Joined up action to address the climate and nature emergencies

“Climate change is and will continue to impact all ecosystems in Wales, with warmer, wetter winters, hotter, drier summers, and a higher number of more extreme events predicted to occur. … Increased and sustained action across all levels of government, business and civil society is required to effectively combat the climate emergency, deliver a just transition to a low carbon future and meet Wales’ carbon budgets and net zero by 2050.” (SoNaRR 2025) ‘Flood resilience must be planned with communities, not imposed on them, and should shape where and how development takes place.’ building-resilience-to-flooding-in-wales-by-2050-report

It is crucial that climate strategy is consistently embedded in planning and investment decisions, ensuring that action on climate change shapes development rather than reacting to its consequences. By aligning policies and funding with our ask, Wales can deliver resilient places that reduce emissions, protect natural assets and communities. A joined-up approach provides certainty for investors and Local Authorities which can maximise the benefits of biodiversity gain and economic growth, whilst ensuring that public investment supports the transition to a low-carbon, resilient future.

National Infrastructure Commission for Wales (NICW) recognise that flooding is one of the most serious climate risks that Wales faces and that one in every seven properties in Wales are at risk of flooding. (Building resilience to flooding in Wales 2050 - MACC Hub)

Water pollution has not just affected the environment and potentially tourism, it has had a significant impact on the development of homes in areas across Wales. We ask for a nutrient neutrality/Nutrient Management Boards on a river catchment of marine Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) basis that ensures consistency and efficiency by applying the same standards and practices across Wales to tackle issues like these, leading to best practise for water quality management. The latest data from Natural Resources Wales shows that only half of waterbodies in Welsh SACs rivers are meeting stringent targets.

The RTPI Cymru Public Sector Planning Resources in Wales report reveals critical skills gaps have been identified in areas such as nutrient neutrality, flood risk management, strategic environmental compensation, and mitigation planning, all of which are increasingly important due to climate and nature emergencies. To address this, creating a defined and strategic approach to resource allocation and strategy can provide long-term sustainability by addressing the root causes of water pollution and degradation.

RTPI Cymru welcomes discussion on shaping the future of water governance in Wales brought about by the Welsh Government's Green Paper (2025)

Some Local Planning Authorities are considering Local Development Plan policies requiring new homes to be net zero carbon. While this is admirable, there is a risk of 25 Local Planning Authorities devising slightly different policy-wording, which would have the effect of housebuilders needing different construction methods and designs in different parts of Wales. That is unsustainable as a business model for the construction industry. This is an area in which the Welsh Government should show leadership and produce a single policy for the whole of Wales or alternatively achieve via amended Building Regulations.

Policy clarity about renewable energy projects will not only help Wales meet its decarbonisation targets more quickly, but it will provide essential certainty to developers, investors and communities alike. With a clear and certain policy direction, green energy manufacturers can invest and create skilled jobs.