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.
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Candidates who did not engage with the survey received zero green puffins.
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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.
I spoke about this at length at the IoD last year: https://www.gov.gg/article/174604/Deputy-Gavin-St-Pier-President-Policy--Resources-Committee-speaks-at-IOD-Convention-3rd-October-2019 In short, Guernsey's contribution to the climate crisis is immeasurably small but the opportunity for us to play a positive role is disproportionately large to our size. We can rebrand the island from the prejorative 'tax haven' to 'green haven' but to do so we must 'walk-the-walk' in the delivery of our own policies on the ground in Guernsey.
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.
The loss of biodiversity globally and locally is stark. The World Economic Forum and PwC calculated the economic cost of biodiversity loss at 7.5% of global GDP and that 50% of the global GDP is moderately or highly dependent upon nature, it is no surprise that biodiversity loss has been cited as the second most impactful, after climate change, and third most likely risk to the global economy in the next decade. The Revive and Thrive strategy for the first time recognizes that economy, environment and social policy are intimately inter-related, not separate policy areas - this provides an opportunity like no other to positively address local biodiversity challenges.
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.
See 6 re role of Revive and Thrive recognizing the links between the economy, environment and social policy. This places emphasis not on economic growth for economic growth's sake (arguably government policy everywhere for a long time) but delivering sustainable economic growth within a wellbeing economy. These are radical changes in thinking and concept but such an exciting opportunity for Guernsey over the next 10 years.
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?
Embedding delivery of the climate change action plan; better legal protections (e.g. ABIs, wildlife disturbance) where needed to support Strategy for Nature.
