Climate change means Ireland must change

Ireland is one of the world’s largest producers of greenhouse gas emissions per capita. If we are to effectively reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, fundamental changes are required.

The Irish government has committed to playing a full part in the effort to tackle global climate change by agreeing to the EU target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to at least 20 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020. This includes a Climate Change Strategy and an awareness campaign – ‘Change’ – to encourage people to change their behaviour.

However, Ireland’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2006 were 25.5 per cent above 1990 levels, compared with our target of 13 per cent. The transport sector is causing most concern with a 165 per cent increase since 1990 due to the increased use of private cars.

To help Ireland reach its target by 2012, the government has set aside €270 million for investment in flexible mechanism projects allowing Ireland to purchase 3.6 million other units for each of the five years in the Kyoto period 2008-2012.

Based on the EU goal to reduce emissions by 20 per cent of 1990 levels by 2020, Ireland will have to play a greater role in the new ‘effort sharing’ agreement that was presented in January 2008 for consultation.

Ireland will need to ensure close partnership between government departments, business, industry and the community in order to meet its targets.

For further information and advice visit www.change.ie or email info@change.ie