The Government of Jersey has appointed its first energy and climate change minister, Deputy Hilary Jeune, to drive the Island’s path to net-zero by 2050.
The new position was a recommendation of the Carbon Neutral Roadmap, which was agreed by the States Assembly in April 2022.
Minister for the Environment, Deputy Jonathan Renouf, has delegated the responsibility for the area of work to Deputy Jeune, who has already been serving as Assistant Minister for the Environment.
Deputy Jeune will represent the Island at the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27).
Deputy Renouf said: ‘Creating this Ministerial portfolio demonstrates how seriously the government is taking our responsibility to reduce emissions and to follow the trajectory of the Paris Agreement on a path to net-zero by 2050.
‘In these first months working together, Deputy Jeune has demonstrated an in-depth knowledge and understanding of this area. Her background in scrutinising and advising international organisations on climate change policies means she is well placed to drive forward our work with real passion and ensure Jersey accelerates its carbon reduction over the course of this term of government.’
Deputy Jeune will, accordingly, represent Jersey at COP27 in Egypt in November. She added: ‘I am really excited to be leading our work on energy and climate change and look forward to working closely with Ministers, businesses, environmental organisations and all Islanders on our carbon neutral and net-zero ambitions.
‘We’re thankful for our invite to COP27 which is further evidence of the respect shown for our carbon reduction efforts and plans. It’ll provide an opportunity to share best practice with leaders from other jurisdictions, and to learn from success stories from other small Island nations.’
