13 September 2016
The Environment in Figures: A report on the condition of Jersey's environment is released today. It measures progress against 48 environmental indicators in six areas:
- energy and emissions
- climate trends
- fresh and marine waters
- waste
- transport
- natural environment
The trends in these six areas provide a snapshot of the condition of Jersey's environment. Key findings include:
- 2014 greenhouse gas emissions were 38% lower than 1990 - the lowest yet
- 2014 and 2015 were the hottest years ever recorded
- water quality is lower due to high density population and long-term intensive agricultural practices
- our marine environment is performing well although it remains vulnerable to over fishing
- recycling rates have not increased since 2009 when they plateaued at 32%
- peak time traffic congestion has only decreased by 1.6% compared to a 15% reduction target
- in areas without active management and protection our natural biodiversity is declining
As well as reviewing the past five years, the report also identifies priority areas for the next five years, 2016 to 2020. These include:
- continue to implement the Energy Plan focusing on reducing energy demand and ensuring that energy is affordable
- prepare for the effects of climate change such as the impact of more frequent extreme weather events
- improve the quality of our untreated water through the forthcoming Water Plan which will enable partnership working across all stakeholders
- support traditional industries through active management of fisheries and aquaculture which will maintain a high quality marine environment
- start a fundamental review of how Jersey manages its waste
- make accelerated progress towards more sustainable modes of transport
- continue to preserve and enhance the Island's unique biodiversity.
Minister for the Environment, Deputy Steve Luce, said "The Council of Ministers and I recognise the high value of our environment, both in terms of the services it gives us, and the contribution it makes to our quality of life in Jersey. The results from the 2016 Island Vision survey will clearly show the value the public places on a high quality environment. The challenge is to continue to ensure the policies we develop to protect our environment are successful.
"It is a matter of concern that this report is not more positive. Whilst some progress has been made, there are still significant challenges ahead. As a community we need to examine our impacts on the environment and take individual responsibility for our actions; we can all make choices about whether we recycle and how we travel. There are simple steps we can all take that cumulatively would make a difference."
This report (previously known as The State of Jersey report) covers the period between 2011 and 2015. This is the third report in the series, which started in 2005 and is updated every five years. The 2005 report was Jersey's first environmental benchmark report.
The Environment in Figures: A report on the condition of Jersey's environment full report and summary report
gov.je