Sir, – The First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels concluded on Wednesday in Santa Marta, Colombia. While it offered some signs of progress, Ireland’s role as host of the next conference in April 2027 raises an interesting question: are we willing to lead by example?
During the current fossil fuel crisis, the Irish Government has provided or pledged almost €1 billion in supports, mostly in the form of neatly packaged fossil fuel subsidies. This is but a transfer of public money to fossil fuel companies, with little meaningful effort to reduce our dependence on them.
The elephant in the room is the car. Running an average family car now costs more than €10,000 per year. Yet, instead of reducing this burden, policy continues to lock people into car dependence.
Imagine if that level of public funds were redirected towards making it possible to live well without a car, through reliable, high-quality public transport, safe, world-class cycling infrastructure and walkable communities. That would be a real subsidy: one that delivers freedom of movement for all, better health, and a cleaner environment, without filling the pockets of fossil fuel companies.
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If Ireland is to host the next global conference on moving beyond fossil fuels, it must show that it is willing not just to talk, but to act. – Yours, etc,
OLA LØKKEN NORDRUM,
Dublin
