Ireland's current carbon emissions are 25 per cent above the target set by the European Union for this State - and they must be reduced by at least 20 or up to 30 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020, depending on whether a global reduction deal is reached over the next two years. Irish emissions are now increasing by 2 per cent a year when they should be falling by 3 or 4 per cent if the target is to be achieved.
It will be a huge task to make that transition with a profound effect on everyday life. Yesterday the Government acknowledged the scale of that challenge as it launched a communications and public awareness campaign on global warming. It is pledged to achieve a 3 per cent reduction in carbon emissions each year from 2008.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern clearly spelled out the facts: "Climate change is the greatest challenge of our times. The debate is no longer about whether it is happening or why it is happening. The scientific evidence points clearly to man-made emissions of greenhouse gases as being the main cause". Minister for the Environment John Gormley compared the task involved to turning a supertanker around - an image that applies as much at the national, local and individual level as at the global one. But it is also an enormous opportunity, he insisted.
A communications campaign should lead to behavioural change and a timely implementation of policy measures concerning public and private transport, greener residences, waste management, agriculture, forestry and public sector procurement. He appealed for a holistic, joined-up approach involving all Government departments and most aspects of everyday life.
It makes good sense to start by raising public awareness of the issues because consumer research has established a sense of mass ignorance, confusion, misunderstanding and delusion. People are only now coming to terms with the real facts of global warming and the dangers involved after years of scepticism and denial. It is therefore necessary to reach a shared understanding if effective action is to be taken - and to convince people it can really make a difference.
This will be achieved by a campaign of publicity and intense consultation of relevant stakeholders so as to create a durable basis for long-term change. Carbon reduction management is a central part of that, whether in terms of travel, work, business, home or leisure activities.
These are necessary measures. But they only highlight the potentially painful and difficult policy choices about how to deliver a turnaround sufficient to reduce Irish emissions by 3 per cent a year. Putting a price on carbon is central, whether by taxation, pricing or incentives. Next week's budget, we are told, will take the first steps towards that objective. Already Mr Gormley has radically changed building regulations. Yesterday he freely acknowledged the need for equally far-reaching changes in transport and urban governance. Nobody will be immune from these changes in public policy.