A fifth of plant life faces climate change risk

A FIFTH of Ireland’s native plant life is under threat because of global warming, newly published research revealed yesterday.

The study was published to coincide with the launch of the Government’s multi-million-euro campaign that aims to raise awareness about climate change and help businesses to substantially reduce their carbon emissions over the next five years.

According to research by the National Botanic Gardens, 171 species of flora could be facing extinction by 2050.

Separately, the €15 million announced by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Environment Minister John Gormley yesterday will also help reduce the Government’s €290m bill for carbon credits and help meet Kyoto targets.

As the public becomes more conscious about climate change, the area of air travel will have to be examined and people will need to be encouraged to holiday in Ireland, said Mr Gormley.

As part of the Change Your World. Change the World campaign, the Government will work with business, farming, forestry, the tourism sector, the public sector, local communities and the public to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.

A Carbon Management Tool (CMT) will be developed which is common to all areas but flexible enough to manage their differences. Businesses and organisations will be able to go online and access a carbon calculator which will bring them through a step-by-step approach to carbon management planning.

Yesterday, the Taoiseach said that climate change is the “greatest challenge of our time”.

“The EU has undertaken to cut emissions to at least 20% below 1990 levels by 2020. Ireland will play its full part in reaching this goal,” he said.

“Ireland is a small country, with a small population. But even though we account for a relatively small proportion of global emissions, we have as much of a responsibility as any country to do what we can for this global effort to succeed.”

A new Cabinet committee on climate change and energy security has been established to oversee the implementation of the national climate change strategy.

Next week, the Finance Minister will publish the first carbon budget in the context of the traditional budget.

The Taoiseach said all government departments would have to engage with climate change strategy.

“Climate change is an environmental issue. It is also a social issue and an economic issue,” he said.

“It will touch on the lives of every man, woman and child in this country. It will have implications for every sector of our economy.”