News

Future for Wales: Navigating Major Climate Changes for Sustainability

Published

1 year ago

December 1, 2023

Wales stands at a pivotal crossroads, facing the intricate dance of environmental challenges and the pressing need for resilient solutions. A narrative unfolds on the canvas of its rugged mountains, lush valleys, and vibrant communities—one of biodiversity loss, air quality concerns, and water scarcity paradoxes.

This discourse delves into the heart of Wales, exploring the paths towards a harmonious coexistence between nature and human activity, envisioning cleaner air, responsible water usage, and a thriving environment for generations to come.

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Sea Level Rise

With its picturesque coastline, Wales is under the looming threat of rising sea levels, putting coastal communities and delicate ecosystems at risk. The urgent need for strategic investments in sustainable coastal defenses cannot be overstated. This involves constructing physical barriers and adopting innovative solutions, such as natural coastal buffers and resilient infrastructure.

Furthermore, integrating sea-level rise projections into land-use planning is critical. This forward-thinking approach ensures a resilient and adaptive strategy, steering Wales away from potential environmental and societal upheaval.

Extreme Weather Events

Wales experiences a heightened vulnerability to extreme weather events due to climate change that demands immediate attention. The increasing frequency and intensity of floods and storms pose a clear and present danger. Strengthening infrastructure resilience goes beyond traditional methods, requiring innovative solutions such as smart infrastructure and climate-resilient urban planning.

Additionally, the implementation of early warning systems is imperative. Educating communities on emergency preparedness empowers them to mitigate risks and fosters a culture of resilience, ensuring effective responses to the unpredictable nature of weather patterns.

Biodiversity Loss

Picture Wales as a living canvas, where rugged mountains and lush valleys tell a story of nature’s artistry. Yet, this masterpiece faces a heartbreaking threat – biodiversity loss. It’s not just the vanishing act of species; it’s the unraveling of the intricate web that breathes life into these landscapes. Urgency becomes our brush, painting a new narrative through protected areas, conservation programs, and a steadfast commitment to sustainable land-use practices. This isn’t merely about saving species; it’s about preserving the very heartbeat of Wales, nurturing an environment where nature and human activity dance harmoniously.

Air Quality

Imagine the air over Wales as a delicate melody, each breath composing a note in the symphony of life. Yet, this harmony is endangered as the balance of air quality teeters. We embark on a journey to reclaim this melody, transitioning to renewable energy sources as the first verse. It’s more than infrastructure – it’s a commitment to cleaner tunes, with research and development as our musical instruments.

Incentivizing businesses becomes the bridge, harmonizing eco-friendly practices into the composition. Public transportation should be the solution. This reduces noise of individual vehicles to promote cleaner, healthier air. Strict regulations then stand as the conductor, ensuring every breath in Wales resonates with the melody of a cleaner, brighter future.

Water Scarcity

A paradox unfolds in the heart of Wales’ lush landscapes – water scarcity amidst abundance. It’s a challenge echoing through valleys and fields, touching agriculture and communities. As stewards of this paradox, our responsibility is clear. We weave a tale of water conservation, each chapter a lesson in promoting efficient irrigation practices, investing in water management infrastructure, and advocating for sustainable agriculture.

Imagine this narrative as a river flowing towards responsible water usage, safeguarding this vital resource. We inscribe resilience into Wales with every ripple, ensuring that the paradox becomes a testament to responsible custodianship for generations.

Carbon Emissions

The battle against climate change requires Wales to take a proactive stance in reducing carbon emissions. Enforcing policies that limit emissions from industries involves a delicate balance – encouraging economic growth while prioritizing environmental sustainability. Incentivizing the adoption of renewable energy is not just about meeting targets but embracing a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

Equally important is encouraging energy-efficient practices in households, promoting a culture of environmental responsibility at the grassroots level. By embracing these sustainable alternatives, Wales can position itself as a beacon of change in the global fight against climate change.

Deforestation

Due to deforestation, Wales’ lush forests, vital to its ecosystems and biodiversity, face a precarious future. Stricter enforcement of anti-logging regulations is the need of the hour. Beyond prevention, promoting reforestation initiatives becomes vital, reclaiming lost habitats and sequestering carbon.

