It is a reasonable expectation of an electorate that when it casts its vote in a general election those who are chosen to govern will prioritise the urgent and important and take account of the wishes of the people in their actions.
It must be a concern, then, that in its programme for government, the recently elected Coalition is missing the point completely on the actions proposed for climate and the protection of our natural environment.
Perhaps because it lacks the “all out now!” urgency of a pandemic it seems lost on this Government that what is happening with climate and nature will have a much greater and, more significantly, irreversible impact on every aspect of our lives. This programme for government is completely lacking in focus and resolve towards our environmental and ecological crises. It is beyond alarming that attention to environmental issues is only given where they are seen to affect economic or social needs, as opposed to recognising that these issues are an existential challenge in and of themselves.
In a pre-election submission, An Taisce set out 29 specific actions under 10 headings where it urged a commitment from the incoming government to limit emissions and protect nature
The actions proposed focus on voluntary participation and incentive-based approaches to change, on individual actions and an incremental approach rather than a commitment to the systematic changes required. The programme lacks any sense of priorities or urgency.
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In a pre-election submission, An Taisce set out 29 specific actions under 10 headings where it urged a commitment from the incoming government to limit emissions and protect nature. The case for these actions is based unequivocally on science, and in many instances follows on from legally binding obligations of prior legislation and international treaties. They include for example, commitments to support retrofitting, funding for public transport infrastructure, nature restoration, water quality and management of data centre energy demand.
That demand for action also aligns strongly with the public’s take on what is required. In November the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication (on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency) reported that 79 per cent of the Irish population thinks climate action should be a priority of the Government, with 82 per cent either “alarmed” or “concerned” by climate as an issue. The parties to the Government would likely argue that what they have committed to over the next five years aligns substantially with what we asked for concerning emissions targets, renewable energy and biodiversity. We disagree. The actions set out in the programme for government are not strategic, comprehensive or integrated in a manner that will drive real change.
Rather than just targeting incremental changes framed by specific short-term economic and social benefits, the Coalition must adopt an ‘all-of-government approach’
The Government position lacks any commitment to the reform of governance without which the necessary actions simply won’t follow. It’s not enough to be discussing the same issues when the specifics of measurable targets, the methods of achieving them and a commitment to timelines are absent.
History is not written in the present. While this Government has many concerns to address its handling of this issue will be defining. Rather than just targeting incremental changes framed by specific short-term economic and social benefits, it must adopt an “all-of-government approach”, integrating environmental considerations across all policy areas and enhanced cross-departmental and cross-agency co-ordination. It will also need a supporting commitment for a reform in governance that enhances monitoring and reporting systems, provides for independent oversight, enables public participation and underpins stronger and consistent enforcement.
An effective national response to our environmental and ecological challenges isn’t just about the Government. The commercial sector has the challenge of shaping sustainable business models that are viable both with respect to their operations and supply chains. The public at large, as consumers and as citizens can exercise their choices and their voices to influence both investment and policy.
For our part, organisations like An Taisce will be a voice for strong, evidence-based decision-making that can steer the State away from continuing environmental and ecological risk and damage. We also can support the work of Government by building broad alliances with other representative interest groups, across sectors, to inform and advocate for practical long-term solutions.
It is time for those with titles of leadership to get a grip on this agenda and recognise what is needed of them
While the Government prevaricates, environmental degradation continues apace. The commitment now therefore needs to be more urgent, more robust, better resourced and with more rigour in governance. Whether we like it or not, it’s time for tough choices, and for that, we need brave leadership. That leadership must come from the Government. For now, it is absent. It is time for those with titles of leadership to get a grip on this agenda and recognise what is needed of them.
- Gary Freemantle is chief executive of An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland, an independent charitable organisation working to preserve and protect Ireland’s natural and built heritage
