CLIMATE campaigners published new data today ahead of the May Senedd election, which shows the need for urgent environmental action across Wales.

Figures from Friends of the Earth Cymru shows the gap between Welsh voters’ desire for climate action and action to protect nature and the reality of environmental issues across Wales.

The data shows raw sewage was dumped into Welsh rivers over 100,000 times in 2024, almost 800,000 people are at risk of flooding and pupils in 970 schools are breathing dangerous air.

Nearly 800,000 people in Wales are at risk from flooding, which also threatens homes and businesses, and pupils in more than 1,000 Welsh schools are exposed to excessive air pollution levels, the figures show.

The findings cover the 16 Senedd constituencies and shows that 55 per cent of Welsh voters want faster government action on climate.

Friends of the Earth Cymru director Haf Elgar said: “This new constituency data … should serve as a rallying call for all political parties in Wales to act.

“Sewage in rivers, air pollution around schools and risks from flooding are not abstract statistics — our own lives and our wildlife are at risk from this mounting environmental crisis.

“Everyone should have the right to breathe clean air, live in a clean and safe environment in warm and dry homes, protected from extreme weather and with access to nature and local wildlife.”

FOE Cymru said it had contacted councils, and more than 45,000 uninspected potentially contaminated land sites were identified across Wales.

Almost 60 per cent of Welsh homes have poor energy efficiency ratings, leaving families struggling with high bills and cold, damp conditions.

Welsh Green leader Anthony Slaughter said: “This research shows that when the government neglects our environment, the impacts on people are deeply worrying.

“Dwr Cymru’s (Welsh Water) levels of dumping are completely unacceptable and aren’t being held to account properly.

“The figures also show that air pollution is worst in areas with high poverty levels — this is an issue of social justice.”

Plaid Cymru’s Delyth Jewell said: “While some parties choose to ignore the issues, Plaid Cymru knows that putting off urgent action to future governments isn’t an option.”

The Welsh Government said: “Everyone deserves clean air, safe waterways and protection from flooding, and it is more important than ever that we continue to protect our communities and wildlife from pollution and the threats of climate change.

“Air quality in Wales is generally cleaner than at any time since the industrial revolution, but we recognise air pollution remains one of the biggest environmental public health challenges we face. Through our Clean Air Plan for Wales, we are introducing ambitious new national targets for fine particle pollution, strengthening local action — including around schools — and promoting greater public awareness.

“Everyone should be able to enjoy our rivers with confidence. We have strengthened Natural Resources Wales with additional funding to tackle pollution and assess major infrastructure proposals swiftly, and we are legislating through the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill to further enhance our powers to protect and improve the environment. We also recently launched a Green Paper setting out a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reform how water governance works for people and nature.

“This Senedd term we have made our largest ever investment in flood risk management — over £377 million to better protect 52,000 properties — despite significant pressures on public finances. Managing increasing flood risk remains a priority, and we will continue sustained investment to safeguard communities across Wales, demonstrated through our record funding commitment of £85m for 2026-2027.”