Deferral of climate change action misguided - Gormley

PEOPLE WHO believe that action on climate change should be deferred because of the recession have views that are “misguided and damaging”, according to Minister for the Environment John Gormley.

The “transition to a low-carbon world economy will happen quickly. We have two options – to move with it, or to be left behind. There is no alternative to this transition. We know it can be done. It is technically feasible, economically affordable and eminently sensible.” The Minister was speaking as he introduced a Dáil debate on climate change in the run-up to the UN convention on climate change in Copenhagen next week.

He agreed with the EU council’s decision to build on “synergies between action on climate change and economic recovery”. He added that the heads of a Bill on climate change will be completed by March next year.

Fine Gael energy spokesman Simon Coveney warned “there is a tendency among small countries to become, essentially, observers or commentators when big deals are being put together. It is very important that Ireland should decide what are the key signature or niche issues we wish to push as our agenda.”

This way, “Ireland would develop a reputation for an expertise in some key areas in which we have credibility and on which we can deliver by leading by example.” At present, “our reputation is in tatters regarding the commitments we made under Kyoto”.

Mr Gormley was not there when the commitments were made. “However, even in his time, the targets we set ourselves have been missed pathetically,” and “we must concentrate now on building some credibility so that we can credibly say we will meet the new commitments we make”.

Labour energy spokeswoman Liz McManus said: “The best statement of intent that Ireland could make would be for our Taoiseach to go to the Copenhagen talks having published the heads of a climate change Bill with all-party support. It would be a clear statement not only by members of this House but also by those outside it.”

Ms McManus said the report by the Oireachtas committee on climate change and energy “can be acted upon in Ireland without having regard to other countries. The way forward, as set out in the report, is based on the leadership of the Taoiseach to manage the project of tackling climate change. One of the factors that frustrated the committee greatly was the fragmentation among departments, and a silo mentality that blocks an effective overall strategic response.”

Sinn Féin spokesman Martin Ferris said it was important that the recession “is not used as an excuse by some developed industrialised countries to renege on their pledges under the Kyoto Agreement to . . . assist the developing countries”.