Madam, - So Dick Roche is "not unduly concerned" about the European Commission's criticism of Ireland's plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions ( The Irish TimesNovember 29th). The Commission is now saying Ireland will be almost 16 per cent off its Kyoto Protocol target unless new measures are introduced.
The EU target is to reduce emissions to 8 per cent below 1990 levels by 2012. Irish emissions are currently 23 per cent above the level produced in 1990 and the EC estimates that without additional measures, Irish emissions will rise by 29.6 per cent over the period. Ireland has a special dispensation to increase emissions by 13 per cent in the period under the EU "burden-sharing" mechanism, yet still manages to be delinquent. Only Spain, Portugal and Greece are faring worse in efforts to tackle pollution.
It is likely that we in the rich countries will have to reduce carbon emissions by 70 to 90 per cent by 2030 to avoid the "tipping point" for a catastrophe rise of more than 20C above pre-industrial levels.
Kyoto is only a baby step yet Ireland flouts it and its government - through Mr Roche who must know this - is once again "not unduly concerned". It would be great to see him answer for Ireland's performance under his ostrich watch. - Yours, etc,
MICHAEL SMITH, Ormond Quay Upper, Dublin 7.