Climate change: 'No getting away from need' for higher taxation to deter fossil fuel use

Climate scientists warn of the steep climb Ireland faces to meet its 2030 emissions reductions targets but say measures including investment in renewables are already making a difference. File picture: Danny Lawson/PA

There is “no getting away from the need” for higher taxation or other measures that would discourage people’s fossil fuel usage, one of Ireland’s leading climate scientists has said.

However, any such funds raised by more taxes should be ringfenced for the so-called just transition in assisting the most vulnerable people and communities who rely on traditional industry employment, said Maynooth professor of climate change geography Peter Thorne.