Ireland needs to stop pleading it’s a ‘special case’ and start doing what is necessary to meet the Paris agreement
The Irish government need to stop pleading we are a special case in relation to climate change and start doing what is needed, experts told an Oireachtas Committee this week.
Members of the Stop Climate Chaos coalition this week spoke to the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline what the Paris deal means for Ireland.
Prof. John Sweeney of An Taisce, Jerry MacEvilly of Trocaire, Dr Cara Aisling Augustenborg of Friends of the Earth all gave evidence to the committee.
Dr Augustenborg spoke specifically about what needs to be done from an Irish perspective.
Her key points were:
- The government need to stop pleading for a deal on our agricultural emissions and state clearly what we are doing and can do to meet our emissions commitments.
- We are bottom of the pack in Europe for our 2020 emission targets and non-compliance will be met with fines so we need to act fast.
- All our government and local authority plans need to be redrafted in light of our Paris commitments.
- Changing the energy sector is the easiest win and retrofitting is the key. We need to get our average house rating from D1 to B1.
- We need to develop community ownership of renewable projects to build local buy in.
- A price for solar energy needs to be set up so households and businesses can get paid for the electricity they produce.
- She also warned about the potential dangers of importing biomass and the devastation it can cause in other countries.
Call for land tax to compel developers to build on vacant sites
Irish Times: SVT (Site Value Tax) is the most equitable, efficient and effective property tax option for the Government. Unlike a conventional property tax that taxes the ‘improved’ portion of the property, ie the buildings and thus penalises construction, SVT is non- distortionary, creates no economic drag and has minimal adverse effects. Read article
Greens’ bus station plan is a sensible idea
From the Irish Times
The Green Party has struggled in recent years to remain politically relevant, but it deserves credit for one of the best public transport suggestions from any party in recent times.
A missive yesterday from its transport spokesman Tom Kivlehan contained an innovative idea to better utilise Dublin city’s public bus infrastructure, while also helping to solve part of the city’s traffic chaos. It went something like this . . . Continue reading “Greens’ bus station plan is a sensible idea”
EPA: Ireland will not meet its EU emissions target
The Environmental Protection Agency has warned that Ireland is failing to achieve its obligation to become a low carbon economy. Read more
Green candidate Grace O’Sullivan believes she has realistic chance of European seat
Grace O’Sullivan on European trail as sister Lola aims to retain FG seat on Waterford council. Former Greenpeace activist turned would-be politician Grace O’Sullivan has admitted she was reluctant to join the electoral fray when asked to run for the Green Party but now believes she has a realistic chance of entering the European Parliament following this month’s elections. Read article
Environmental Pillar dismayed by Commission’s lack of agreement on climate policy
The Environmental Pillar expressed its dismay today at the European Commission’s disarray over climate policy. Read Press Release
Shannon water campaigners could take their case to Europe
Article in the Limerick Leader
Green Party Convention 2013
Friday, April 12, 2013 at 6:00 PM – Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 9:00 PM; Salthill, Galway. Full details
Back to the Point
‘Back to the Point’ – The Point Festival/Carnsore Summer School
Friday 7th to Sunday 9th September