We need to lead the climate change battle

Anyone who doubts the relevance to Ireland of the global climate talks in Paris should take a long, hard look at how people are suffering in the unfolding crisis on the Shannon and other rivers, such as the Bandon, where water levels are expected to rise overnight. 

While the naysayers are still out there, hopes are also rising that the 195 countries gathered at the UN summit may yet save the planet.

The irony is that while farmers are among the many victims of Ireland’s latest spate of damaging floods, the Government has actively lobbied for a derogation of cuts in our beef and dairy herds, a major source of greenhouse gases.