CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY FOR ST HELENA

A draft Climate Change Policy has been developed which aims to reduce the quantity of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions created on St Helena, to maintain a good quality of life for residents now and in the future. This will be done through:

  • Making better use of natural resources
  • Reducing the risks from weather-related hazards, and
  • Ensuring that the protection and enhancement of the Island’s natural and cultural heritage is at the heart of economic development

The draft policy identifies climate change as an opportunity to develop the ecology, infrastructure and economy of St Helena, and also to strengthen our branding as a sustainable Island.

Acting Director of the Environment & Natural Resources Directorate, Derek Henry, said:

“Climate change will become a major issue for St Helena, as it will for the rest of the world. Understanding the potential impacts of and planning for climate change are essential if we are to continue to improve our quality of life now and in the future. ”

Specific objectives of the policy are to:

  • Embed a sustainable approach as the driver for economic development
  • Establish coordination and leadership for effective decision-making and action at all levels to ensure the Climate Change Policy is mainstreamed throughout the Island
  • Identify and prioritise current and future risks to St Helena from weather-related hazards. This will be done through consultation and regular environmental monitoring
  • Identify and prioritise measures to minimise GHG emissions. GHG emissions will be maintained at 2010 levels or less
  • Deliver Climate Change Action Plans for key sectors of Island life (infrastructure and the built environment, energy, tourism, marine and terrestrial ecosystems, food security, water resources, and human health)
  • Raise general awareness and gain commitment to monitor, manage and adapt to the challenges of climate change for the benefit of the people of St Helena
  • Develop  environmental data sets and monitoring programmes for the physical and chemical environment of St Helena – including climate and GHG  emissions – to act as the basis for evidence-based management of hazards

 

The draft Climate Change Policy is now out for public consultation. Members of the public are encouraged to view the draft and submit any comments to Environmental Risk Manager, Mike Durnford, via telephone number: 24724 or email: mike-durnford@enrd.gov.shby no later than 4pm on Tuesday 8 November 2016.

Hard copies of the draft Climate Change Policy are available from the Environmental Management Division at Scotland and the Public Library in Jamestown. It can also be found on the SHG website, under the Public Consultation section of the Publications page at: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/publications/  *

 

*Direct Linkhttps://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Climate-Change-Policy-for-St-Helena-1.pdf

SHG

11 October 2016

 

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St Helena Government Communications Hub

Telephone: 22470
Email: kimberley.peters@sainthelena.gov.sh