Stop Climate Chaos Coalition
Individuals, NGOs and businesses from Ireland and around the world already have had the opportunity to voice their concerns to the Citizens’ Assembly through a major public consultation. The consultation was a great success with the Assembly receiving close to 1,200 submissions, which are available online.
Speaking on behalf of Ireland’s Stop Climate Chaos Coalition, Jerry Mac Evilly commented:
“This is a historic opportunity for Irish action on climate change. We have already seen the hugely positive impact of this type of examination by the Assembly, such as their previous consideration of marriage equality. We hope the Assembly will now shake up Ireland’s action on climate change and drive a transition to provide benefits for communities and businesses across the country.”
The Assembly’s consideration of Government efforts to reduce harmful emissions is one of the most innovative approaches to the issue yet seen, both nationally and internationally. While the Assembly has been asked how Ireland can be a leader in tackling climate change, for decades Ireland has been a laggard on climate action. The State’s first national action plan in ten years was released last July. However, necessary and urgent reductions in pollution are far from guaranteed, and Ireland’s emissions are expected to continue to rise and exceeds its EU 2020 targets.
Spokesperson for the Stop Climate Chaos member group, Friends of the Earth, Dr. Cara Augustenborg, explained:
“The consideration by the Citizens’ Assembly of Ireland’s response to climate change is an innovative approach that will be closely watched not just in Ireland but around the word. The public consultation brought in such a great selection of positive ideas on how Ireland should respond urgently to cut climate pollution. The Assembly now has the opportunity to make sure the Government takes positive action on this crisis.”
Actions put forward in the joint submission of Stop Climate Chaos and the Environmental Pillar include setting an end date for peat burning and coal-fired electricity generation, putting concrete support in place for small-scale community renewable projects, providing significant funding for deep retrofitting of Ireland’s housing stock and increasing the share of investment that goes to walking, cycling and clean public transport.