HOW WALES CAN HELP SAVE THE PLANET

They say every crisis is an opportunity. But seldom can the world have faced a crisis as great as that posed by global warming.

Even former sceptics now accept the overwhelming evidence of climate change. The increase in temperature has accelerated during the past two decades. Disturbingly, there is new evidence that most of the warming over the last 50 years is attributable to human activities.

The scale of the challenge is so great that some feel tempted to give up before beginning to take action. I want to counter that feeling of helplessness – because Wales can take the lead. We can not only ensure that we play our part in stemming global warming in our corner of the planet – we can also be an exemplar for others.

Wales has one of the few legislatures in the world with a commitment to sustainability built into its basic constitution.

This is a duty I take very seriously because in Wales we know only too well the results of unsustainable development. We have made sustainable development an obligation to ensure that every policy passes the key litmus test of contributing positively to the environment, as well as creating economic opportunities.

I am determined that we use this “Green Agenda” to create new economic opportunities and drive innovation.

Today I am proud to announce this new investment project in the former Acer facility at Wentloog Park, Cardiff.

The prospects for solar technology is enormous – with potential for use in buildings as well as a wide range of consumer products, including MP3 players, laptop computers and handheld game consoles. The amount of sunlight reaching the earth in a day could provide enough energy to meet the world’s annual electricity requirements. So the imperative to cut carbon emissions means an expanding world-wide market for new products and processes. The crisis is an opportunity after all.

As time goes by, so the pressure for change mounts. For example, in future, companies who fail to address the issue of global warming will find it difficult to secure insurance cover.

Devolution enables Wales to devise policies that best suit the circumstances of our country – while facing up to global issues. Our strategy puts us in pole position to benefit economically by taking a leading role in tackling climate change. One important example is that of transport. During the last year, the Welsh Assembly has gained new powers and we are developing a strategy to provide greater integrated transport – connecting communities and reducing dependence on cars to get around. New rail links for Ebbw Vale and the Vale of Glamorgan show what can be done.

The Assembly Government also focuses on ensuring more sustainable communities – improving both the environment and job prospects in local areas to reduce the need to commute long distances. The Heads of the Valleys strategy will transform the prospects for some of Wales’ most deprived communities over the next 15 years.

We have adopted a sector approach – targeting our resources at the four 'Os' of technology (Bio, Info, Nano and Enviro) that drive high tech economic benefits. We support growing sectors such as aquaculture, which can develop new sustainable sources of food – and is expected to double in size by 2025. Through our support for innovation we are also assisting businesses to develop new environmental goods and services. This includes spin-outs – new businesses launched from within Wales’ top-class universities and colleges.

One exciting development at Baglan is Technium Sustainable Technologies, a centre designed to house young technology businesses that focus on developing areas such as renewables, reprocessing, geo-environmental services, waste treatment and conversion. But innovative businesses all over Wales are grasping market opportunities in areas such as energy efficiency and waste minimisation. All enterprises can benefit from the green agenda – because sustainable best practice makes economic sense.

The clean energy action plan which I launched emphasises that this also directly benefits families – greater efficiency means that homes as well as workplaces will cost less to heat, greatly improving standards of living. This is especially important for people on low incomes, whose homes are often the hardest and most expensive to heat, and for those whose illness or disability means greater heating needs.

Our success at ensuring broadband access for Wales is another key element in ensuring progress towards a sustainable economy – through enhanced Information Technology we can cut traffic and ensure the future of communities across Wales.Our vision is to secure a clean, green, sustainable economy for Wales. The evidence shows that we can succeed; and in today’s global village our example can be the catalyst to inspire others.

After all, it was a native of Swansea, Sir William Grove, who developed the fuel cell – the foundation for today’s hydrogen economic - and first published the law of conservation of energy in a scientific journal.This week marks the 40th anniversary of the Aberfan tragedy. Aberfan reminds us of the true cost of reckless exploitation and unsustainable development, and of our responsibility for actions that have consequences for future generations.Our vision is to make Wales a showcase for sustainability. It is a challenge I am determined to face in moving forward to a cleaner and greener future.

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