Sir, – Taoiseach Enda Kenny calls the European Commission's target for a 20 per cent reduction in emissions in 2020 compared to 2005 "unrealistic" and "unachievable" ("COP21: Kenny criticises 'unrealistic' climate targets", December 1st). However, the most recent research by the European Commission projects the region will achieve a 24 per cent reduction. Unfortunately, Ireland is just one of four countries projected to fail to meet its burden-sharing target.
Mr Kenny also blames the previous administration, which included the Green Party, for this failure. Again, however, the facts suggest otherwise. The European Commission and the European Environment Agency’s 2015 report on climate targets notes that in Ireland “current policies appear to be insufficiently effective at overcoming obstacles to generate sufficient emissions reductions”. By contrast, when Mr Kenny took office in 2011, the same organisations found that the country was on track to meet its 2020 target.
It is not surprising that Mr Kenny would choose to play politics and try to deflect blame for his administration’s failings both on the European Commission and on the previous government. It is disappointing, however, that he would choose to do so with a matter as important as climate change. – Yours, etc,
PAUL SAMMON,
Islington,
London.
Sir, – I see we are again aiming to “save the planet”, according to many media outlets. What we are actually aiming to do is to save ourselves. The planet and many other species will still exist even if humanity is wiped out in some apocalyptic future scenario. Making the issues more personal to ourselves and our future may help to focus the minds of everyone. – Yours, etc,
BRIAN DUFFY,
Sandymount,
Dublin 4.