13 October 2025
The Island’s first independent Climate Council has commenced its Review last week, marking a
significant milestone in Jersey’s commitment to climate transparency and independent
oversight.
As part of the time-limited and focused review the Climate Council will examine the progress
made by the Government of Jersey in delivering the Carbon Neutral Roadmap, reducing the
Island’s greenhouse gas emissions in line with its commitments under the Paris Agreement on
Climate Change, and recommend actions to keep Jersey on track.
The Climate Council was established following the successful amendment to the draft Carbon
Neutral Roadmap in 2022, proposed by the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny
Panel, of which Deputy Luce was then Vice Chair. The amendment called for the creation of an
independent body to review progress and advise on future climate change mitigation action.
In 2023, the States Assembly voted unanimously for establishment of a Climate Council that
would be tasked with producing a report at the end of each four-year delivery phase of the
Carbon Neutral Roadmap, the first of which runs from 2022 to the end of 2025.
Minister for the Environment, Deputy Steve Luce, welcomed the Council’s formation:
“The inception of Jersey’s Climate Council is a vital step in ensuring transparent, independent
oversight of our climate commitments. This was the Scrutiny Panel’s priority in proposing the
amendment to the Carbon Neutral Roadmap, and it remains my priority as the Minister
responsible for the Island’s emission reduction programme.
“I am delighted that we have been able to appoint such a high-calibre and diverse Council, with
Members drawn from a range of relevant professional backgrounds, including two Island
residents. I look forward to supporting the Council’s Review and to receiving their report in the
New Year.”
The Chair of the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel, Deputy Hilary
Jeune, added:
“It has been a privilege to jointly approve these excellent appointments to the Council,
alongside the Minister for the Environment. Now, more than ever it is vital that we ensure
Jersey’s response to the climate emergency delivers targeted and effective action to tackle our
greenhouse gas emissions. The Climate Council has a key role to play in assessing what has
been achieved since the Carbon Neutral Roadmap was approved and in recommending the
most effective actions Government can take next.”.
The Chair of the Council, Philip New, reflected on his appointment at the Council’s first
meeting:
“It is an honour to have been selected by my fellow Members as the Chair of Jersey’s first
Climate Council. Over the course of this rapid review the Council will bring together experience
from the fields of utilities, climate science, financial management, sustainable energy and
engineering to address the interrelated and complex challenges of addressing climate change.
On behalf of the whole Council, we are committed to maximising this opportunity and helping
shape the climate future of this unique Island with independence and integrity.”
To ensure independence from Government during the Review process, the Council will be
supported by a Secretariat located in the States Greffe. The total cost of the Council’s review is
expected to be £40,000, which will be funded by the Climate Emergency Fund.
The Council will
convene for focused, short reviews towards the end of each term of Government.
The Climate Council’s first report will be published ahead of the next election, ensuring that
Islanders and decision-makers have access to independent analysis of Jersey’s climate
progress.
gov.je