At a climate change meeting held by the Friends of the Earth at the Royal College of Physicians in Dublin, attendees were informed that an assertive minority group is creating fear among politicians, hampering necessary action against climate change. The gathering was cautioned that the following five years could be crucial in curtailing emissions given the upcoming local, European, and national elections.
Oisín Coghlan, CEO of Friends of the Earth, stated during the conference commemorating World Earth Day that the political perspective on climate action has shifted, with concerns rising that future governments might deprioritise this pressing issue. He encouraged voters to express their opinions on climate action.
Meanwhile, Hannah Daly, a professor at University College Cork, noted that misinformation is impeding Ireland’s progress toward achieving its climate goals. She underscored the need for an urgent shift in approach to meet these targets, while warning that distractions like the misconception of nuclear energy as a feasible solution is creating a standstill among politicians and the business sector.
In an EU context, Green Party leader and Minister for the Environment Eamon Ryan noted a discernible shift in politicians’ attitudes over recent months. However, he expressed serious concern about the hold-up of the EU Nature Restoration Law even after negotiations had been finalised. Speaking to the press, Mr. Ryan remarked on a fear-based, divisive strain of politics that interprets the green transition as a crisis to be averted.
Pointing to the significance of the upcoming local elections, he declared that voting in members to councils who intend to halt advances in areas like green communities, renewable energy, and public transport would have catastrophic results. He added there are political candidates campaigning on this platform, contrasting with the Green party’s strong support for the green transition.
Adults appear to be overlooking the importance of climate change, according to Mr Ryan’s comments during his main speech at a recent conference. His talk was halted midway by two protestors supporting Palestine, who urged him to discontinue allowing exceptions for American planes at Shannon Airport.
In a loud outburst, one protestor argued that being an ally with Israel and America isn’t feasible. Mr Ryan disputed this claim, mentioning that instead of allies, they are more likely to be among the first to censure the ongoing situations. He noted that although there’s an established system for American soldiers in transit, the transfer of weapons to anywhere in the Middle East is explicitly not authorised by the state.
Mr Ryan also touched on the issue of a proposed large offshore wind farm off the coast of Connemara, County Galway at Sceirde Rocks. In response to locals who have expressed concerns, prompted by a visual representation of the project from various onshore viewpoints, a petition has been initiated that had collected more than 1,200 signatures by the afternoon of the previous Monday.
Mr Ryan expressed the opportunity for every stakeholder to voice their opinions during the planning process. He also expressed his hope that discussions with local people from developers could assist the project in getting planning approval. He affirmed his support for the project and others like it striving to develop offshore winds, emphasising its necessity in achieving climate objectives.