Almost 50% of Carbon Targets Falling Behind

Jersey Faces Delays on Nearly Half of Carbon Neutral Goals, Report Reveals

A government progress report has found that nearly half of Jersey’s targets under its Carbon Neutral Roadmap (CNR) are either behind schedule or at risk of not being met, just six months before the end of the first implementation phase.

Launched in 2022, the roadmap outlines 32 policy measures intended to guide the island toward net zero emissions by 2050. Phase 1, due for completion by the end of 2025, includes critical actions across sectors such as transport, heating, and emissions management.

According to the report, 13 of these goals are now classified as delayed or at risk, with one initiative scrapped altogether.

Environment Minister Deputy Steve Luce acknowledged that while progress is being made, the current pace is not sufficient. “The direction is right, but the speed must increase if we’re to stay on course,” he said.

He described the report as “a stark and important reminder that there is still a long way to go in tackling the climate emergency,” adding that financial incentives alone would not be enough. “We need decisive policy moves, including restricting imports of fossil fuel-powered vehicles and heating systems.”

While the roadmap measures progress on specific policies, it does not directly track overall carbon emissions. However, the report noted that as of 2023, Jersey had reduced emissions by 48% compared to 1990 levels—falling short of the 68% reduction target set for 2030.

Key policy areas facing delays include initiatives to encourage low-carbon home heating, frameworks for carbon offsetting, and updates to relevant building regulations.

Jersey remains committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050, but the report highlights the increasing urgency to accelerate policy implementation in order to stay on track.