Wales will take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in specific sectors, such as transport, agriculture and waste, and also sets out how it will adapt to a changing climate.

Speaking about the Council, the Minister said: "I am delighted to be a part of this Council which is considering issues that are crucial to the survival of our planet, and want to particularly highlight the role that regional governments can play within the environmental agenda.

"Although Wales is a small country we have lots to shout about and I am keen to share some of the exciting work that we are progressing in Wales, both in terms of protecting our biodiversity and tackling climate change."

Tom Lee