The key elements of an effective climate change law, according to environmental pressure group, Friends of the Earth, are:
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- Long term targets for emissions reductions in line with the best available science. That means cuts of 40% by 2020 and 95% by 2050.
- Legally-binding five-year “carbon budgets” to deliver the required cuts.
- The Minister for Finance to have overall responsibility for the Carbon Budget and report annually to the Dáil.
- Annual milestones to make sure emissions go down year-by-year.
- A commitment to achieving the cuts domestically, with no offsetting.
- The inclusion of aviation and shipping emissions.
- An independent climate change commission to advise the Government on targets and measures.
Opposition climate bills are currently on the order paper in both the Dáil and the Seanad. A climate change law was introduced in the UK last year. Legislation is under preparation in Austria, Belgium and Hungary.