Seventy TDs signed a “climate commitment” on 2nd June calling for a strong climate law as well as new climate finance for developing countries.
Over half the TDs in the Dáil attended the event in Buswells Hotel, organised by the Stop Climate Chaos coalition, which saw voters from all over the country come to Kildare Street to lobby their TDs.
The TDs who signed the “climate commitment” pledged that Ireland would meet the targets in the law by reductions in emissions here in Ireland rather than by buying “carbon offset credits” overseas. The Government target is to reduce emissions by 3% a year on average between now and 2020.
The TDs also agreed to ensure that the independent advisory committee to be established under the law would have the authority to publish its reports rather than giving their advice in private. The climate commitment also calls for Ireland’s financial contribution to addressing climate change in developing countries would be separate from and additional to overseas aid commitments.Eco Congregation Ireland supporters were among the hundreds of climate activists who joined in the mass lobby. ECI is a member of the Stop Climate Chaos coalition of civil, development and faith organisations working together to prevent runaway climate change.
Constituents focussed on asking their TDs to make sure the Government’s promised climate change law would be clear and strong and that Ireland’s contribution to helping developing countries cope with climate change would not be taken from the aid budget.The Stop Climate Chaos mass lobby came as Department of Environment officials are finalising the first draft of the climate Bill, which is expected to be published before the end of June.
70 TDs signed up to a Climate Commitment with the following wording:
Climate Change is real and happening now. The effects of global warming are already being felt throughout the world and it is the poor in developing countries who are first and worst affected – and least responsible. Without urgent action, hundreds of millions of people will be put at severe risk through droughts, floods, hunger and disease.
Ireland is one of the worst offenders. Among rich countries our climate pollution is the sixth highest per person.
Ireland can make a real contribution to global efforts by passing a strong climate law without loopholes.
I commit to support the passing of a strong climate law that :
Achieves the targets in the law by real reductions in emissions here in Ireland, not by buying “carbon offset credits”.
Ensures that the independent, advisory climate change committee that the Government plans as part of the Bill, does not give advice in secret – the committee should publish its reports.
I will also support a plan ensuring that Ireland’s financial contribution to addressing climate change is separate from and additional to the overseas development aid (ODA) budget.
I will forward concerns on these matters to the Cabinet and do everything I can to support them in the Dáil.