Ireland can set a global example on climate change

A few weeks ago, Danny Healy-Rae, the TD for Kerry, told the Dáil that humans have no influence over changes in weather patterns. That the planet is warming and the climate is changing are, he believes, functions of divine intervention.

His hypothesis is informed by a deity rather than the data. The consensus of global scientific opinion, based on decades of research and analysis, is irrelevant.

It would be easy, though mistaken, to dismiss the parliamentarian as an outlier. The world is replete with climate sceptics and all of us who care about the future of our planet have a responsibility to both deepen public awareness and effect behavioural change.

Ireland can play a key leadership role on the climate agenda. While we are a small country, our role as a global advocate, highlighting the drastic consequences of inaction while educating citizens about sustainable energy, should not be underestimated.

Our reputation both as storytellers and innovators is growing. It is time to combine our strengths.

Energy profile

Ireland’s future energy profile will be a mix of energy efficiency and sustainable energy sources across the electricity, heating and transport sectors, with reliance on fossil fuels diminishing over the century.

Unless we wean ourselves off an overdependence on fossil fuels, we will hold back economic and social development by failing to invest in the clean energy opportunity available.

By diversifying our energy mix, we can lower energy costs and protect the planet.

We can be a global exemplar for energy efficiency and innovation.

And we can do all this through consultation and consensus-building, not by imposing major projects on communities without seeking their input.

State of Ireland 2016, a report published by Engineers Ireland, sets out actions that can speed Ireland's transition to a carbon-free society, with profound benefits for society and the economy.

Transport accounts for more than one-quarter of Ireland’s carbon emissions. Just 3 per cent of vehicles on the country’s roads produce 30 per cent of emissions.

All vehicles operated by State actors, starting with Ministers’ own cars, should be progressively converted to electric, compressed natural gas (CNG) or hybrid fuel sources.

We should also fast-track the nationwide roll-out of CNG filling stations.

Action plan

We can do more. On energy, among the other recommendations laid out in the report are:

• Develop a target-led and timelined implementation plan for the recently published energy White Paper, and stress-test and revise energy policy every three to five years;
• Boost public awareness of energy security and efficiency through tailored education and home retrofit programmes; carry out a deep retrofit of Ireland's domestic dwellings and public buildings to reduce energy demand and increase energy efficiency;
• Diversify the electricity fuel generation mix, expand the renewables base, explore technology solutions such as energy storage and further interconnection, and maintain investment in the transmission and distribution networks;
• Switch 900,000 homes not connected to the gas network to electric heating, rather than using fossil fuels, and ensure that energy efficiency is at the heart of the planned building programme for social housing;
• Create a single national strategic infrastructure unit that draws together actions across the Government.

In the end, it is up to all of us – political and community leaders, experts and opinion formers, entrepreneurs and citizens everywhere – to work together on climate action.

Engineers Ireland plans to meet Danny Healy-Rae and other parliamentarians to explain our report and hopefully they will work with us to face the future.

Future world

We all have to be conscious that what we leave behind for the next generation is ours to shape.

Man-made climate change is a huge environmental risk factor, with the potential to cause human hardship like hunger, drought, disease and deep inequality through the destruction of fragile ecosystems.

If we do nothing, these problems will gain momentum. But if we act boldly and together now, we can set a new course for the world and ourselves here at home.

Dermot Byrne is president of Engineers Ireland. You can access the State of Ireland 2016 report at

engineersireland.ie