STANDING UP FOR GUERNSEY'S ENVIRONMENT
CANDIDATES
Thank you to all the candidates who completed the survey.
The puffin ratings below are based on their answers to the multiple choice questions we posed to them across three key issues, with four green puffins indicating the best answer down to 1 green puffin indicating the least environmentally friendly option. We did not factor the candidates' free form text answers (visible by clicking 'Read More' to get to their candidate page) into the ratings.
Candidates who did not engage with the survey received zero green puffins.
The States questions also contain informative environmental responses for some candidates:
Which statement best aligns to your views on the climate crisis?
We should reach net zero carbon emissions as early as possible (and no later than 2040), and take this opportunity to transform Guernsey into a climate leader and innovator.
Please let us know more about your perspective on the climate crisis in your own words.
We all have to play our part here, but governments - including the States - have to take the lead. The Climate Change Action Plan is a step in the right direction but it is not ambitious enough. We - as a community - have to take practical steps to help mitigate the effects of climate chnage. These include de-carbonising our energy supply completely, supporting and incentivising sustainable energy production on island and doing more when it comes to energy efficiency, for example grants for insulating homes. We should also be tackling our other main sources of emissions from transport and waste.
BIODIVERSITY LOSS
Which statement best aligns to your views on the challenges being faced by local biodiversity?
I believe urgent action is needed to save Guernsey's biodiversity, and the States should immediately invest more funding to protect it, introducing new legislation as appropriate.
Please let us know more about your views on the challenges faced by local biodiversity in your own words.
We simply cannot allow the decline in our local habitats and species to continue. The rate of loss is alarming. Guernsey's Strategy for Nature is a good start but now we have to start taking and supporting practical action - for example sour fig and bracken removal in coastal areas, restoration of heathlands and protection of marshland and wetland. I also believe an urgent review of the IDP is needed to stop loss of agricultural land to gardens. And we should look into changing the law governing the cutting hedgerows. We need to work as a community - with the support of landowners, farmers and the parishes to achieve this.
CLIMATE EQUITY
Transitioning to a greener economy could result in major, potentially unequal, social and economic impacts. Which statement best reflects your view of how these should be managed?
Climate action, economic and social justice are closely linked. I would strongly support equitable policies which don't put the financial burden of climate change on lower- and middle-income households.
Please let us know more about your perspective on climate equity and transitioning to a greener economy in your own words.
As I have already eluded to, we are all in this together. Acting sustainably is in all our interests. Businesses worth their salt are adapting to the reality of the situation we find ourselves in in the 21st Century. The pandemic is an opportunity - to look at our lifestyles and how we work, commute (if we commute at all) and our shopping choices. We've learned or been reminded of the value of nature and THE TIME IS NOW to build on this. Everything we do has to be equitable, but principles such as the polluter and user pays have to be applied. Those who choose to live more sustainably should reap the benefits. But beware of those who flaunt "the green economy" purely in the interests of profit.
THE NEXT 4 YEARS
Where the environment is concerned, what outcomes do you think the States should achieve in the next four years, in your own words?
Demonstration of tangible progress in habitat restoration and protection locally, through local investment. Changes to the IDP to protect green spaces. Incentivisation of sustainable on-island energy production. Eradication of burning of fossil fuels to generate electricity (if necessary by committing to a direct cable link to France) Progress on MOTs for polluting motor vehicles
