We are now seeing the more severe and more frequent weather events climate scientists predicted and we continue to hear our world leaders tell us we are at a critical point. So why then do still have a lack of action to address climate change?

“We are the first generation to feel the effects of climate change and the last generation who can do something about it.” Curious Earth

But here we are two months away from COP 29 in Azerbaijan the 2024 UN Climate Conference with international commentators concerned that this critical meeting won't result in real change. Meanwhile, Wales a sub-nation to the UK membership of COP is looking at how to expedite climate action. Wales like most nations has set a Net Zero target for 2050 but for the last year, a mixed disciplinary group have examined pathways to answer the question of can Net Zero be achieved by 2035 in Wales.

By looking at transformative change from around the globe the group has decided that fundamental this can be achieved with the right investment and political will. The group has examined five key challenges of food, energy, housing, transport, work and skills. The hope is that by showing the possible we can lift Wale's ambition and more importantly invoke action.

Nature's role is recognised with a whole chapter on how to restore nature at pace and scale through marine and land use frameworks to balance food production, nature restoration and renewable energy production. It also examines the need to stimulate high-integrity green finance markets to help a nature-positive transition to Net Zero.

As farming contributes 16% of Wales's green greenhouse gas emissions the report examines a transition towards a reduction in livestock. It calls for long-term support for farmers to provide public goods and to diversify. It asks for a Food Strategy that recognises the need for Wales to grow more organic healthy produce in particular fruit and vegetables.

Rachel Sharp whose day job is Director of Wildlife Trusts Wales was an independent advisor on the group to ensure pathways also resulted in nature positive outcomes.

“The need to act on climate is clear but we are all frustrated by the lack of urgent action. The Wales Net Zero 2035 report sets clear deliverable pathways through a just transition to Net Zero. It focuses on how to speed up action now by bringing forward the deadline from 2050 to 2035.

It's key that actions to address climate change don’t further exacerbate the nature crisis. There are real opportunities for nature to help Wales adapt to our changing climate. Nature can store carbon and alleviate flooding through the restoration of habitats such as peatlands. The provision of these public goods is critical in safeguarding Welsh citizens from server weather. Nature-based solutions must form a bedrock of change if Wales is to achieve Net Zero”.

The Wales Net Zero 2035 Challenge Group’s report – can be read here: Wales Net Zero 2035

Rachel Sharp is Director of Wildlife Trusts Wales and was an independent advisor on the Wales Net Zero 2035 Challenge Group to ensure pathways also resulted in nature-positive outcomes.