WHILE some people in Pembrokeshire still question whether climate change is real, the evidence is stacking up — and today’s announcement about a massive floating wind farm project in the Celtic Sea shows that Wales is not only taking the issue seriously, but leading the way in tackling it.

This week, Pembroke Port in Milford Haven was shortlisted as one of seven UK ports that could play a key role in assembling giant offshore wind turbines for a project that could power over four million homes and create more than 5,000 jobs. The £1.4 billion development is part of a wider plan to harness the clean, renewable energy potential of the Celtic Sea.

It’s a vote of confidence in Pembrokeshire’s future — and a real-world example of how climate change is being addressed right here in West Wales.

The facts we can’t ignore

Despite online conspiracy theories and political noise, the science is clear. The planet is warming — and fast. Global temperatures have risen more than 1°C since the late 1800s. Sea levels are rising, polar ice is melting, and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense. Wales is already seeing the effects, from heavier rainfall and flash flooding to warmer winters and shifting wildlife patterns.

97% of climate scientists agree that this warming is caused by human activity, especially the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas. The tiny minority who deny this often have links to fossil fuel interests or aren’t trained climate scientists at all.

What it means for us

Here in Pembrokeshire, we’re on the front line. Coastal communities like Newgale and Dale are vulnerable to rising seas and stronger storms. Farmers face unpredictable growing seasons. Local businesses reliant on stable weather, from tourism to agriculture, are already feeling the pressure.

But Pembrokeshire is also part of the solution. Floating wind farms — like those planned for the Celtic Sea — offer clean power, skilled jobs, and energy security. Milford Haven’s port is already preparing for the future, backed by government investment and maritime expertise.

The climate is changing. Whether we “believe” it or not, it’s happening. The good news is that Pembrokeshire has a chance not just to weather the storm — but to help lead the way.

20 undeniable facts that prove climate change is real

1. The 10 hottest years on record have all occurred since 2010.
2. The Earth’s average temperature has risen by over 1.1°C since the late 19th century.
3. Arctic sea ice is shrinking — with summer ice extent declining by about 13% per decade.
4. The Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets are losing mass at an accelerating rate.
5. Global sea levels have risen by over 20 cm (8 inches) since 1900 — and are rising faster every decade.
6. The oceans are warming, absorbing more than 90% of excess heat from global warming.
7. More extreme weather is being recorded — including heatwaves, floods, storms and droughts.
8. The UK recorded its hottest day ever in July 2022: 40.3°C in Coningsby, Lincolnshire.
9. Pembrokeshire has experienced increased winter rainfall and more intense storms in recent years.
10. Wildfires are increasing globally, including in countries not historically prone to them — like Canada and Greece.
11. Ocean waters are becoming more acidic due to higher CO₂ absorption, threatening marine life and coral reefs.
12. Spring is arriving earlier across Europe, affecting wildlife and ecosystems.
13. Glaciers are retreating on every continent, including the Alps, Andes, and Himalayas.
14. Tropical diseases like dengue fever are spreading into new regions as global temperatures rise.
15. Climate-linked crop failures are increasing food insecurity in parts of Africa and Asia.
16. Satellite data shows the Earth’s energy imbalance is growing — more heat is being trapped than released.
17. The frequency of category 4 and 5 hurricanes in the Atlantic has increased over the last 40 years.
18. Plants and animals are shifting ranges to escape warming temperatures.
19. Permafrost is thawing in the Arctic, releasing methane — a potent greenhouse gas.
20. 97% of climate scientists agree: climate change is real and caused mostly by humans.

A FORMER Dyfed-Powys Police CCTV operator is appearing at Swansea Crown Court today (April 7) for a plea and directions hearing, facing charges of controlling and coercive behaviour, along with offences under the Data Protection Act and Computer Misuse Act.

Russell Hasler, who was arrested in 2023 by the force’s Professional Standards Department, had worked as a CCTV operator since 2019. He resigned from his post while under investigation for alleged offences said to have taken place between 2020 and 2022.

He was previously charged at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on March 5, 2025, and committed to the Crown Court for further proceedings.

The Herald understands that legal directions will be set today, with a trial date expected to be scheduled later this year.

Hasler remains on court bail.

Milford Haven among ports shortlisted for turbine assembly as £1.4bn Celtic Sea energy project nears final stage

PEMBROKE PORT in Milford Haven has been named as one of seven key UK locations in the running to support the next generation of floating wind farms in the Celtic Sea – a project that could create more than 5,000 jobs and power over four million homes.

The Crown Estate has confirmed that its Offshore Wind Leasing Round 5, which will allocate three large sites in the Celtic Sea for floating offshore wind farms, has now entered its final stage. A competitive auction is expected later this spring, with lease agreements to be signed in the summer.

All shortlisted developers have identified a list of “integration ports” where giant wind turbines – potentially as tall as The Shard in London – will be assembled on floating platforms before being towed out to sea. Among the ports named are Pembroke Port, Swansea, Port Talbot, and others across the South West of England and Brittany.

The announcement signals a major opportunity for Pembrokeshire, with Milford Haven’s port infrastructure well-placed to become a hub for renewable energy development.

In March 2024, the Welsh Government provided £1 million in funding to support ground investigation works at Pembroke Port, aimed at accelerating the site’s readiness to host floating wind turbine assembly and deployment. The funding, which was matched by the Port of Milford Haven, marked a major step toward preparing Pembrokeshire for large-scale offshore energy infrastructure. The port’s early involvement in this sector likely strengthened its position in The Crown Estate’s shortlist.

Boost to economy and local jobs

Research by The Crown Estate suggests the wind farm development could deliver a £1.4 billion boost to the UK economy and support at least 5,300 jobs. The winning developers will also work with selected ports to secure long-term investment and regeneration benefits for local communities.

Gus Jaspert, Managing Director of Marine at The Crown Estate, said: “Developing this new technology in the Celtic Sea will open up transformational opportunities for new jobs, investment and growth across Wales, South West England and beyond.”

Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, said: “Today’s announcement shows that Wales is ready to seize the golden opportunity of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, and secure more than 5,000 jobs and billions of pounds of investment this has the potential to bring.”
“Wales will play a key part in delivering clean power as part of our Plan for Change, boosting economic growth, lowering energy bills and putting more pounds in people’s pockets.”

The turbines – set on floating structures the size of football pitches – will be installed in deeper waters further offshore than fixed-bottom wind farms, unlocking new energy potential and minimising coastal impact.

Port plans to follow auction

Detailed discussions between developers and ports, including Pembroke Port, are expected after the auction phase. The Crown Estate is investing in supply chain acceleration and environmental surveys to reduce risk and speed up delivery.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “By unlocking the untapped potential of the Celtic Sea we will reap the benefits of economic growth and thousands of jobs in Wales and the South West, delivering on our Plan for Change.”

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, added:
“Floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea will not only advance our clean energy goals but create valuable jobs and investment across Wales’ coastal communities.”

A first step in a larger plan

The three Celtic Sea sites are expected to be the first of many. The Crown Estate’s long-term vision includes leasing up to 12 gigawatts of floating wind capacity in the region by 2030, part of a broader ambition to secure up to 30 gigawatts across UK waters.

As Wales looks to the future, Milford Haven’s strategic location and maritime expertise could make it a cornerstone of the UK’s clean energy revolution.

Photo caption:

Future power: Floating wind turbines the height of The Shard could soon be assembled in Milford Haven (Pic: Herald)