Climate Change Emergency
In May 2019, the Chief Minister recognised a global climate emergency and the need for urgent climate action in the Isle of Man. The Council of Ministers' Phase 1 Action Plan quickly followed this declaration, which Tynwald unanimously approved in January 2020.
To reach net zero emissions by 2050, the Isle of Man will need to significantly reduce the amount of greenhouse gases it currently produces. Those remaining and unavoidable emissions will also need to be balanced by absorbing the same amount from the atmosphere.
The changes needed to achieve this will have to be made by every Island resident, Government Department, business and third sector organisation across the Isle of Man.
They will affect how we travel, how we consume energy, what we eat, how we heat our homes and buildings, and how we look after our environment. We also need to ensure our most vulnerable are not left behind.
It will be a complex journey, but one that is necessary to ensure that we leave a lasting legacy we are proud of for our future generations.
How is Climate Change Affecting the Isle of Man?
Climate change is affecting us all in many different ways. It is becoming increasingly evident in our day to day lives, and includes some of the following climatic variations:
- winter flooding
- summer heatwaves
- rising sea levels
- storm surges
- increasing erosion
- infrastructure
- wildlife and ecosystem disruption.
Read more about the impact of climate change on wildlife on the Isle of Man or watch a webinar 'Climate Change - Impact on Mann' presented by Adrian Cowin, Isle of Man Met Office and Sarah Hickey, Isle of Man Manx Wildlife Trust.