Paul Melia: We must back up talk on climate change

IS THE State finally about to make a real effort to tackle climate change? The fact that five members of the Cabinet were at the launch of the ‘Project Ireland 2040: Empowering Communities for Climate Action’ conference in Dublin suggests the mood music is changing.

And in highlighting the projected €22bn spend over the next 10 years on steps to address climate change, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar admitted actions had to begin matching rhetoric and community buy-in was key.

“This is a step change in public investment in climate action, however, it will not be enough on its own,” he said. “The transition to a low-carbon world will require profound changes in how we live our lives. That will only be possible with the support of communities and individuals. The Government does not underestimate the scale of the challenge. Earlier this year, I talked about the need for Ireland to be a leader in climate action, and I meant it.”

Fighting words, but will they be matched by action? No new projects were announced, but the fact that under-fire ministers for transport, energy and agriculture were in the room, setting out their vision, is a first step.

And in a rare display of political candour, Mr Varadkar also highlighted more difficult policy decisions to be undertaken including a ban on smoky coal, due before the end of the year, but also hikes in carbon taxes imposed on petrol and diesel, home heating oil and briquettes.

This will affect people’s pockets. There will be political fall-out. And there’s also a suggestion of carbon pricing, where the more you pollute the more you pay. Excise on diesel is likely to be increased.

Taxation will be at the heart of this debate. If the State is providing grants for electric vehicles and charging points, it makes sense motorists are discouraged from petrol and diesel.

The latter in particular needs to be tackled, because it is manifestly unfair excise rates are lower than on petrol for the private motorist.

Members of the Government, both publicly and privately, are now stating taxation will be a tool to help tackle climate change, so at the very least the seeds of a debate are being sown.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said he looked forward to the discussion at the National Economic Dialogue, as climate was an issue “in our national interest” but also a “moral obligation”.

But there is conflict at the heart of policy. On the one hand, farmers are being told to ramp up food production. On the other, they must reduce emissions. We don’t really talk about agriculture.

Climate Action Minister Denis Naughten is conflicted – he must tackle climate change, but he’s also in charge of energy security.

“There are clashes right across the system,” he admits. “Within the energy area, I have to prioritise the issue of energy security. We cannot secure indigenous investment or bring investment in here unless we can guarantee an energy supply.

“It has caused me huge difficulty in terms of offshore gas exploration. But renewable energy is not just about reaching our climate change targets. It’s about energy security.”

Government can write cheques and make funding available but it’s only through leadership and ensuring action across the public and private spheres that real change will occur.

Even if people don’t believe the science of climate change – and there are few enough of them – running households, businesses and public bodies more efficiently makes financial sense.

Few would argue retrofitting a building, making it warmer and cheaper to heat, is a waste of money. Where reliable and affordable, many would choose public transport over private car. Lower running costs for electric vehicles are a definite attraction for those changing their car.

There are many positive examples of actions under way at community level which can be replicated across the country, starting the process of change.

Young people are engaged through Eco-Unesco and the Green Schools programme.

Community groups are upgrading old buildings. Community generation projects are in place or planned.

The State’s challenge is to bring these groups into the mainstream and arm them with the tools needed to effect real change, including access to experts and information. If they are planning to upgrade a community centre, implement cycle-only areas or ramp-up recycling rates, they can see successful examples.

CRUCIALLY, there’s a need to involve people in decision-making, in helping map out how their areas can move to a low-carbon future. That requires input into city and county development plans.

As part of this transition, more dialogue is needed. This Saturday, the first regional gathering under the National Dialogue on Climate Action takes place in Athlone. The idea is to share ideas, highlight issues and identify opportunities – the first step on a long road.

Mr Naughten says he hopes people come who haven’t engaged with climate change before, who might be willing to do something but are facing difficulties. That kind of dialogue will help drive change. But as one speaker at the Project 2040 launch said: “Just because people know stuff, it doesn’t mean they change. People don’t often take that rational approach.”

The trick for Government will be convincing them.

Taxation will be at the heart of this debate. If the State is providing grants for electric vehicles and charging points, it makes sense motorists are discouraged from using petrol or diesel