Summary report: Pathways to a prosperous and resilient Wales in a changing future

Dr David Clubb (observer)

Rachel Solomon Williams (observer): I was delighted to support the Wales Net Zero 2035 work, seeking to bring a progressive business perspective to the thinking. What stands out for me in this work is how it combines high ambition with a grounding in reality – how can the change that’s needed to drive down emissions be made to work for every individual, and how will it interact with work, education, food and nature? I hope that it will act as inspiration for other jurisdictions in how to drive change both quickly and holistically.

  • Achieving net zero by 2035 will require a significant step change in ambition from the Welsh Government, support from the UK Government, and a greater societal mandate for change.
  • Huge benefits to the Welsh public are possible through a net zero transition, including improved public health, reduced pressure on our NHS, greater energy security, more resilient food supply and low-carbon job generation.
  • Urgent action is needed now to ensure Wales captures the value and benefits of a net zero transition over the long-term, whilst also limiting exposure to climate related risks and greater costs in dealing with the consequences of inaction.
  • Only a planned transition can be a just transition to net zero through proactive action to prepare Wales over the longer term and mitigate transition risks before more severe disruptions occur in the future.