Campaigners warn climate and nature crisis is already affecting communities and say stronger government action cannot be delayed

PEMBROKESHIRE FRIENDS OF THE EARTH has renewed calls for urgent action on climate change and nature loss following a recent film screening and discussion at the Bloomfield Centre in Narberth.

The event focused on the growing threat posed by climate change and the decline of the natural environment, with campaigners warning that the challenges facing the country are more immediate and serious than many people realise.

The film featured broadcaster and environmental campaigner Chris Packham introducing presentations from a range of experts, including climate scientists and military voices. They called on the Government to launch a national response to the climate and nature crisis, showing the same level of leadership seen during World War Two and the financial crisis.

Those involved in the campaign say the aim is to push for a much stronger national effort to reduce emissions, protect wildlife and prepare communities for the effects of a more dangerous climate.

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth said extreme weather, including heavier rainfall, is only the beginning of what lies ahead if urgent action is not taken.

They warned that climate and nature breakdown could increasingly damage public health, food systems, infrastructure, national security and economic stability.

The group says there is strong evidence that bold action would not only cut emissions and improve resilience, but also create jobs and improve lives.

Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth is calling for emergency legislation to speed up cuts in climate-changing emissions while investing in measures to help communities adapt.

For further information, contact Bettina Becker at Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth on [email protected]or 01437 563657.

CONTRACTS to bring the UK’s first Small Modular Reactors to North Wales will be signed later today, marking a major step forward in Welsh Labour’s vision of an energy-independent Wales that can tackle the cost of living and help keep energy bills low.

Ynys Môn was selected last year as the site for the UK’s flagship SMR programme by the UK Labour Government, ending years of Conservative delay and uncertainty over the future of Wylfa, which had left local communities waiting for the investment they were promised.

Wales is now at the forefront of the UK’s clean energy future, unlocking what Welsh Labour says is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Ynys Môn and the wider Welsh economy, with two Labour governments working together.

Recent international instability has once again highlighted the risks of relying on imported energy. Welsh Labour says its plan for an energy-independent Wales, harnessing wind, solar, tidal and nuclear power, would reduce that reliance, lower bills, and help keep them low over the long term.

Welsh Labour Leader Eluned Morgan said: “Only Welsh Labour is focused on taking real action to tackle the cost of living and guarantee our energy security. We are also the only party with the ambition and track record to ensure Wales meets its net-zero goals. Plaid Cymru has already rowed back on its ‘unrealistic’ net-zero target, and its internal divisions on nuclear would put projects like Wylfa at risk. Reform would take Wales back to the days of coal.

“We have seen time and again how volatile international energy markets can be, especially in times of conflict. An energy-independent Wales would reduce our reliance on unstable global markets, helping to keep energy bills as low as possible.”

At peak construction, around 3,000 high-skilled jobs are expected to be created on site, with thousands more supported across the wider supply chain. The initial development will include up to three Rolls-Royce SMR units, with the potential for Wylfa to host as many as eight reactors in total, cementing its role as one of the UK’s most important energy hubs for decades to come.

Today’s agreement between Great British Energy Nuclear and Rolls-Royce SMR formally begins the design phase of the project. It builds on the UK Labour Government’s decision in 2025 to select Rolls-Royce as its preferred technology partner, as well as the funding support confirmed through the Spending Review.

Welsh Labour says the investment is about more than energy generation alone. It is about long-term economic security, stable jobs, and protecting Wales from the volatility of global energy markets.

PLAN for a gymnasium and café occupying the majority of Pembroke Dock’s ferry terminal building have been submitted.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Lee Brookes of Westside Fitness Ltd, through agent William Beynon, seeks permission for a change of use of part of the existing ferry terminal building, Pembroke Dock to a gymnasium and café.

Details accompanying the application are currently sparse but a supporting statement dealing with a flood consequence assessment, by Francis Saint Ltd, says: “It is proposed to convert part of the existing Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal Building (75 per cent) into a Gymnasium and café area while retaining the remainder of the building for its current use (25 per cent).”

It adds: “The building, however, lies in a Zone 3 flood area, as shown on the Flood Maps For Planning, and shown to be potentially at risk of tidal flooding during a one-in- 200-year event, with 100 years of climate change. Francis Sant were, therefore, asked to undertake a Flood Consequence Assessment to evaluate the risk. Even with 100 years of climate change the site is not at risk of flooding from a river or from surface water, during a 1 in 1000-year event.

“In addition, the site is also not expected to be at risk from reservoir failure and the risk of ground water flooding is considered to be low.”

It goes on to say: “Located within the Haven, the site is protected from the more severe wave action. In addition, the plateaux to the north of the site would provide additional protection causing the waves to break onto the plateaux before reaching the building. Any water or spray reaching the building or the surrounding area is likely to flow back into the Haven posing a minimal risk to the development.

“As the building already exists there will be no loss of flood storage capacity, even if the building was at risk of flooding, and, as a surface water drain is already in place, there will be no increase in the rainfall runoff rate.”

The application itself, along with any further documentation, will be considered by county planners at a later date.