We must reduce the use of fossils fuels for economic, environmental and health reasons. I support the implementation of a carbon tax in conjunction with initiatives to cut traffic pollution and incentivising energy intensive businesses, such as data centres, to adopt alternative sustainable energy solutions.
Transport accounts for 27% of the total greenhouse emissions on Guernsey, with 80% of this due to road transport. There are over 62,000 vehicles registered, with 45,000 holding driving licences. We can’t uninvent the motor car, but we can look at making it easier to leave the car at home. We can also look at initiatives to improve traffic flow, thus reducing congestion, journey times and, consequently, emissions. Better bus services and initiatives which spread out rush hour traffic over a longer period would benefit everyone.