Climate Change has become a reality. Global temperatures have risen by a degree in recent years.  Even small changes in temperature can have dramatic effects. Many who found themselves homeless in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina now know that such storms have become more intense as sea temperatures rise in the Gulf of Mexico. In sub-Saharan Africa changes in climate are accentuated. Extended periods of drought have brought famine and death. In Ireland floods in recent times show us how vulnerable we are to a rise in sea levels. Global warming has occurred before in history. Volcanic emissions have darkened the skies and trapped sunlight producing a rise in temperature. This time however we know that man is the culprit, not nature.

Greenhouse Gases such as carbon dioxide are produced mainly by the burning of hydrocarbons, and are changing the climate in our lifetime. Poor building standards, cars stalled in traffic, and even the release of methane from cattle is warming up the planet. The levels of these gases in the Earth’s atmosphere are at their highest since pre-history. Experts agree that emission must be reduced to limit the increase in temperature to two degrees. The United Nations helped shape an agreement known as the Kyoto Protocol in Japan eight years ago. It allowed Ireland a modest increase in emissions by 2012 compared to the base year of 1990. In Ireland recent figures suggest that our emissions are twice that allowed for under that agreement. Decreases have occurred in recent years, but this was due to the closure of Irish Steel and Irish Fertiliser Industries rather than any root-and-branch policy reforms. More dramatic reductions than those agreed under Kyoto will be required in future years. Fifteen to thirty per cent cuts are needed by 2020, and perhaps as much as sixty to eighty per cent by 2050, according to the European Council of Environment Ministers.

At the launch of Ireland’s Climate Change Abatement Strategy in 2000, the then Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Deputy Noel Dempsey, stated: “Business as usual is no longer an option for Ireland”. However, a promise to renew the strategy every two years has not been kept, and the strategy is now out of date. As the first meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol takes place in Montreal, Ireland must now make changes if we are to keep our word. We must reduce our emissions, invest in reductions in other countries, or pay the bill through emissions trading. Reductions here at home are the main way of meeting our targets. Richer nations such as Ireland have to pay for their fair share of the damage that has already been caused. It would be unfair to expect developing countries to pick up the tab. Diplomatic action is needed to bring the United States and China into the agreements. It is encouraging that some American States have already indicated their willingness to play their part.

Discussions on the next round of agreements began in Montreal on 28th November. On Monday 5th December the Green Party is hosting a Civic Forum in the Round Room of the Mansion House in Dublin to coincide with the final stages of the Canada negotiations. It will be held in the same room where the meeting of the First Dáil took place in 1919. The historic resonance of the location underlines the need for radical changes to tackle the issue. The Forum will explain the science and point out the changes that are required. Experts from the fields of energy, construction, planning and business will take part and tell us indicate what needs to be achieved. 

In many respects the changes required are a good news story. The solutions are already available. Many have already made lifestyle choices that reduce their energy use.  At National level a Spatial Strategy based on proper planning is called for, rather than the pork-barrel politics of Decentralisation. New communities must be built close to jobs so that people no longer have daily commutes that start at dawn. More jobs are needed in Navan instead of sending people hurtling down the N3 to Dublin every morning. We will rediscover our neighbourhood and walk and cycle more. Our new lives will be healthier with more exercise. Less travelling by car will be required. The Government must invest in public transport so people can leave the car at home. Motor tax will be based on emissions, rather than engine size.

Mixed-use communities where workplaces, shops, schools and churches are located closer together will be the norm. More vibrant communities will be the result. Well-insulated warm homes with low heating bills will be commonplace. Zero-energy houses have already been built in Ireland.  Native wood pellets will fuel home heating systems and power stations. Wind turbines and ocean currents will feed the electrical grid. Success stories like Luas must be repeated in cities around the country. Farming will receive a boost, as it will be cheaper to buy locally rather than fly in fresh produce from halfway around the world. Production of bio-fuels could reopen the Carlow sugar factory.

Climate Change is already affecting us all. Vision and resolve is required from our leaders to tackle this global crisis.

Ciarán Cuffe TD is the Green Party’s Environment Spokesperson.

The Civic Forum on Climate Change takes place in the Mansion House, Dawson Street Dublin on Monday 5th December 8pm – 10 pm. More information: www.ClimateChangeIreland.Org