Climate change - Strategy light on specifics
He emphasised the importance of the strategy in meeting this country’s commitments under the Kyoto Protocol.
The target is in line with the agreement of EU leaders to reduce emissions to 20% below 1990s levels by 2020, but the National Climate Change Strategy looks beyond the Kyoto period, especially in relation to renewable energy targets and investment in public transport.
It is one thing to set such targets but practically nothing has been done to develop them. In 2005, our emissions actually rose by 1.9% year-on-year, and they currently stand at 25% above the Kyoto target.
The Government plans to reach 80% of its target with emission cuts and the other 20% by purchasing carbon credits from underdeveloped countries. Some €270 million has been allocated in line with the National Development Plan 2007-2013, and the Carbon Fund Bill had already passed its final stages in the Oireachtas and awaits the President’s signature to provide the legislative authority for the National Treasury Management Agency to purchase the necessary carbon credits.
The minister stressed the Government’s commitment in demonstrating leadership in reducing carbon emissions, but he was very light on specifics. For instance, he stated that the public sector will be required to measure, report and reduce their emissions, and he was particularly vague in suggesting “a voluntary carbon-offsetting scheme for all air travel associated with Government business by Government ministers and civil servants”.
Emissions in the transport sector have actually increased by 160% since 1990, and it currently constitutes 19% of the total emissions. The Government plans to raise the vehicle registration tax (VRT) for the higher- powered cars. No doubt many people will remember the 1977 election scam doing away with the VRT on private cars, but that was when the scientists were warning of global cooling.
The transport sector is the second highest contributor of emissions in this country. The minister realises that reversing current trends is going to require much more than good ministerial example in relation to foreign junkets, but even that should be welcome.
At 23% of the total, energy emissions account for the highest percentage of any sector. They rose by 34% since 1990. The minister highlighted the Government’s bright idea to require public bodies to purchase only energy efficient light bulbs by the end of 2007. In addition, there will be a parallel initiative to encourage consumers to purchase energy efficient bulbs by placing a levy on the cheaper conventional bulbs, because of their higher energy demands.
Some eminent scientists in a recent Channel 4 documentary — The Great Global Warming Swindle — seriously question whether greenhouse gases contribute to, or are a consequence of global warming. While the scientists argue between themselves, we should keep an open mind on the issue, but there is little doubt that many of the measures being advocated would enhance our environment, regardless of their impact on global warming.
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