We will make it our mission to ensure all Welsh public bodies achieve their net zero and nature positive goals by 2030. As a result, public bodies are leading action on climate change including adaptation, in a way that reduces inequalities and maximises the benefits to people and communities across Wales.

The climate and nature emergencies are the defining challenges of our generation. Our collective response will determine the future for those who come next.  

Yet, tangible progress has been insufficient in many areas that are dependent on Welsh Government policy powers, most notably low tree-planting rates and peatland restoration and a slow transition to the infrastructure needed to support electric vehicles. 

We will challenge and advise public bodies to deliver against their climate targets and forge a pathway to a net zero public sector by 2030; to be leaders in the reduction of territorial emissions; and to achieve a halt to biodiversity decline (meeting commitments under the Global Biodiversity Framework agreed at COP15 to protect 30% of land and water by 2030).   

One of our unique roles is to support brave decisions; to do more to proactively champion ‘win-win’ approaches like community energy that provides low carbon energy while generating local funding and investment; and better understand how Wales can tackle the climate and nature emergencies in a way that prevents unintended consequences, like increasing inequalities. We will use our powers and duties to advocate, advise, monitor, and review.  

Climate and Nature Theory of Change  
We will make it our mission to ensure all Welsh public bodies achieve their net zero and nature positive goals by 2030. As a result, public bodies are leading action on climate change including adaptation, in a way that reduces inequalities and maximises the benefits to people and communities across Wales. 

Need  
While public bodies in Wales are tackling the climate and nature emergencies, action is not consistent across all service areas.   

There is not always a good understanding of the inter-dependencies between issues. 

Activity 
1. Advocate that all decision making takes a preventative and long-term view of the climate and nature emergencies.  

2. Ensure levers, like procurement, land use planning and business support, are affecting positive change.  

3. Convene Welsh public bodies with others to share good practice and facilitate learning exchanges on the net zero and nature positive agendas.  

4. Support public bodies to involve communities in assessments and joint actions to reduce emissions on an area-wide basis.   

5. Help and overcome systemic infrastructure problems, such as access to national grid. 

Outcomes 
More people are involved in collaboration around the transition to net zero, climate adaptation and halting biodiversity decline. 

Public bodies and Public Service Boards understand future workforce needs and are equipped with the skills needed to respond to the climate and nature emergencies.  

Wales has a more ambitious approach to delivering on the third carbon budget for Wales, including area-based approaches to carbon reduction.  

Budget decisions are informed by long-term approaches which support positive outcomes for climate, nature, and our communities.  

Wales is mobilising local communities to protect nature and is able to evidence wider benefits for people and society. 

Impact  
Cymru has met its net zero and nature positive goals by 2030.

All around Wales the benefits are being felt – from the green spaces and nature that have been protected and enhanced, to having more energy efficient buildings, community-owned renewable energy schemes creating local investment, and more jobs in the green business sectors.  
Read Cymru Can: our strategy for 2023 – 2030.

Our Missions:

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