Climate change in Wales
Climate change affects various industries and environments in Wales including agriculture.
Greenhouse gas emissions
Trends
Emissions are reducing in Wales. After 2016, shutting the last coal-fired power station in Wales contributed "toward half" of the fall in emissions in 2016. Over the last 30 years, there has been a 31% cut in emissions. The goal for 2030 is to have reached a 63% reduction, and by 2050 to reach net-zero carbon emission. These aims are a significant challenge.Welsh Government Targets
2021–2025: average 37% reduction2026–2030: average 58% reduction2030: 63% reduction2040: 89%2050: at least net zeroImpacts of climate change
Climate change is a factor during the assessment for future developments in Wales since December 2021. Wales is the first country in the UK where developers must consider future flood risk due or coastal erosion due to global warming. 11.3% of land in Wales will be at risk from flooding in the future, up from 9.86% as previously projected.Responses
Policies
The Welsh Government owns a company, Ynni Cymru, which funds community energy projects. The Welsh Government owns a company, Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru to develop state-owned energy - specifically offshore wind. Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru has been suggested as a model for Great British Energy.The electric furnace at the Tata Steel plant is to be replaced with an electric arc furnace.
In 2023, the Welsh Government cancelled several road building projects due to the emissions rise that would have resulted from the consequential increase in car usage.