Emissions: We must clean up our act

THE fact that Ireland’s emissions have increased 25% above their l990 levels begs a question. Has the Government factored in the emissions from the policy of burning waste?

The surge of 1.9% in greenhouse gas emissions to nearly 70 million tonnes in 2005 — the largest annual increase since 2001 — means we are not lowering emissions to meet Kyoto obligations.

The allocation of €270m for the purchase of carbon credits overseas means that in order to buy ourselves out of trouble, we will continue to rely on other countries cleaning up their act so we can purchase their credits.

Tough policy changes are needed to meet our international obligations and we must face reality, however grim.

The new green technologies can help turn things around in relation to waste and clean energy.

An injection of vision and courage is all that’s needed.

Who is up to it?

Mamie Bowen

Glenville

Monkstown

Co Cork.