November 6, 2021
Between 2nd-4th November 2021, Jersey attended the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) for the first time, as part of the UK delegation alongside the other Crown Dependencies. The Minister for External Relations & Financial Services, Senator Ian Gorst, represented Jersey with officials from the Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance and External Relations Department.
Jersey has an ambitious climate agenda both on-island – where the government has committed to Jersey becoming carbon neutral by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050 – and in respect of the Island’s financial services industry.
Participation at COP26 presented an important opportunity for Jersey to raise awareness of the Island’s domestic offering on climate change policy at an international level. In addition, representatives from Jersey participated in events and discussions on climate finance, accelerating the global transition to clean energy, and climate education.
High-level engagements included meetings with RBSI International and Jersey Finance, US Ambassador and Chargé d’Affaires a.i Philip T. Reeker and the Rt Hon Greg Hands MP, Minister of State for Business, Energy and Clean Growth, to mark the UK’s intention to extend UK ratification of the Paris Agreement to the Crown Dependencies. On 5th November 2021, Jersey had representation from Dr Louise Magris, Director for Environmental Policy at a joint event of Education and Environment Ministers to discuss the role of education in enabling positive climate action. Also screened during the event was a virtual pledge by Deputy John Young, Minister for the Environment, and Deputy Scott Wickenden, Minister for Children and Education, to put children first and continue to work with children and young people as Jersey responds to the climate emergency.
