STANDING UP FOR GUERNSEY'S ENVIRONMENT
WHERE DO CANDIDATES STAND ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES?
Getting answers
Island wide voting has given voters a much larger choice of candidates to vote for, and more votes to cast which presents a problem - how can voters find out whether candidates will support action on climate change and biodiversity fairly and equitably?
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Candidates will also have to market themselves against a much larger field, and so will need to work harder to make sure that voters understand and are aware of their policies, including around environmental issues.
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Standing up for Guernsey’s Environment has formulated a questionnaire for candidates to answer with a variety of multiple choice and free-text questions around key themes - Climate Change, Biodiversity and Climate Equity
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We will be asking all candidates to fill this in by 18th September 2020 and then we will publish the results on this website so that it will be clearer which candidates will stand up for the environment.
What's in the questionnaire?
1. What is your name?
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2. What is the name of your political party or association? (answer n/a if you are not part of one)
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3. Which statement best aligns to your views on the climate crisis? (please choose one)
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a) We should take further steps to tackle climate change and reduce carbon emissions where it's practical and in Guernsey's interests to do so.
b) We should act fast on climate change, and adopt a clear plan to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
c) We should reach net zero carbon emissions as early as possible (and no later than 2040), and take this opportunity to transform Guernsey into a climate leader and innovator.
d) Our current approach to protecting the environment is reasonable, and strikes the right balance with the needs of the economy.
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4. Please let us know more about your perspective on the climate crisis in your own words.
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5. Which statement best aligns to your views on the challenges being faced by local biodiversity? (please choose one)
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a) I believe the States need to prioritise Guernsey's biodiversity, and should invest more funding in protecting it where possible.
b) I believe urgent action is needed to save Guernsey's biodiversity, and the States should immediately invest more funding to protect it, introducing new legislation as appropriate.
c) I believe more effort is needed to protect Guernsey's biodiversity and I consider this to be the responsibility of the Island's great voluntary sector.
d) I believe that Guernsey's environment and biodiversity is important. I consider that current conservation measures are appropriate.
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6. Please let us know more about your views on the challenges faced by local biodiversity in your own words.
7. Transitioning to a greener economy could result in major, potentially unequal, social and economic impacts. Which statement best reflects your view of how these should be managed? (please choose one)
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a) Climate action, economic and social justice are closely linked. I would strongly support equitable policies which don't put the financial burden of climate change on lower- and middle-income households.
b) Climate change mustn't be used as an excuse for major changes to our economic system (tax, subsidies, regulation, etc) or social policies. I think minor green changes are proportionate and appropriate for a small jurisdiction like Guernsey.
c) We can do more than just avoid unfairness - we can and should use climate action as an opportunity to build a better, fairer society, for example, through green job creation and progressive funding solutions.
d) Climate action is essential at all costs. I would support policies to reduce our environmental impact, regardless of their social impacts, or how they affect the distribution of wealth or other resources.
8. Please let us know more about your perspective on climate equity and transitioning to a greener economy in your own words.
9. Where the environment is concerned, what outcomes do you think the States should achieve in the next four years, in your own words?
Thank you for engaging in our survey.