Our environment - A righteous voice and example

YESTERDAY, as Met Éireann told us that Valentia Island has enjoyed the warmest winter since records began in 1892, two other significant events took place and a milestone was passed.

Environment Minister John Gormley urged our EU partners to be more ambitious in setting targets to cut CO2 emissions. He suggested a target of 30% rather than the proposed 20% by the 2020 deadline.

Though the programme for government sets a target of 3% a year — which would surpass Mr Gormley’s target — the 30% proposal has upset his government partners, some of whom, including Finance Minister Brian Cowen, baulked at the implications of even a 20% target. Indeed, Mr Cowen has said Ireland will fight to have the 20% threshold cut.