Dr Walmsley, of Natural Resources Wales urges the public to make better everyday decisions to help the climate emergency.
During Wales Climate Week , the Senior Specialist Advisor on Climate Change and Decarbonisation says we’re yet to see the worst of climate change.
His warning comes at the end of the international Climate Summit in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt.
The focus of the week in Wales is to help individuals make better choices to tackle the crisis.
He has urged people to “make conscious choices” and think about how they can make changes, such as:
- Drive less and walk more
- Use public transport
- Dietary changes
- Take one flight a year rather than two
- Use renewable energy suppliers
Dr Walmsley says “disappointing progress was made on reducing emissions at COP27.”
And adds, Cardiff is at risk of increased flooding and more intense heatwaves.
The Council he says have “missed opportunities” to reduce the risks.
“Central Square is just a large paved area. They should have been forward thinking and created green spaces.”
“We need to plant more and create bigger areas of vegetation.”
These planted areas within cities will store more carbon and absorb more rainwater.
What are Cardiff Council doing?
One Planet Cardiff is the council’s plan to tackle the climate emergency. The aim is to make Cardiff a Carbon Neutral City by 2030. That means cutting 22% of greenhouse gas emissions.
In October, Cllr Caro Wild, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, says “We are serious about our commitments around climate change, and we were elected on a mandate to take bold action.”
But according to Dr Walmsley, this target is near impossible for two reasons.
Firstly the whole of society must change, not only organisations. Secondly he claims the climate emergency is not a priority.
He says other challenges like the cost of living are considered more pressing.
But adds that “it’s about gradually, progressively making those changes.”
“The decisions we make now, should work for the future.”
“Climate change is incredibly urgent and we have the rest of this decade to take action.”