A leader in a changing world? Welsh climate change policy

This paper examines the Welsh Government’s policy activity related to climate
change. In doing so, it contributes to the growing research into the activity and
significance of sub-state governments to tackling climate change. Wales presents
an interesting case due to its relatively ‘unique’ legal requirement to promote
sustainable development that is juxtaposed by the limits of Welsh autonomy. It is an area in which it has presented itself as having its 'leadership' on climate change. Under such circumstances, the paper focuses on critically evaluating two factors that are crucial to sub-state climate change policies in the context of multi-level dynamics: the degree of sub-state autonomy and intergovernmental coordination that have a significant impact on Wales' capacity to act in this area. The paper argues that in some respects, Wales is at the forefront of developing a climate change policy agenda due to its targets, its elaboration of its strategy and the development of a crosscutting and embedded approach to tackling climate change. It has approached the multi-level nature of competences relating to climate change and the constraints on the Welsh Government's autonomy in a realistic way. Its policies aim to add value to the actions at other levels of government and respond to distinctive Welsh circumstances. At the same time, Wales faces challenges in implementing its actions. Vertical integration and coordination with the UK Government is central to Welsh climate change policy and the paper argues that the political implications of party incongruence between Wales and Westminster heightens the challenge of these varied relations. The paper considers whether Welsh claims to 'leadership' are justified. Based on the findings from this case, the paper concludes by feeding into broader discussions regarding the role of sub-state governments in tackling climate change as an issue that it utmost on the global political agenda.