Minister Hogan should follow Northern Ireland Climate Change example
Posted by Bronwen Maher on October 12, 2011 at 12:07 PM
Northern Ireland are finalising what has been described by campaigners as a ‘world class’ Climate Change Bill based on Scottish legislation. The Republic should follow suit, and aim to be on a par with climate laws introduced in the North. Climate change does not recognise borders, it is an all-island concern and it would be nonsensical for the Republic to have climate laws that fell short of standards north of the border. Scotland’s climate change bill improves on the UK bill in setting higher targets. While business and the farming sector have concerns about the impact of such legislation, if the UK, Scotland and Northern Ireland agree that tackling Climate Change is compatible with a strong and healthy economy, Ireland should adopt the same approach.
More information:
The Programme for Government states "We will publish a Climate Change Bill which will provide certainty surrounding government policy and provide a clear pathway for emissions reductions, in line with negotiated EU 2020 targets."
http://www.taoiseach.gov.ie/eng/Publications/Publications_2011/Programme_for_Government_2011.html
The EP Environment Committee voted that the EU should aim beyond its current 20% emissions reduction target for 2020. Doing so would be in its own economic interest, given the benefits of "green jobs, growth and security".
The Scottish Parliament Act sets in statute the Government Economic Strategy target to reduce Scotland's emissions of greenhouse gases by 80 per cent by 2050. The Act also establishes an interim target for 2020 of at least 42 per cent reductions in emissions.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2007/11/12115041/0
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