There are 24 government officials in the team appointed to draw up a climate change action plan.

The figure was revealed in Tynwald last week by Chief Minister Howard Quayle in response to a question from Jason Moorhouse (Arbory, Castletown and Malew).

Professor James Curran has been appointed to lead the Climate Emergency Consultative Transformation Team.

’A total of 24 officers are involved directly in the work of the analytical team,’ Mr Quayle said. ’Their time allocation varies from a day, a week, to full time and their hours are equivalent to approximately 14.5 full-time posts.

’The majority are doing technical analysis and research to support Professor Curran’s drafting of the report. Others are in support roles.’

The team is due to submit its report on a climate change action plan by January. Its work will also be used in the production of a Climate Change Bill, set to be introduced to the branches of parliament next year.

Mr Quayle doubled down on his commitment to combating climate change, saying: ’The island may need to embrace some significant changes,’ he said. ’Given the scale of the challenge we have set ourselves, I have no doubt that Professor Curran will too call for bold action.’