There are ways for us to meet our obligations on climate change, while building genuine local, vibrant communities that will enrich our lives, writes Ciarán Cuffe
Climate change has become a reality. Global temperatures have risen by a degree in recent years. Even small changes in temperature can have dramatic effects.
Many who found themselves homeless in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina now know that such storms have become more intense as sea temperatures rise in the Gulf of Mexico.
In sub-Saharan Africa changes in climate are accentuated. Extended drought has brought famine and death. In Ireland floods in recent times show us how vulnerable we are to a rise in sea levels.
Global warming has occurred before in history. Volcanic emissions have darkened the skies and trapped sunlight, producing a rise in temperature. This time, however, we know that man is the culprit, not nature.
Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide are produced mainly by the burning of hydrocarbons, and are changing the climate in our lifetime. Poor building standards, cars stalled in traffic and even the release of methane from cattle are warming the planet. The levels of these gases in the earth's atmosphere are at their highest since records began.
Experts agree that emissions must be reduced to limit the increase in temperature to two degrees. The UN helped shape an agreement known as the Kyoto Protocol in Japan eight years ago. It allowed Ireland a modest increase in emissions by 2012 compared to the base year of 1990.
But in Ireland figures suggest our emissions are twice that allowed for under that agreement. Decreases have occurred in recent years, but this was due to the closure of Irish Steel and Irish Fertiliser Industries rather than any root-and-branch policy reforms.
More dramatic reductions than those agreed under Kyoto will be required in future years. Cuts of 15 to 30 per cent are needed by 2020, and as much as 60 to 80 per cent by 2050, according to the European Council of environment ministers.
At the launch of Ireland's Climate Change Abatement Strategy in 2000, the minister for environment and local government, Noel Dempsey, said: "Business as usual is no longer an option for Ireland." However, a promise to renew the strategy every two years has not been kept, and the strategy is now out of date.
With the first meeting of the parties to the Kyoto Protocol taking place in Montreal, Ireland must make changes in order to keep its word. It must reduce emissions, invest in reductions in other countries or pay the exorbitant bill through emissions trading.
Reductions at home are the best way to meet targets. Richer nations have to pay for their fair share of the damage already caused. It would be unfair to expect developing countries to pick up the tab. Diplomatic action is also needed to bring the United States and China into the agreements.
It is encouraging that some American states have already indicated their willingness to play their part. Discussions on the next round of agreements are now taking place in Montreal.
In many respects the changes required are a good news story. The solutions are already available. Many have already made lifestyle choices that reduce their energy use. At national level a spatial strategy based on proper planning is called for, rather than the pork-barrel politics of decentralisation.
New communities must be built close to jobs so that people no longer have daily commutes that start at dawn. More jobs are needed in Navan instead of sending people hurtling down the N3 to Dublin every morning.
We will rediscover our neighbourhood and walk and cycle more. Our new lives will be healthier with more exercise. Less travelling by car will be required. The success of the Luas shows that people respond to these changes. The Government must invest in public transport so people have the choice to leave the car at home. Motor tax will be based on emissions, rather than engine size.
Mixed-use communities where workplaces, shops, schools and churches are closer together will be the norm, with more vibrant communities the result. Well-
insulated warm homes with low heating bills will be commonplace. Zero-energy houses have already been built in Ireland. Native wood pellets will fuel home heating systems and power stations.
Wind turbines and ocean currents will feed the electrical grid. Farming will receive a boost, as it will be cheaper to buy locally than fly in fresh produce from halfway around the world. Production of bio-fuels will ensure a further boost to rural economies and, for example, could see the reopening of the Carlow sugar factory.
Vision and resolve is urgently required from our leaders to tackle this global crisis.
Ciarán Cuffe TD is the Green Party's environment spokesman