Advocacy for sustainable forestry practices completes this trinity of action. By taking these steps, Wales protects its natural habitats and actively contributes to the overall health and balance of its environment, ensuring a thriving coexistence between its people and the diverse flora and fauna.

Waste Management

Wales grapples with the environmental repercussions of improper waste management, requiring a nuanced and comprehensive strategy. Beyond traditional waste reduction and recycling programs, embracing the circular economy becomes paramount. This involves reimagining the lifecycle of products, minimizing waste, and maximizing resource efficiency.

Simultaneously, discouraging single-use plastics through regulations and widespread awareness campaigns is essential. By adopting responsible waste practices, Wales addresses the immediate environmental impact and pioneers a path towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Agricultural Practices

As the backbone of Wales, the agricultural sector holds a pivotal role, but not without its environmental challenges. Encouraging sustainable farming methods involves supporting farmers in adopting practices prioritizing productivity and environmental health.

This includes promoting organic agriculture, which reduces reliance on synthetic inputs and fosters soil health. Supporting farmers in transitioning to eco-friendly practices is vital in ensuring a harmonious balance between agricultural productivity and environmental preservation. Through this approach, Wales can sustain its agricultural heritage while safeguarding the natural resources that underpin it.

Conclusion

As we conclude this exploration of sustainable futures for Wales, do not forget to advance your education to support such programs.

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Through urgent conservation efforts, commitment to cleaner air, and responsible water stewardship, Wales emerges as a witness to change and an active participant in crafting its destiny.

The harmonious coexistence of nature and human activity becomes not merely an aspiration but a tangible goal. With each step towards sustainable practices, Wales strides confidently into a future where its landscapes flourish, its air resonates with purity, and its communities stand united as stewards of a resilient and thriving environment.

Charity

Welsh teen wins photography competition with ‘perfect puffin pic’

Published

3 hours ago

December 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A STRIKING image of a puffin on Skomer Island in west Wales has been hailed the winner of this year’s prestigious RSPCA Young Photographer Awards – a year which saw the charity mark its historic 200th anniversary.

The winning entry was from Anwen Whitehead, 15, from Cnwch Coch in Aberystwyth, and announced at a ceremony at the Tower of London held today (Thursday 19 December) – a special and historic event which also celebrates the RSPCA’s milestone anniversary.

Every year, the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards invites young people aged 18 years and under to capture the animal kingdom on a camera or a mobile device. This supports the RSPCA’s mission of inspiring everyone to create a better world for every animal.

The judges praised the emotion and composition of Anwen’s Puffin photograph ‘Daydreaming in the Chamomiles’, marvelling at how tough it is to photograph puffins and remarking on the beautiful, diffused background.

Winner Anwen from West Wales said: “It’s very surreal and amazing to have won. I think this will really encourage me to keep going and push to make this a career. I was amazed at being shortlisted as a finalist so to win makes me determined to keep going and keep improving. I’ve won a few local competitions but nothing on this scale!”

Having only started taking photographs as a serious hobby last year, Anwen explained that the puffin photo which was snapped on a long anticipated visit to Pembrokeshire’s famous Skomer Island was one of her favourite photographs.

Anwen explained that she can quite happily spend 10 hours in a bird hide, or out in a field in camouflage gear at sunrise to get the perfect photo.

She said: “That’s my happy place. It’s very relaxing to be out in nature and away from screens. It allows me to slow down a little bit. It can take a long time but it’s always worth it in the end and the buzz afterwards lasts all day or all week!

“I’ve always had a love of animals. We live in rural Wales so I’m surrounded by animals and nature. I think it’s really important to try and help protect nature through photography by showing both the magic and the fragility of nature to help make people realise how special nature really is. I see wildlife photography as a tool for conservation by helping to spread the word.”

Remarkably, a number of photos submitted by Anwen were recognised this year. As well as being overall winner, Anwen’s puffin photo also won the 12-15 category; while her red squirrel image ‘Sergeant Squirrel reporting for duty’ was commended in the same category. Another red squirrel image ‘Peckish’ was commended in the 12-15 mobile category and her swallows image placed runner-up in the City Life section. Finally, her ‘Puffin Paradise’ collection came runner-up in the Portfolio category meaning Anwen had a whopping seven images shortlisted in the final.

All entries are judged entirely anonymously, and separately from one another, which makes Anwen’s multiple successes this year even more staggering.

