Environment report concludes “significant challenges ahead”

Tuesday 13 September 2016

Greenhouse gas emissions are down by 38% from 1990, according to the latest figures on the state of Jersey’s environment.

It provides a snapshot of the Island's environment under the title, the Environment in Figures 2011-2015, and also finds that 2014 and 2015 were the hottest years ever recorded, water quality is lower due to high density population and intensive agricultural practices, recycling rates have not increased since 2009 when they plateaued at 38%, and peak-time traffic congestion has only decreased by 1.6%.

Although there are encouraging aspects within the report, Environment Minister Deputy Steve Luce said he is concerned it is “not more positive” and “there are significant challenges ahead.”

Deputy Luce said: “The Council of Ministers and I recognise the high value of our environment both in terms of the services it gives us and the contribution it makes to our quality of life in Jersey. The challenge is to continue to ensure the policies we develop to protect our environment are successful.  

“It is a matter of concern that this report is not more positive. Whilst some progress has been made, there are still significant challenges ahead. As a community we need to examine our impacts on the environment and take individual responsibility for our actions. We can all make choices about whether we recycle and how we travel. There are simple steps we can all take that cumulatively would make a difference.”

The report also identifies a number of priority areas for the environment, including: Ensure energy is affordable; prepare for the effects of climate change; improve the quality of untreated water; support traditional industries such as fishing; begins review of the Island’s waste management; enhance Jersey’s biodiversity. 

The States-funded report summarised the six areas as follows:  

Energy and emissions

The indicators demonstrate that local energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions are slowly declining. To reduce our greenhouse gas emissions we must be successful in reducing the on-island demand and have a consistent and reliable supply of low carbon electricity from the French grid and continue to investigate offshore renewable energy generation.

Climate trends

Local climate trends are deviating from the 30 year norm and are in line with global climate change predictions: air and sea temperatures are rising; the growing season is lengthening; both summers and winters are wetter; cold spells are shorter and warm spells are longer.

Fresh and marine water

The quantity and availability of Jersey’s mains supply of water is currently sufficient for the population’s needs. Although we see signs of improvement, elevated nitrate levels and the presence of pesticides means our water is of a poorer quality than we would aim for. This is a result of a high density population and long-term intensive agricultural practices in close proximity to our water courses and catchments. The quality of our marine waters and the biodiversity within them is very high. Pressures on the natural resources can arise from fishing activity and other economic activities.

Waste

The 2005 target recycling rate of 32% was achieved but it has remained static since 2009. Progress has been made with hazardous waste like batteries which can now be recycled. Five parishes have introduced household recycling collections; the other parishes rely on centralised public recycling facilities. The management of agricultural liquid waste (slurries) has improved considerably. The aging sewerage treatment facilities at Bellozanne are at the end of their useful life, a new plant will be able to treat more flow to deal with the Island’s increasing population.

Transport

Despite a target to reduce peak hour traffic by 15% by 2015, levels have only decreased by 1.6%. Traffic and particularly congestion reduces air quality in localised situations in St Helier and cause greenhouse gas emissions.

Natural Environment

Conservation management of our designated semi-natural sites is successful in preserving local biodiversity. We are not immune to global biodiversity losses as shown by downward trends in migrating species. Indicator species, such as butterflies and breeding birds show the biodiversity value of urban and agricultural habitats is far lower and also is becoming poorer compared to designated semi-natural sites. Environmental stewardship schemes can improve the value of agricultural habitat for wildlife.