The Government could ban some motorcycles as part of efforts to cut pollution, it was revealed yesterday.

A Government spokeswoman said a plan had been drawn up to reduce carbon emissions from vehicles over the next 15 years.

She said the strategy included “the banning of 2-stroke motorcycles” as well as the electrification of the Government fleet

But no further details about when or how the ban would be implemented were given.

The spokeswoman said that the Regulatory Authority had released a plan with the goal of an 85 per cent reduction in the use of fossil fuels by 2035.

She added: “To this end, a number of Government buildings, commercial businesses and private residents are investing in solar PV.”

The statement, released in advance of today’s (THUR) Earth Day celebrations, said the Government was aware of the potential threat of climate change and would do its part to tackle the problem.

The spokeswoman added: “As an island community vulnerable to the effects of climate change, and as a global capital of climate related financial risk management, we are determined that Bermuda will participate in the international response to ensure our collective safety and prosperity.

“To that end, we are declaring today that Bermuda is committed to increasing our protection of fragile ecosystem, reducing our carbon footprint and mitigating the impact of climate change.”

The spokeswoman added that the Government had teamed up with the Waitt Institute and the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences to create the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity programme which will designate 20 per cent of the island’s waters as protected fisheries replenishment zones and protect important marine habitats.

She said: “We have introduced strategies for the restoration of seagrass and mangroves in addition to increasing our protected species to include sharks and manta rays to better manage imbalances in Bermuda’s marine ecosystems.

“On land, we are introducing an island-wide tree planting strategy to remove invasive species, increase shade, and improve biodiversity.

“We have developed a strategy for the elimination of single-use plastics by 2022, which will be published for public consultation.”

The spokeswoman added the Bermuda development plan and building codes had been updated to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.

She said the Government’s water and waste water master plan would become more efficient and combat the impact of rising tides.

The spokeswoman also highlighted the potential for environmental programmes to help bolster the economy.

She said: “Bermuda is the global capital of natural catastrophe risk protection.

“Building on our decades of resulting investment in human capital, business expertise and innovation culture, Bermuda will seek to play a leading role in climate risk finance.”

The spokeswoman added that the Government would explore investment in “clean and lower energy building and retro fits, low-carbon transportation, grid and infrastructure modernisation, natural climate solutions and community resilience”.

She said: “How we address the issues of climate will help determine our collective future.

“Bermuda stands ready to do its part and to support mutually beneficial collaboration.”