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The Government has announced it has appointed a dedicated 'Minister for Energy and Climate Change' as part of the island's drive towards net-zero carbon emissions.
Deputy Hilary Jeune - an Assistant Minister who has now been given official responsibility for areas relating to climate change - will be representing the island at the United Nations' COP27 conference in Egypt in November.
A newcomer to the States Assembly in June, Deputy Jeune was previously based in Brussels for 13 years working for Oxfam and the Fairtrade movement, going on to run her own international development consultancy and work for clients including UNICEF, Jersey's Government and Jersey Overseas Aid.
The current Environment Minister delegated his responsibilities relating to energy policy and climate change to Deputy Jeune, who was already his Assistant Minister, this week.
He said Deputy Jeune's "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."
With just 40 days until #COP27, take a look at the @Cop27P Climate Action Calendar ????
— COP26 (@COP26) September 26, 2022
Dedicated theme days will include transport, adaptation, finance and much more, allowing for in-depth discussion on each topic.
Explore the themes ????
Pictured: Deputy Jeune will be representing Jersey at the next COP conference, which is taking place in Sharm el-Sheikh.
He also said creating the new Ministerial portfolio - a recommendation in the Climate Change Roadmap, whose development was informed by a 'Citizens Assembly' - "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."
Deputy Jeune said she was "really excited" about the new role, and was looking "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," she added.
Learn more about the Carbon Neutral Roadmap - Jersey's plan for reaching net-zero carbon emissions - with this explainer podcast...
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