Sir, – Ireland stands at a critical juncture. The Environmental Protection Agency’s latest State of the Environment Report delivers a stark warning: our nation is failing environmentally, and only bold, systemic change can reverse this trend (“Irish climate to become ‘unrecognisable’ if action on emissions is delayed”, News, October 3rd).
As chairman of An Taisce, I am deeply concerned about our inadequate response to the escalating crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. Our current approach – incremental at best – does not address the root causes of these emergencies. Minor adjustments cannot tackle the accelerating challenges we face. Despite some progress, nature is declining rapidly, pollution remains widespread, and our reported improvements in emissions often rely on ignoring land-use factors and outsourcing electricity generation, misleading us about our true environmental performance.
We strongly support the Environmental Protection Agency’s call for five key measures to turn the tide: a national policy position that aligns actions across sectors, rigorous enforcement of existing laws, transformation of key economic sectors, significant investment in critical infrastructure, and prioritising environmental health for public wellbeing. All of these echo An Taisce’s long-standing advocacy for deep, cross-sectoral engagement that recognises the intrinsic connection between environmental health and public welfare.
While the recent investments in climate transition and water infrastructure announced in Budget 2025 are welcome, they fall short of what is necessary. The Environmental Pillar acknowledges these efforts but highlights missed opportunities to enact sustainable shifts in tax and welfare policies. One-off measures, like the universal energy credit, undermine long-term sustainability and fail to effectively address energy poverty.
Blaming public participation for delays in housing and green infrastructure is misguided. Public involvement leads to better decision-making, as recognised by our courts. Limiting it undermines our collective efforts to restore the environment and build a sustainable Ireland. As Carl Sagan poignantly asked, “Who speaks for Earth?” In Ireland, it is the people who speak for the environment. The 500,000 individuals engaged in An Taisce’s programmes demonstrate the public’s deep commitment to nature. We should empower communities to act and hold systems accountable, not shut them out.
As we approach a general election, it is imperative that we demand more than rhetoric regarding environmental sustainability from our candidates. We need leaders who not only pledge but demonstrate a genuine commitment to aligning policies with our environmental obligations. The survival of our ecosystems, the quality of our air, the food on our tables, and the future of younger generations hinge on our decisions today. – Yours, etc,
STUART McCAUL,
Chairman,
An Taisce,
Dublin 8.