RESPONDING TO THE 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. In the same year only one-sixth of the global economy made a net zero pledge. The Island’s declaration was quickly followed with the Council of Ministers' Phase 1 Action Plan which Tynwald unanimously approved in January 2020.
Today, the Isle of Man is committed to statutory net zero targets for 2030 and 2045 and a five-year Climate Change Plan. In March 2023, the Paris Agreement was formally extended to the Island.
In order to reach net zero emissions by 2050, the Isle of Man needs 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 in carbon sinks – like our woodland, peatland and surrounding seas.
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.
We need to make changes to 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 is a complex journey and possibly the greatest challenge we face, 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.