The Irish Climate Bill represents real and definite change for Ireland. With its passing, the bill with elevate the climate change issue to a national priority and put Ireland’s international obligations into law. It will require an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and establish a Climate Change Committee to oversee the task of reaching such targets. The Carbon budget, which has been in place since 2007, will take on new roles of measuring the progress of the country. A 3% average annual reduction rate in greenhouse gasses will be implemented to make sure future targets are met.

The proposed Irish Climate Bill is similar to bills passed in Scotland and England. Yet weaknesses exist in the bill that could lead to it loosing effectiveness in the future. Loose targets like the 3% average reduction are by no means mandatory and can result in the big polluters neglecting to make reductions immediately by claiming they will make up for gaps in the future. There currently is no stated guideline on how the ambitious 80% reductions target will be met and it is the only target of its kind stated in the bill. What is needed are a set of baseline targets to be met, much like the UK Bill which dictates benchmark goals every ten years. The Carbon Budget is currently nothing more than a non-binding progress report, instead of a yearly binding cap on total emissions. The bill also needs to ensure that carbon offsetting and the purchasing of carbon credits is not part of the 3% annual reduction but that Ireland’s emissions reductions need to be actual reductions here in Ireland. We also asked that aid going to developing countries for climate change adaptation is not taken from the existing pool of Irish aid but that is was additional and sufficient.

It is important that these loopholes be closed as they represent a real problem to the climate bill’s effectiveness and could jeopardize the ability for the bill to grow and strengthen over time. Voice of Irish Concern for the Environment (VOICE) along with the other groups in the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition are working hard to put the pressure on the government to take action and strengthen the bill. On June the 2^nd in Buswells Hotel in Dublin City centre individuals from all across the country, with the support of the members of SCC met their TDs (MPs) and voiced their concerns in person. This was a dynamic event where local constituents got to meet their local TDs and tell them directly how serious they are that the up coming climate bill is strong enough so it has lasting implications for big polluters as well as moves Ireland towards a sustainable future. The event was preceded by an e-action where constituents sent emails to their TDs and asked them to meet them on June 2^nd. The day kicked off with a training session hosted by various speakers from Friends of the Earth Ireland, Trócaire and Oxfam. The training day was intended to help the constituents understand what the climate bill means for Ireland, its targets and objectives and its many shortfalls. Over 150 people and 86 members of the Parliament made it out on the day and 70 TDs signed a ‘Climate Commitment’ that showed their dedication to ensuring the Bill is loophole free. VOICE and the Stop Climate Chaos coalition has kept the pressure up on the Irish government and eagerly awaits the Heads of Bill due in the next few weeks.

By VOICE volunteer Nick Chiumenti and VOICE campaigner Ciara Aucoin

]]> http://voiceireland.org/climate-change/ireland-on-it%e2%80%99s-a-way-to-a-low-carbon-future/feed/ 0 http://voiceireland.org/climate-change/come-meet-your-td-with-us-and-stop-climate-chaos/ http://voiceireland.org/climate-change/come-meet-your-td-with-us-and-stop-climate-chaos/#comments Mon, 10 May 2010 12:00:56 +0000 http://voiceireland.org/?p=527 VOICE is calling on all supporters to help us lobby for a strong Irish climate bill. The first draft of the climate change bill is nearing completion and could be published in the coming weeks. However, we’re very concerned that the proposed law will have too many loopholes and shortcomings. We’re joining forces with our allies in the Stop Climate Chaos coalition to launch a mass lobby of TDs on Wednesday June 2nd in Buswells Hotel, opposite the Dáil in Dublin. And we need you to make it happen. Now that the draft climate law is about to be published this is the time when rank and file TDs will be seriously engaging with it for the first time. Now is the moment to press them to make it a strong law we can all be proud of. And we know they listen to their constituents rather more than they listen to us! Don’t worry if you’ve never spoken to your TD before. Buswells will be full of staff and supporters of the various organizations in Stop Climate Chaos. Groups of us will meet our TDs together and you’ll get an action pack with all you need to know beforehand. For more see the Stop Climate Chaos website to take action and send an email invite to your TDS: http://www.stopclimatechaos.ie/takeaction/

See leaflet here : TIME TO ACT

Book asap as places are limited

Time is running out to prevent runaway climate change from a scientific and a human perspective. It is a huge privilege as well as an enormous responsibility to be alive today as we are the people that will succeed or fail. So I suggest we see the film then try and Save the World…There are millions of different solutions to climate change and there is a role for everyone, for example: 1). Spread the Word. 2). Start cutting personal and community emissions. 3). Campaign to pressurise our politicians. Our ability to debate and to change direction of society has always been a proud tradition of the print and radio media in the free world and therefore it would be an honor to have you attend and help to expand this crucial debate.

Space will be limited at this venue so if you are planning to attend it would be best to register by e-mail to stefanie.ratzky@dkit.ie .

The NGO organisers are seeking to get as many people, organisations, businesses, and educational institutes to sign up to reduce their own emissions by 10% over the year 2010 as possible. ‘Polar Bears are an iconic image of global warming,’ John  explained. ‘We are delighted to have them on our side in this campaign and know they will receive a warm welcome wherever they go.’ Dublin Zoo Director Leo Oosterweghel was very supportive and excited about the prospects of the campaign. Dublin Zoo is committed to reducing its carbon footprint this year and fully supports the 10:10 initiative.

