Sir, – I am writing on behalf of Friends of Earth to raise concerns with the article "Voters oppose many climate action measures" (News, October 8th). It is at best unhelpful and at worst misleading that the majority of proposed actions posed to members of the public as part of Irish Times polling relate to divisive bans and increases in taxation. This is not reflective of the range of positive measures raised not only in Government plans but also by campaign groups, communities and students across the country.
Largely equating climate action to taxation and bans also ignores that necessary actions, from solar panels on schools, to retrofitting of homes, to improved public transport and cycling infrastructure, have an immediate positive effect on people’s quality of life.
It is also not surprising that a majority, when asked if they want to pay more tax, would respond negatively. A more informed discussion is needed in order to address how any increases can be applied in a progressive way to support climate action measures while protecting the most vulnerable. Precisely this type of questioning was undertaken in both the 2018 Citizens’ Assembly and in analysis by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action in 2019.
The focus on tax increases for individuals also ignores that there are greater risks and opportunities when it comes to Government expenditure. A laggard approach where the climate crisis is allowed to escalate carries infinitely worse economic burdens, costing hundreds of billions and potentially trillions per year globally due to extreme weather events and other impacts. The public should also be made aware that the Government spends over €4 billion on environmentally damaging subsidies and taxes each year, according to CSO analysis in 2019.
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It is concerning that one of the questions appears to suggest that climate action is associated with the risk of electricity interruptions. Even the most cursory reading of recent coverage reveals electricity challenges in the short-term are primarily due to the unavailability of two fossil gas-fired power stations and, in the medium term, by massive projected increases in data centre demand.
Overall, this is not to suggest that the situation is rosy or that Government decision-making is straightforward – the climate crisis is the defining challenge of our time and presenting the hard choices to the public is essential. However, climate action can be inclusive, just, and impactful for all the right reasons. An exclusive focus on increased taxation and prohibitions is superficial and negative and does a disservice to the Irish Time’s often excellent coverage of climate and environmental issues. – Yours, etc,
JERRY MacEVILLY,
Head of Policy,
Friends of the Earth,
Dublin 2.
Sir, – While the results of the poll on attitudes to proposed climate measures is disappointing, it is not surprising as it reflects the ineffective communications plan accompanying the measures. Despite many scientists and some economists, such as Lord Stern, warning for many years that critical action was required sooner rather than later to offset the worst physical and economic impacts of climate change, they were effectively ignored. Their message was drowned out by vested interests, with huge lobbying power, whose sole agenda has been the maintenance of a status quo which enriches relatively few while pillaging the Earth. Now having woken up to the immediacy of the severe impacts of climate change and the biodiversity crisis, political action is happening but it needs to be accelerated.
However, what is not being communicated is that because we have left it so late, sacrifices are required as we transition to a more sustainable economic model. The Irish per capita carbon footprint is greater than that of the UK and that of Italy. The argument of Ireland being a small economy with little impact does not hold water. This is a human issue of global collective responsibility. Of course the transition needs to be a just one, with those able carrying more of the load to support those more vulnerable to the impacts of change. This is now more than ever about collective solidarity and just measures. We are at a critical crossroads for humanity. We can decide to move to a new way of living, ensuring we protect the most vulnerable while doing so, or we can chose to continue to prevaricate and face the consequences. Time is running out, and judging by the results of the poll, the Government needs to work on the message. – Yours, etc,
BARRY WALSH,
Blackrock,
Co Cork.