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 act fast on climate change, and adopt a clear plan to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Please let us know more about your perspective on the climate crisis in your own words.
We have irrefutable scientific consensus that humans have caused and are worsening the climate crisis leading to global warming, biodiversity loss, resource depletion, pollution and so on. The good news is that we have the improving technological and design solutions to invest in climate action, which will be good for the people , economy and climate. It's a real win-win situation where we create sustainable prosperity that is not dependent on fossil fuels and wasteful design processes. Our economy and health are directly linked to the ecosystem services provided for free by nature. Recognising and pricing its value through Natural Capital Accounting, will clearly demonstrate the importance of its value and need for protection.
BIODIVERSITY LOSS
Which statement best aligns to your views on the challenges being faced by local biodiversity?
I believe the States need to prioritise Guernsey's biodiversity, and should invest more funding in protecting it where possible.
Please let us know more about your views on the challenges faced by local biodiversity in your own words.
The biodiversity and habitat survey have clearly shown that we have lost significant species of plants, birds and insects, together with habitats, despite the fact that we enjoy so much of the nature around us and revel in its beauty and abundance. The challenges to biodiversity have been linked to increase in greenfield development, chemical based treatments, artificial grass, general land management practices. We don't have conservation and protection areas which puts stress on the marine life, nesting beds and other creatures. I fully support the Strategy for Nature and the investment to fund the first phase of the program together with the longer plans to establish a Center of Nature.
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?
We can do more than just avoid unfairness - we can and should use climate action as an opportunity to build a better, fairer society, for example, through green job creation and progressive funding solutions.
Please let us know more about your perspective on climate equity and transitioning to a greener economy in your own words.
I really believe in a green economy and transition to clean energy, better transport, energy-efficient heating, sustainable food and agriculture practices. Many of such innovations will bring jobs, skills, education and create new ecosystems of businesses. Such new services don't need to cost and arm and a leg and should be designed to benefit all islanders. A Green Energy Fund could give grants to all households regardless of income and such grants could be proportionally higher for lower-income if desired. However, we some green products and services, the pathway to commercial viability may initially be through charging higher prices which may not be afforded by lower-income. However, prices tend to reduce overtime and level out. I think we need to factor for some of such natural "inequity" for some categories. I do think it's important to support people in jobs in "dirty industries" e.g petrol car mechanics to transition to "cleaner" job. So upskilling programs are an important part of the equation.
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?
1. Make significant inroads to collect land and marine environmental data 2. Significantly improve the education about environmental issues 3. Improve engagement with the community through Citizen Assemblies, business and surveys 4. Fund Strategy for Nature and progress Centre of Nature action 5. Launch a Green Energy Fund as part of Revive and Thrive 6. Create land and marine conservation zones 7. Partnership for Nature through more joined-up approach, service commissioning with the third sector and business 8. Improve land management practices for all States trading bodies especially ACLAMS, States Works, Dairy, Water.