To mark the charity’s 200th birthday, the RSPCA added two new categories – ‘Better World’ which imagines what a better world for animals looks like, and ‘City Life’ – which highlights how animals are all around us and shows how we can live harmoniously together.

Chris Packham, TV presenter, RSPCA President and supporter of the awards since its inception over 30 years ago, said: “As ever, this is a wonderful portfolio of work. This competition always attracts very strong entries and my special congratulations goes to all the winners and of course, especially, to the overall winner.”

Chris, who couldn’t attend the ceremony in person but recorded a special video message for the winners, added: “Photography is a great way of communicating your love for, your passion for, your fascination for, and your concern for animals. I think it’s really important that we use that as a tool at this particular time when a lot of animals are in trouble. Being able to use your imagination, creativity and ingenuity to come up with something personally unique and powerful is a very important tool.”

This year’s awards were judged by a panel of photography experts, including wildlife photographer Rachel Bigsby; former competition winner-turned-professional photographer Catriona Parfitt; professional wildlife photographer and photographic guide Ellie Rothnie; and RSPCA photographers Andrew Forsyth and Emma Jacobs. And for the first time this year – Fabian Rivers, known as the ‘Dready Vet’, an exotic animal and wildlife vet and RSPCA ambassador who appears on CBBC’s The Pets Factor.

Fabian said: “It’s a great honour to be involved in the inspiring RSPCA Young Photographer Awards this year. The calibre of entries has been staggering. Anwen’s puffin image is technically great, it’s sharp and evokes such lovely emotions. There’s a real story behind it and it was a clear winner for me.”

Other prize winners included last year’s talented overall winner Jamie Smart, aged nine, from Powys, Mid Wales, who won Pet Portraits with an image of her cat titled ‘Not Impressed’, and ‘Ready for Bed’ which features an owl won the Better World category, followed by her kingfisher image ‘City Fisher’ which won City Life. She also secured the top spot in the Under 12s category with ‘Rise of the Gannet’, and placed runner-up or commended with a further four images.

Other winners included;

Austin Lake, 13, from Devon, won Pet Personalities with his black and white photo of his cat,
Chris Wardell, 18, from Wiltshire, won Small World with his silhouetted spider, and the Portfolio category with a selection of back-lit fox photos,
Arlo Rautenbach, age 10 from Cornwall, won the Under 12 category with his photo of a slow worm,
Nathaniel Gingell, age 14 from Hampshire, won the 12-15 mobile category with a photo of a group of dogs,
Daisy Pipe, age 16 from Dorset, won the 16-18 mobile category with her tomato wasp image,
Anton Poon, 17, from Buckinghamshire, won the 16-18 category with an image of a robin

Sponsors of the competition are Natures Images (wildlife photography holidays) and Camtraptions (camera traps for wildlife photography). Winners in each category were awarded trophies and a selection of prizes at the Tower of London ceremony and as the Overall Winner, Anwen Whitehead received a weekend photography break with Natures Images. This fabulous prize- the Deer Rut Special – includes two nights’ accommodation for the winner and a parent/guardian.

The RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2025 opens for entries on 6 May.

The full gallery of all the winning images can be viewed here.

Community

Castle Ward Pupils Lead Anti-Social Behaviour Art Mural Project

Published

3 hours ago

December 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST HIGH VC SCHOOL welcomed a visit from County Councillor Thomas Tudor, who expressed his full support for the pupils’ efforts in tackling anti-social behaviour through an innovative Art Mural Project.

Councillor Tudor, representing the Castle Ward, highlighted the significance of the project, noting the area’s past struggles with anti-social behaviour in central commercial zones. “Engaging with pupils to address this issue through art is an extremely exciting venture,” he said.

The project has received a boost with £750 in funding secured from the Youth Bank initiative. Councillor Tudor commended the Youth Workers for their successful funding application, describing it as “a great achievement.”

The mural, spearheaded by pupils from the Youth Room and Haverfordwest High VC School, aims to inspire and engage the community while addressing a vital issue. “This exciting and innovative project will undoubtedly capture the imagination of those involved and reach out to all concerned,” Councillor Tudor added.

The initiative is set to bring a creative approach to community engagement and highlight the power of art in fostering positive change.

