Guernsey's environment is our identity and our future. I believe in a pragmatic, impactful approach to sustainability that benefits every islander. We need to cut through the noise with clear, achievable goals, empowering our community to build a resilient, prosperous, and truly green Guernsey.
So What ...
Clean Energy
We need to continue our move to renewable energy and "electrify" our island. This is not just about cutting carbon; it's about reducing our energy bills and securing our future with reliable, local power. In line with the 2023 Electircity Strategy we need to upgrade our grid, pursue a second interconnector, and invest in local renewables, ensuring affordability with targeted guidance and support for low-income households.
Green Guernsey
We can commit to no net loss of biodiversity, and aim for a genuine recovery of our natural capital. We need to protect and restore Guernsey’s vital marine and land habitats, including through thoughtfully designed Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). MPAs will safeguard our unique biodiversity, boost sustainable fisheries through "spillover effects," enhance climate resilience by protecting vital carbon sinks like seagrass, and enrich our tourism and education. We need to achieve this through nature-positive planning, and community-led restoration, always taking key stakeholders with us.
Water & Waste Resilience
We must take a forward-thinking approach to how we manage our natural resources. Water security is critical for any island community, and Guernsey is taking the right steps to protect and future-proof our supply. The strategic decision to invest in infrastructure, such as the St Saviour’s Reservoir upgrades and to repurpose Les Vardes Quarry, shows clear commitment to long-term resilience. With the growing impact of climate change, these decisions will prove essential. Guernsey has also made outstanding progress on recycling. Thanks to a community-wide effort and well-structured policies, we now divert over 70% of household waste from landfill which is one of the highest rates in Europe. This is a genuine success story that reflects both public engagement and smart government planning. To go further, we must continue reducing environmental risk, increasing self-reliance, and tackling the 15% of our emissions that come from waste treatment. Sustainable waste and water strategies are vital to our future.
Getting around
I believe that adults should be able to make their own decisions on how to live their life - and this relates to transport on our island too. If you want to drive a Lamborghini or ride a pennyfarthing - you do you. However Guernsey traffic is a problem for congestion, emissions and safety. Where possible we should champion accessible, sustainable transport, from electric vehicles to enhanced walking and cycling infrastructure especially around our schools. This reduces emissions, improves air quality, and enhances quality of life.
Climate Change is now
We need to be proactive in safeguarding our island. This means pragmatic steps for flood protection and building resilient infrastructure to minimize risk and protect our assets from the inevitable impacts of climate change.
Engaging everyone
Lasting change requires everyone to feel involved. We need to empower people through clear information and scientific literacy, ensuring everyone understands the challenges and benefits of green transition.
We need to deliver a healthier environment and a stronger, fairer Guernsey for generations to come. Green economies do work. But the transition will require action on fiscal policy.
The picture that links to this page is of some cows, down Jerbourg, eh.