Where is the sense of urgency?

Extreme weather events in many parts of the world now feature in the news more frequently than ever. This summer there have been heatwaves on land – and in theoceans – as well as wildfires, hurricanes, and severe droughts and floods. The climate change which has been predicted by scientists is now becoming ever more evident. Globally we’ve had the hottest July ever and according to UN Secretary-General António Guterres it signals that an “era of global boiling has arrived”.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres

IMPACT OF EMISSIONS

According to climate scientists, the ongoing burning of fossil fuels and the farming of vast numbers of ruminant livestock continue to be the two main drivers of global climate change. Together they have created greenhouse gases which have already raised average global temperature by almost 1.5ºC above the pre-industrial levels. This figure could reach between 4.1°C and 4.8°C by the end of the century if there isn’t a massive reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. In such a scenario scientists suggest that a billion people or more could die from climate catastrophes. Many areas of the world will become uninhabitable and experience outward migration on a largescale. It’s the people who haven’t caused the emissions who are suffering the worst effects of climate change. This ‘climate justice’ issue is highlighted by campaigners such as former President, Mary Robinson.

Climate justice campaigner Mary Robinson

PRIORITISING CLIMATE ACTION

Despite dire warnings about climate change and international accords facilitated by the UN there doesn’t seem to be the sense of urgency that is needed to stop ‘feeding the fire’. During the COVID pandemic when large numbers of people infected by the virus sadly died there was a palpable sense of urgency regarding the need for actions to tackle the problem. Climate campaigners have raised the level of awareness but it had very limited impact on emissions reductions. It doesn’t help that some media outlets and particularly social media feature a large contingent of climate deniers and anti-science / conspiracy theorists. What also hinders action on climate is that in democratic countries there is strong lobbying of politicians by representatives of the fossil fuel and other sectors responsible for high levels of emissions Furthermore, in countries where there is rising authoritarianism or autocratic regimes it is evident that climate action is not a priority. There are some key areas for climate action including substantial reductions in fossil fuel energy use and shifting to renewable energy such from wind or solar. In the area of transport/travel the focus is on active travel and public transport and less use of the car. When it comes to food and consumer goods there is a need to reduce waste and for a greater emphasis on the circular economy. In the area of agriculture / land use it is important to have a drive to low emissions farming and nature-based solutions that will store carbon and also protect biodiversity. All of these responses need substantial support from Governments.

MONAGHAN’S CLIMATE ACTION PLAN

When we look at Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions on a per person basis, we are among the highest emitters in the EU. The EU emissions reduction targets means that Ireland is committed to reduce emissions by 51% by 2030. However the country is on course to only achieve a 29% reduction. Under the Government’s Climate Action Plan each sector of society is expected to play its part in reducing emissions.
As regards local authorities, each is obliged to produce a Local Authority Climate Action Plan (2024-2029). A draft of the Plan for Co Monaghan is expected to go out for public consultation in the coming weeks with the final version to be approved by Co Council members early next year. The plan will focus on mitigating emissions at a county level as well as measures to adapt to the impacts of climate change in County Monaghan. It will include targeted actions for areas where local authorities have full accountability for climate action within their own operations but it will also include action where local authorities can influence businesses, communities, and individuals in the delivery of local climate action.

Wind Turbines are becoming a more common feature on the Monaghan Landscape

DECARBONISATION ZONE

Within each county’s climate plan there will be a particular focus on a defined ‘decarbonisation zone’ (DZ). A DZ is an area in which a range of climate change mitigation measures are identified to contribute to meeting national climate action targets. DZs are a demonstration and test bed of what is possible for decarbonisation and climate action at a local and community level. Monaghan Town has been designated as the DZ for Monaghan County Council.

HAVE YOUR SAY

The climate emergency is an emergency that is relevant to all and requires an emergency response from all sectors and at all levels – the UN, the EU, all Governments, the media, the business/farming sector, religious institutions, sports groups, the arts sector, the community sector and all families and individuals. At a national level what is needed is for an effort similar to what the National Emergency Coordinating Team does for short term emergencies but in this case the focus is on the medium/longer term. Here in County Monaghan the success of forthcoming County Monaghan Climate Action Plan (2024-2029) will depend on all sections of the community feeling ownership of the Plan and supporting its implementation.
Monaghans Climate Action Plan is due to be published 12th October and the public are invited to make submissions on what is being proposed.