PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT
JERSEY ’S RATIFICATION OF THE KYOTO PROTOCOL
Purpose of the Report
This report sets out the case for the Kyoto Protocol (the Protocol) to be extended to Jersey.
Although a signatory to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Jersey has maintained a position that whilst supportive of the Protocol it did not wish to have it extended on the Island’s behalf (correspondence 12 August 2005) as it was unable to comply with obligations within the Protocol. However, with a number of initiatives planned or in place, Jersey is now in a position to ask for extension of ratification.
Climate change will be the main topic of discussion at the BIC Summit in July 2006. Jersey should put itself in a strong position to show positive action. Other BIC members, including Guernsey, have already extended the Kyoto Protocol.
Extension of ratification would contribute to two aims within the revised Strategic Plan 2006-2011. Strategic Aim Four: We will maintain and enhance the natural and built environment, in particular:
• 4.3 An energy policy for Jersey.
and, Strategic Aim 5.3: Continued development of the Island’s international constitutional position and international profile, in particular:
• 5.2.8 Over the period 2007-2010; meet, where possible, international standards set through the extension of international treaties and conventions
Tackling climate change was also identified as one of the key challenges facing Jersey within the State of Jersey Report 2005.
Background
Over a decade ago, most countries, including Jersey, joined an international treaty, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to begin to consider what can be done to reduce global warming and to cope with whatever temperature increases are inevitable. Recently, a number of nations approved an addition to the treaty: the Kyoto Protocol, which has more powerful (and legally binding) measures. The UK ratified the Kyoto Protocol on 31 May 2002 and it came into force on 3 February 2006.
The UK submitted its 2006 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory in January 2006, to comply with the EU Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Mechanism Decision (280/2004/EC). The UK’s assigned amount of GHG will be determined for the purposes of the Kyoto Protocol and this assigned amount will incorporate the UK’s emission reduction targets of 12.5%.
The UK has included Jersey’s emission within the assigned amount, following indication from Jersey that it would be likely to wish ratification to be extended to the Island. However, a formal letter is required through official channels, confirming that the UK has no formal expectation of Jersey locally either setting or achieving a GHG emissions reduction target as part of the ratification process.[1]
Discussion
What are Greenhouse Gases?
The targets set within the Kyoto Protocol cover emissions of the six main greenhouse gases. The table below sets out each of the gases and the main sources in Jersey. Carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide are of most concern in Jersey.
Greenhouse Gases | Main source in Jersey |
Carbon dioxide (CO2) | Energy production (especially domestic and commercial heating), waste, transport emission, industrial processes |
Methane (CH4) | Agriculture (especially ruminant livestock), sewage treatment works, landfills |
Nitrous oxide (N2O) | Transport emissions, energy production, waste, use of certain fertilizers |
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) | Air conditioning and refrigeration units |
Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) | Principle production is as a by-product of aluminium smelting. Unlikely to occur in significant quantities in Jersey. |
Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) | Used as insulator for circuit breakers, switch gear, and other electrical equipment. Unlikely to occur in significant quantities in Jersey. |
Indication of the general trend in future GHG emissions
The Statistics Unit – Jersey Energy Trends 2004 states that “Energy related carbon emissions increased by 3.6% between 2003 and 2004 but are 30% lower than in 1990 due to decline in on-island oil fired electricity generation.”
The largest sources of energy related emissions in Jersey are road transport (34%) and domestic and commercial energy use (59%), which includes marine transport. The remaining 7% is from electricity generation.
Policies in line with the objectives of the climate change programme
To achieve their targets, signatories to the Protocol must put in place domestic policies and measures to help mitigate climate change and promote sustainable development. The specific aims are outlined in the table below.
Three recent policy developments in Jersey have the potential to further reduce energy related carbon emissions:
Solid Waste Strategy: this was approved by the States of Jersey in July 2005 and included a commitment to replace the existing municipal waste incinerator, a full programme of recycling (32%) and the composting of green waste.
