In order for a Climate Bill to have any credibility it must contain targets for 2050, as well having an independent committee provide the oversight, according to Stop Climate Chaos.
The coalition of 28 civil society organisations working together on climate change, which includes Eco-Congregation Ireland, addressed the Environment Committee members on July 5 as part of the its process of hearing from stakeholders on the draft climate Bill.
Sorley McCaughey, Head of Policy and Advocacy, Christian Aid Ireland told Environment Committee members that, “This Bill doesn’t have what is needed to be effective. Without a named target for 2050 there isn’t certainty surrounding government policy, and the legislation won’t deliver a low carbon Ireland. It is simply too weak to work.”
Stop Climate Chaos recommended the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill 2013 should include an emissions reduction target of 80 to 95% below 1990 levels for 2050.
EU leaders have committed to transforming Europe into a highly energy-efficient, low carbon economy by endorsing the objective of reducing Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions by 80-95% by 2050. This Bill aims at a “low carbon climate resilient, environmentally sustainable economy” but doesn’t define “low carbon”. There is no justification for omitting this solid scientifically based objective from the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill and without targets, slippage is inevitable.
“Putting these international commitments into domestic law will provide certainty for businesses and investors and will ensure timely and adequate action to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Without these targets set in national law there is a risk that the Government will not act in time to reach these targets. Without targets there is nothing in the Bill to drive the transition.” said Stop Climate Chaos spokesperson, Gavin Harte.
SCC also called for a strong Climate Change Commission, independent from Government, with real powers of oversight and reporting. The coalition pointed out that last year the Government established a Fiscal Advisory Council which could serve as a model.