Photo caption: Castle Ward inspiration: Councillor Thomas Tudor supports the Art Mural Project (Pic: Suppled)

Education

Home Education: Delays and missed opportunities risk further tragedy

Published

3 hours ago

December 19, 2024

Jon Coles

THE TOPIC of Home Education has again hit the headlines.

The brutal murder of Sara Sharif in London exposes the glaring gaps in child protection for home-educated children over those in mainstream education, says the Independent Group on Pembrokeshire County Council in a detailed proposal on tackling safeguarding concerns and a call for the Welsh Government to act.

The Group’s statement is below.

No one denies that parents have the choice of home education. However, this shouldn’t be allowed if the risk to children is increased by a lack of a register by Local Authorities that confirms how many children are receiving home education, where they are receiving it, and from whom. The rights of the child should always be a priority, but the legislation surrounding home education is not strong enough to support this.

Pleas to the Welsh Government from local authorities across Wales to create and maintain a register of home-schooled children have fallen on deaf ears.

COUNCILLORS HAVE A FUNDAMENTAL SAFEGUARDING DUTY

Pembrokeshire has had its share of tragic outcomes regarding home education, and Councillors and employees of the authority have continually raised concerns about the matter. However, a time has now arrived when we as a society must demand action, as failure to do so will almost certainly see such tragedies reoccur. Society needs to accept that this is not Big Brother but our fundamental duty to protect its most vulnerable, namely our Children.

Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner for England, said it was “madness” that the law currently allows parents to take a child out of school, even if concerns had already been raised”.

She added, “Being in school is a safeguard; they are safer under the eyes of teachers.”

We must act. The Prime Minister himself has said that his government will deliver “stronger safeguards” for those educated at home, and the need to act is immediate. And act they have done, making it clear they intend to bring forward legislation (for England) a “landmark” bill where home-schooled children will have to be registered with their local authority.

Wales has procrastinated for far too long and must follow suit and do so without delay.

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNCILLORS’ CONCERNS IGNORED

In Pembrokeshire, the lack of a formal register has been raised on numerous occasions over many years, including on a number of occasions since the last County Council elections in 2022. The Social Care O&S Committee under the Chair of Councillor Dave Bryan on November 10, 2022, heard The Head of Children Services comment that the Council was then “into their third administration of WG where concerns of EHE has not been acted upon following Kirsty Williams’s announcement to shelve the plans.”

A letter sent by Councillor Bryan on this matter drew a negative response from the Welsh Government.

Cllr Phil Kidney and Cllr Huw Murphy raised the matter at Full Council on December 12. The latter commented that action is needed on this matter, as words alone will not suffice, and that he would be failing in his role as Safeguarding Champion if he did not speak out. Politics is about doing right, not being popular.

INCREASED HOME EDUCATION INCREASES RISK

In 2020, there were 210 children in EHE in Pembrokeshire. By early 2023, that number was 325. By Sept 2024, it stood at 463.

Increased numbers equate to increased risk.

Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire have the highest rates of children in EHE across Wales. The Education Act 1996 does not have the framework to allow local authorities to speak to home-schooled children or even see them if parents refuse. Home education works well in most cases, but sadly, not always. The invisibility of these children causes so much concern, as by the time they are seen, it is too late for some.

A CHANGE IN THE LAW

The UK is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Article 2 of the Convention directs that “the state shall take all appropriate measures to ensure the child is protected against all forms of discrimination or punishment on the basis of the status, activities, expressed opinion or beliefs of the child’s parents.”

Article 28 (b) stipulates that governments must make “primary education compulsory & available free for all”, and 28 (e) says governments must “take measures to encourage attendance at schools and the reduction of drop-out rates.”

It could be argued that for Wales and the UK to be more compliant with the UNCRC, the Education Act, 1996 should be amended to confirm the rights of parents to home-educate their children but within a legal setting where every local authority holds a register of every child receiving home education, that every child is seen and spoken to every term and a sample of their work is seen to evidence that they are being educated to a level that will provide them with the necessary tools and skills to succeed on attaining adulthood.

Society gets only one chance to get things right for every child born into it. For too long, the issue of not setting up a formal register for home-educated children has been, at best, overlooked and, at worst, ignored when the majority support the measure. By doing so, PCC concerns for Child safety will be identified earlier, and tragic outcomes will be reduced.