Friends of the Earth Cymru has urged the new Welsh Government to move quickly to deliver on its pledge to make Wales net zero by 2040, warning that early decisions in this Senedd term will be crucial.

The environmental group says a Plaid Cymru-led government should show “bold ambition” across all departments, arguing that climate and nature policy cannot sit in one area alone if Wales is to meet its targets.

It is calling for a series of measures it says would cut emissions while improving everyday life, including stronger action on pollution, an end to coal extraction, better insulated homes, and a shift away from major road-building schemes towards public transport and active travel. It also wants more backing for local schemes that reduce waste and encourage reuse.

The group says the direction of travel is already supported by the public, pointing to the results of the 2026 Senedd election, which it says showed “strong public backing” for parties prioritising action on climate and nature.

It also highlights polling carried out by YouGov in March, commissioned by Friends of the Earth Cymru, which found that 60 per cent of Welsh adults are concerned about climate change and its impact on their lives. That figure rises to 78 per cent among 16–29-year-olds.

The same survey suggests strong support for practical policies linked to household bills and local services. These include 81 per cent backing for more investment in home energy efficiency, 66 per cent support for a fund for toy libraries, and 59 per cent in favour of free bus travel for all Welsh residents. Support for free bus travel rose to 67 per cent among Plaid Cymru supporters and 76 per cent among younger respondents.

On environmental quality, 80 per cent of those polled supported cleaning up contaminated land, while 67 per cent backed tougher action on microplastics and the same proportion supported more ambitious air quality targets.

Attitudes towards energy were also examined, with 58 per cent of respondents saying they view coal unfavourably. Among Plaid Cymru supporters, that rose to 74 per cent.

Haf Elgar, Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru said: “We have a new Senedd and Welsh Government—now it’s time to act. Our polling makes it clear people want action to tackle the climate and nature emergencies, which will bring down the cost of living, improve health, and reduce inequality.

“We call on the new Plaid Cymru government to take bold and urgent action across cabinet areas to deliver on their manifesto commitment for Wales to be net zero by 2040.

“We need a home energy efficiency programme which rids Wales of fuel poverty and gives everyone a warm home, air pollution targets so that every child has clean air, and accessible public transport for every community.

“And our communities deserve a better future. Land and water that has been polluted by our industrial past must be cleaned up, and communities able to shape their own positive and hopeful future.”