20 February 2013
Video: Climate Change Bill briefing for TDs and senators at Dáil
SO MANY TDs, senators and political advisers from all parties attended the event that many were forced to stand or sit on the steps of the audio-visual theatre in Leinster House to listen to a Climate Change Bill briefing by Trócaire, Friends of the Earth and the Anti-Poverty Network.
The three organisations stressed the importance of Ireland supporting a Climate Change Bill that contains essential ingredients such as carbon budgets, an independent commission and accountability.
Ciara Kirrane, Environment Justice Policy Officer with Trócaire, outlined the effects climate change has on the world’s poorest communities. She particularly highlighted how countries who contribute the greatest to climate change, rarely feel the effects. Instead, it is Third World nations such as Malawi who often feel the effects.
Robin Hanan, Director of the European Anti-Poverty Newtwork Ireland, explained the impact climate change has on low-income families and communities. He also noted how Ireland could follow the example of other European nations in making renewable energy locally owned and beneficial to communities in which wind turbines and other forms are located.
Molly Walshe of Friends of the Earth gave an in-depth analysis of what a Climate Change Bill must contain and outlined targets which the state should aim for. She said an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050 is the minimum target which the state should aim for
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