Sir, – I am writing to express my concerns about the current state of Ireland’s environmental policies and the urgent need for genuine action.
As highlighted in your editorial “The Irish Times view on the UN report on climate change” (October 25th), political will is still missing in addressing climate change effectively.
The UN Environment Programme’s latest report warns that carbon-cutting commitments for 2030 are not being met, and immediate, substantial cuts in emissions are necessary to avoid catastrophic climate impacts.
The Government’s Climate Action Plan aims to halve emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050. However, this ambition is undermined by continued support for high-emission sectors such as animal farming and fossil fuel-dependent transport systems. In 2020, fossil fuel subsidies in Ireland amounted to €2.2 billion, primarily through tax abatements like the diesel excise gap and the Diesel Rebate Scheme.
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These subsidies encourage the use of pollutant fuels, contradicting efforts to decarbonise the transport sector.
This inconsistency may explain the slow implementation of the EU’s anti-greenwashing directive in Ireland. The directive requires transparency and accountability, which could expose these conflicting actions and challenge the credibility of Ireland’s environmental commitments.
As Cop29 approaches, emphasising global climate efforts, it is crucial for Ireland to align its policies with its stated environmental goals to avoid accusations of greenwashing.
I hope that those elected in the next government will make solid commitments to address the Climate Action Plan, ensuring that Ireland not only meets its ambitious targets but also embraces sustainable practices. As emphasised by your editorial, this issue is urgent and requires unprecedented global mobilisation, with wealthy countries leading on these efforts. Ireland must play her part and demonstrate political will, taking decisive and transparent action to meet her climate goals. – Yours, etc,
LOUISA MOSS,
Dublin 7.
Sir, – Pat Leahy has pointed out that the Climate Change Advisory Council review states clearly that we will not meet our reduction targets of 2030 (“Three things the Irish election should be about – but won’t”, Opinion & Analysis, October 27th). While there is an attempt to purchase the electorate with tax cuts and cost of living supports now, it won’t be long before we will be paying through the nose in fines for side-stepping action on climate. We may not like everything about the candidates in our local areas, the one thing all voters can do to improve the world and concentrate thinking on what is most important is to vote green. I don’t believe everything promised by our Duracell Taoiseach, but I do believe that without thoughtful and informed voting, we are adding fat to an ever-consuming fire. – Yours, etc,
GERALDINE BIRD,
Doolin,
Co Clare.