The ESRI calls for a dramatic policy change for Ireland to achieve targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The most recent report from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) outlines in no uncertain terms that,
Successive governments have failed to tackle global warming policy.
Policy changes including the introduction of carbon taxes are required for Ireland to adhere to the European Union plans to curb greenhouse gas emissions by thirty per cent by the year 2020.
Associate Professor Sue Scott who authored the report explains that doing nothing will cost the state money, but also
Quite a lot of this energy saving is very much in our own interests.
Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan supports the ESRI recommendations. He launched a separate report from Cork company BioPower which says 80,000 jobs could be created in the renewable energy sector.
Bringing an end to our dependence on fossil fuels will benefit Ireland’s economy in the future, and according to Dr Colin Campbell from the Association for the Study of Peak Oil and Gas,
Those who recognise and plan and prepare for it will be much better than those who wait for it to hit them in the face.
The message coming from the two reports is the same both the economy and taxpayers will suffer if Ireland does not adopt a low carbon transition plan in the immediate future.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 29 July 2009. The reporter is Paul Cunningham.
