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 take further steps to tackle climate change and reduce carbon emissions where it's practical and in Guernsey's interests to do so.
Please let us know more about your perspective on the climate crisis in your own words.
Watching a documentary about Siberia and the thawing of the Permafrost layers, and putting that together with the thawing of ice in the Poles, I would suggest that we should be doing as much as is feasible to counter climate change. It must be born in mind, however, that massive fires in other countries, factories burning fossil fuels etc. far outweighs any efforts we may make. This not an excuse for doing nothing, but a factor that should be born in mind so that efforts to limit carbon emissions do not make the requirements of comfortable living too expensive or unaffordable.
BIODIVERSITY LOSS
Which statement best aligns to your views on the challenges being faced by local biodiversity?
I believe that Guernsey's environment and biodiversity is important. I consider that current conservation measures are appropriate.
Please let us know more about your views on the challenges faced by local biodiversity in your own words.
The voluntary sector do a good job and are well supported by the States. I personally dislike the term "biodiversity" as it has become a misunderstood and misused word which conceals a multitude of sin. For instance I work on La Vallette and there are areas that have been left fallow for years. Briars, nettles, shield common ragwort and creeping thistles, as well as the odd patch of Japanese Knotweed. It is indeed an area of diversity but it would be foolish to ignore the fact that not all weeds are good for the environment.
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.
I can think of nothing worth doing which will further damage the lowest paid. Further as the people earning the middle benchmark of earnings seem to be disproportionately damaged with costs being loaded on them.
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?
I hesitate to quantify what should be achieved in the next 4 years with regard to the environment. The States must put in train with urgency very many projects which have been discussed but not initiated.
