Stop Climate Chaos Coalition supports Climate Protection Bill

Seanad to vote today to make government emission targets legally binding

The Seanad will debate a Climate Protection Bill today that would give the government's new climate change policies the force of law. Stop Climate Chaos, a coalition of Ireland's main development and environmental charities, welcomes the discussion of this bill. Dr David McNair, Policy and Advocacy Officer at Christian Aid Ireland, a member of the coalition, said:

"The discussion of this Bill provides the government with the opportunity to formalise its commitments on climate change policy. The Seanad Bill is a unique opportunity for Ireland to become a world leader in its commitment to fighting climate change."

Using the National Climate Change Strategy as its starting point, the proposed law makes the strategy's target for greenhouse gas emissions in 2010 legally-binding. Beyond 2010 the Bill endorses the Government's commitment to annual reductions in climate pollution of 3% on average. It provides for an annual carbon budget and puts the proposed Climate Change Commission on a statutory footing.

Niamh Garvey, Climate Change researcher at Trócaire said, "We are witnessing first hand the impacts of climate change on vulnerable people around the world. This Bill is an opportunity for Ireland to demonstrate genuine commitment to avoiding the worst impacts of climate change on some of the poorest countries in the world"

Senator Ivana Bacik will propose the Bill for second reading in the Seanad on Wednesday evening at 5pm, with the support of other independent senators. Both Fine Gael and Labour have indicated they plan to support the Bill. It is understood that Minister for the Environment, John Gormley TD, will respond for the government. As yet we do not know what the government's position will be.

For media queries contact Catherine Ginty, Communications Coordinator, Trocaire, on 086 6293994.

The members of Stop Climate Chaos are: ActionAid, Afri, An Taisce, Cap and Share, Christian Aid Ireland, Climate Action Ireland Platform (CAIP), Comhlámh, Concern, Cultivate, Eco-Congregation, Eco-Unesco, Feasta, Friends of the Earth, Gorta, Kimmage Development Studies Centre, Methodist Church in Ireland - Council of Social Responsibility, National Youth Council Ireland, Oxfam Ireland, People Against Climate Change, Students Against Climate Change, Trócaire, Voice.

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