The Isle of Man’s Climate Change Transformation Team faced sharp scrutiny in Keys this week as members questioned its focus on public campaigning, use of taxpayer funds, and messaging to schools.
The debate, sparked by a question from Kate Lord-Brennan (Glenfaba & Peel), centred on whether the team’s activities align with its original mandate or risk overstepping into advocacy.
Ms Lord-Brennan challenged Environment Minister Clare Barber over the team’s shift from policy implementation to campaigning, citing its branding as “Net Zero Isle of Man” and social media content.
“The notion of the team was originally about making things happen,” Ms Lord-Brennan said. “Since policies have been settled, the emphasis seems to have changed to campaigning… Is it right to have a taxpayer-funded campaign group?”
Outrageous
The MHK also highlighted a recent social media post telling students they could secure “a liveable future in the face of climate change”, calling it “outrageous,” adding, “What oversight is there over this? From my perspective, it’s happening in a rogue way.”
Mrs Barber defended the team’s work, noting its mandate under the Climate Change Plan 2022–2027 and the Paris Agreement. “Educating the public”, which she said “is an important part of government’s role.
The minister also clarified that “Net Zero” is a branding tool for public engagement, not a separate entity, and revealed the team now has nine staff, two of whom focus on outreach.
Costs
Julie Edge (Onchan) pressed for transparency on costs: “What is the actual annual cost for operating news releases and engaging the public
Mrs Barber pledged to provide figures but stressed that staff salaries are funded by the Department of Environment, Food, and Agriculture (DEFA), not the Climate Change Fund, 80% of which has supported home energy efficiency schemes.
Ms Lord-Brennan remained unconvinced: “They are civil servants, not an independent campaign group. Will the Minister review their communications? They don’t seem in line with the action plan.”
Ms Barber said that there had been “misreported” messaging but argued the team’s blog encouraging reduced consumption also promoted shopping locally, aligning with economic strategy.
While Mrs Barber framed the team’s work as “a positive news story,” opponents like Ms Lord-Brennan continue to demand tighter controls:
She said: “This feels like a distraction from real delivery.”
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