Climate emergency declared in Jersey

Jersey has declared a 'climate change emergency'.

Politicians today voted by 40 votes to 1 to declare the emergency and commit to making the island carbon neutral by the year 2030.

It comes just weeks after the parish of St Helier agreed to make the same environmentally-minded move.

The proposition, put forward by Deputy Rob Ward, directs the Council of Ministers to come up with an action plan to make Jersey greener.

Senator Sarah Ferguson was the one member who chose not to back the proposition.

It follows weeks of protests in the Royal Square by the island branch of the Extinction Rebellion climate change group who are demanding governments take more urgent action.

Deputy Ward says that climate change should be considered as the greatest long-term threat to our way of life and future security.

The government has until the end of this year to come up with a plan.