Govt to unveil plans to combat climate change

The Government will today unveil its plans to reduce carbon emissions as concerns deepen about the threat of climate warming.

Ireland presently emits nearly seven million tonnes more carbon dioxide than it should under internationally-agreed Kyoto Protocol targets.

Minister for the Environment Dick Roche claims the National Climate Change Strategy will provide a road map for the country to meet its obligations.

Last month, he told the Fianna Fáil Arid Fees there was no “silver bullet, no magic solution” to cutting down on the temperature warming gases.

He said it would require energy conservation, technological advances, policy flexibility and local action by individuals to complement global efforts.

A report out last month warned unavoidable temperature rises over the next 50 years will spark drought conditions in Ireland.

The Environmental Protection Agency research also predicted increased flooding and the possible extinction of some cold climate species on the island in the coming years.

Half of Irish people are highly concerned about the potentially disastrous effects of global warming, according to a recent major European survey.

And almost nine out of every ten people believe the country’s energy habits are having a negative impact on climate change.

The Eurobarometer survey – carried out by the European Commission – signalled huge backing from Irish people for renewable power.

The vast majority of people, 94%, said they wanted minimum targets set for the amount of power generated from resources like wind, tidal and solar energy.

Almost half think the Government should subsidise these energy efficient solutions.