Integrated Traffic & Transportation Strategy: The Council of Ministers approved the Strategy as lodged in the States in September 2005 as a high level framework at the end of January 2006. Transport and Technical Services is now working on an Action Plan which should be taken back to the Council of Ministers by the end of April 2006. The Strategy contains a commitment to reducing the impact of traffic in Jersey by using less fuel, less polluting types of fuel and more efficient vehicles and by reducing congestion through traffic management and traffic reduction – by promoting more sustainable means of travel such as walking and cycling, and puts forward the following specific proposals, which will be considered within our environmental tax proposals.
Exemptions from fuel duty: Exempting alternative, less polluting fuels from duty or reducing the amount of duty levied for these fuels may encourage their uptake for road transport.
Introduce a vehicle tax linked to emissions and size of vehicle to replace Vehicle Registration Duty.
To greater encourage the purchase and use of more fuel efficient or less polluting vehicles. Exempting vehicles powered by alternative, less polluting fuels from such a tax may also encourage their use for road transport.
Incentivise car sharing: Encouragement of car sharing, particularly for commuters, can reduce the number of vehicle trips made, thus reduce emissions and ease congestion.
If approved, the implementation of environmental taxes on transport will contribute to the reduction in emissions of transport related carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions.
Energy Policy: the Planning and Environment Minister is charged with developing an Energy Policy for Jersey during 2006. A Scoping Report, agreed by the then Environment & Public Services Committee on 18 August 2005 and the Council of Ministers on 6 April 2006, includes a clear commitment to tackle energy related carbon emissions. This work will inform the development of environmental taxes with proposals being brought forward in 2006. As almost two thirds of emissions are from energy related sources, this is a crucial piece of work in reducing Jersey’s GHG emissions.
In addition to these three major policies, components promoted within the Countryside Renewal Scheme will also contribute to reducing GHG emissions, for example, giving rise to more permanent pasture, woodland leading to reduction in fertiliser inputs; energy audits and resulting remedial measures; grants to install slurry stores replacing synthesised fertilisers.
Taking the necessary steps to meet the Protocol’s obligations:
The following table sets out our understanding of the Protocol’s key obligations, the local action/mechanism in place to meet these obligations, the additional work required and an assessment of Jersey’s status for compliance.
Conclusion
Benefits of ratification
Internationally: demonstrating Jersey’s commitment to tackling the global issue of climate change. Thereby contributing to Strategic Aim Five (5.2.8) of the revised Strategic Plan 2006-2011.
Nationally: supporting the UK’s drive to secure wide international commitment to the Protocol (especially the USA).
Domestically: inclusion with the overall UK emissions figure. Provides additional impetus to delivering targets set out in States’ policies. Provides a sense of local pride in the Island of tackling issue of climate change at a local level.
Consequences of non-ratification
The UK has indicated strongly that it wishes ratification to be extended to all devolved administrations.
Jersey may be perceived by the international community as taking an irresponsible attitude to its global environmental responsibilities.
Resource implications of ratification
The costs of meeting the obligations, which will result from extension of ratification, will be based around the costs of meeting the policies set out within the Integrated Traffic & Transportation Strategy and Energy Policy. It is proposed that environmental taxes will be put in place to meet these costs.
The replacement of the Energy from Waste plant is a cost that the Island is committed to meeting for reasons other than meeting obligations under the Protocol.
The reporting requirements can be met within existing resources.
Confirmation has been received from Defra that the UK has no formal expectation of Jersey either setting or achieving a GHG emissions reduction target as part of the ratification process. A draft letter is attached. An official copy will be requested through the appropriate official channels if the Minister decides to move forward with ratification.
Recommendation
The Minister is asked:
To support the extension of the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol to Jersey.
To request that the Chief Minister consider this request and take the necessary steps to request extension.
Written by: | Sarah Le Claire, Policy Manager |
Approved by: | Chris Newton, Environment Director |
[1] The anticipated letter was received from the Department for Constitutional Affairs on 18 September 2006.
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