What’s 10:10 all about?

It’s all explained on the 10:10  website  http://www.1010.ie/. You can calculate your carbon footprint, download tips and advice, and read the answers to the Awkward Questions. Cutting emissions can actually be easy, save energy, save money – and save polar bears. The Bears want to lead Ireland towards becoming a low carbon society as a matter of self-interest. Cuting emissions by 10% by the end of 2010 is an ambitious goal but for most of us it’s an achievable one. It’s precisely the sort of deep, quick cut scientists say is needed. The Polar Bears have been invited so far to visit Galway, Maynooth, Kilkenny, Nenagh, and Dublin.

10:10 is supported by 11 Irish environmental NGOs including VOICE. To contact the Polar Bears, call John at 086 8054492.

See the Irish Times article at http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2010/0120/breaking66.html

As environment ministers from the UN’s 193 member countries meet at the Bella Center in Copenhagen this week, Irish environmentalists await a fair and safe climate change agreement. This meeting is called a Conference of the Parties (COP) and is held annually. This year’s conference commenced December 7, 2009 and will end on December 18, 2009. The goal of the 2009 conference is to establish a global climate agreement for the period from 2012, when Kyoto Protocol expires, to which all countries will adhere. Talks for this new agreement began in Bali two years ago. This goal is in line with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change’s overall goal of stabilising the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere to a level that brings an end to the dangerous, man-made effects of climate change. It is imperative that this stabilisation occurs in a way that does not bring about extreme shock to the ecosystem, but rather lets the environment naturally adapt. In this process, food supply safety must not be compromised, sustainable, socio-economic development should be encouraged and the least developed nations should be supported in their efforts to cope with the implications of climate change. A new agreement is needed not only because the Kyoto Protocol expires in two short years, but also because it only was applied to a small group of countries. The new agreement is hoping to be more comprehensive and set goals to be reached by 2020. Industrialised nations will set targets of reduction in carbon emissions, with the big emitters China and the US claiming they will cut emissions in the region of 20-40% of 2005 GHG levels, a level not sufficient to reduce the possibility of a 2 degree increase in global temperatures (a increase of which is predicted to bring on devastating effects on global weather patterns and biodiversity). Countries will also negotiate technological advances as well as types of adaptation techniques to deal with the effects of climate change such as; new farming practices/crop variation, forest protection, fresh water retrieval, and sea defenses. We can only hope that the Irish delegates represent the growing concern for the effects of climate change in Ireland and sign up to a fair and safe deal in Copenhagen.

Also a big thanks to all who supported The Wave on December 5th in Dublin City Centre! It was a great day and we made sure to demand ‘Justice in Copenhagen’. The Wave got front page of the Sunday Times on December 6th and was shown in the RTE news on Monday on their piece on Copenhagen! At least we know we sent the Irish delegates off with the right message!

http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1207/1news_av.html?2663258,null,230

To get involved find out more at www.stopclimatechaos.ie or text WAVE to 0873200900

The Wave poster

Why 10:10? We all now know that unless we act quickly to reduce our consumption of fossil fuels and the rate at which he emit harmful greenhouse gases, life on earth will face huge obstacles in the years to come. With all these warnings and no action the 10:10 campaign seeks to make real changes. While governments constantly speak about the need to reach long term targets and the need for real improvements in far off dates like 2050, 10:10 asks for change to start in the very near future starting January 1st 2010. By signing up, 10:10 supporters will also help the efforts of the Government to Seal the Deal in the important climate change talks in Copenhagen on December 7th.

How does it work? By gathering pledges from people, businesses, organisations, schools and colleges to reduce 10% of their carbon emissions in the year 2010, 10:10 firstly seeks people’s commitment. It seeks the support from people and industries who know the importance of stopping runaway climate change and who know it is now time for us all to make simple changes to our habits and lifestyle patterns.

Sign up! By signing up on the website www.1010.ie you add your name to a list of hundreds of others committed to saving our planet. This commitment can be accompanied by a donation which can be made online. The funds raised by the campaign will support the ongoing work of the campaign which is set go well beyond the year 2010.You will receive confirmation of your registration and will receive access to resources to make your 10% cut as easy as pie.You will be able to calculate your carbon footprint, or the impact you are having on the planet by way of your household use of energy, your annual travel and other lifestyle habits. You will get emailed tips and advice on how you can reduce your carbon footprint in a way that is best suited to your home, football club, business or college. You will be able to download reminder charts for your fridge and can learn about the different ways cutting your carbon can also save you big money.

The New Year will kick off with national launch events all around the country and the end of 2010 will see an awards night for the greenest business, school, university and person. See www.1010.ie to sign up today!

*Please note the website is still under construction but sign up today to get your self ready for the start of a new, greener you in 2010.
** VOICE’s Ciara Aucoin stands left of Evelyn Cusack, Duncan Stewart, Minister John Gormely, Charles Stanley- Smith of An Taisce and Tony Lowes of Friends of the Irish Environment at the launch of 10:10 at the Dáil on October 29th.