The government’s 2024-2025 Climate Change Progress Report reveals a mixed picture of the path to net zero, with significant achievements in some areas but delays in others that could jeopardise long-term targets.
The report highlights particular concerns around electricity generation and transport, which together account for 65.3% of the Isle of Man’s emissions.
Despite a 3.8% overall reduction since 2018, electricity sector emissions have actually increased by 21% due to growing exports.
The document states: “A series of potential scenarios to meet the 2030 power sector decarbonisation target have been developed and are undergoing further evaluation.”
However, with just five years remaining, crucial renewable projects like onshore wind remain in planning stages.
Transport represents another major challenge.
While the draft Transport Strategy aims to ban new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, the report confirms: “The strategy is expected to be presented to Tynwald this year,” which would raise any indiction of delays.
Successes
The buildings sector has shown the most dramatic progress, with emissions down 26.6% since 2018. This follows initiatives like:
- The Energy Efficiency Scheme which has “benefited more than 3,823 low-income households, with over £1 million worth of energy efficiency items provided free of charge”
- The Green Living Grant Scheme that facilitated “assessments for nearly 5,000 homes, resulting in over £4 million provided for property improvements”
- A successful ban on fossil fuel heating systems in new buildings introduced in January 2025
In agriculture, the Peatland Restoration Project has made tangible progress, with “restoration work on 370 hectares of the most degraded peatland” completed this year.
The Farm Carbon Calculator has also engaged “120 farm businesses” to track emissions.
Funding and Future Challenges
The Climate Change Fund allocated £4.3 million this year, with:
- 79.2% spent on home energy efficiency
- 3.3% on nature restoration projects
- 8% on research and development
However, the report warns of persistent barriers including “resourcing and competing priorities leading to undercapacity to deliver climate action” and “resistance to change, lack of ambition and urgency.”
It also notes the increasing challenge of “the proliferation of mis- and disinformation.”
Warnings
With the first major target of 35% reduction by 2030 approaching, the report emphasises: “The GHG inventory should be reviewed every five years (due in 2028) – to ensure accuracy and reflect changes in emissions over time.”
This suggests current progress measurements may need adjustment.
However, with critical strategies still in development and key sectors lagging, environmental groups warn the Isle of Man should accelerate action to avoid missing its climate targets.
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