| Copenhagen - what are the implications for Ireland? |
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Implications for Ireland - deal or no deal? Scientific consensus states that greenhouse gas emissions must peak by 2020 to avoid catastrophic climate change -- think half of all animals and plants going extinct, half of all people experiencing water shortages, coral reefs gone, at least one meter sea level rise by 2100 and more thereafter -- and be reduced in the 80-90% range by 2050. To do that emission reductions in the range of 25-40% by 2020 from 1990 levels have to occur in the rich nations of the world. Currently Ireland’s Climate Change Strategy requires a limit in growth to 13% above 1990 levels of CO2 between 2008 and 2012. By 2020 a reduction below 1990 levels will be necessary. The strategy declares that “Through innovation, energy efficiency and more sustainability in our personal choices, we can achieve the necessary lowering of the carbon intensity of our economy without sacrificing competitiveness, economic performance or quality of life.” [1] One can see here the implication that “business as usual” will prevail, along with some modest concessions, but only ones that don’t damage the bottom line. Ireland ranks in the top 30 nations in the world for per capita emissions.[2] If every country in the world were to consume to the extent of Irish citizens the planet’s capacity to provide would be massively exceeded. And the crux of this problem is that developing nations crave this economic model as a means of eradicating poverty. Rich nations and poor nations alike are pledging to reductions that fall far short of requirements needed to avoid irreversible global warming. So long as economic growth remains a sacred cow, there is little hope for humanity to survive this folly of its own creation. A new deal at Copenhagen may be a wake-up call, but most likely, the same intractable divisions between the world’s powers will stifle debate and signal another blow for defiant progression towards a more sustainable and just future. Deal or no deal, we all have to act now. Each of us is just an individual and Ireland is just a small country, but once we each make a decision to effect positive change, whether by changing our habits of consumption or taking action against those responsible for climate crimes, the cumulative effect can be massive. Don’t expect the politicians of the world to solve this problem. You have the power to make a difference in your own hands. Use it wisely. [1] http://www.environ.ie/en/PublicationsDocuments/FileDownLoad,1861,en.pdf |