Climate change
Introduction
Global warming is likely to cause changes to the world’s climate. It is expected that a greater frequency and severity of extreme weather and rising sea levels will result in serious consequences for people through-out the world. It will particularly endanger coastal areas and small islands. Click here to find out more about the impacts of climate change for Ireland.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the main ‘greenhouse gases’ responsible for global warming. Human activities that contribute to the production of CO2 and climate change include the burning of fossil fuels, agriculture, industry and land-use changes like deforestation. To stop climate change, global greenhouse gas emissions must be significantly reduced.
The international Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was set up in 1988 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). It is responsible for assessing climate change and its causes, and produces assessment reports. The IPCC's latest scientific assessment Climate Change 2007 explains the reasons for climate change, it describes some of the changes which have already taken place and makes climate change projections for the future.
Ireland's efforts to stop climate change
Ireland is part of international efforts to combat climate change and has signed up to two major treaties addressing the issue, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 1992 and its Kyoto Protocol agreed in 1997.
Ireland as a member of the European Union (EU) has also taken steps to address its greenhouse gas emissions since the early 1990s. In March 2000 the European Commission launched the European Climate Change Programme (ECCP). The ECCP resulted in a wide range of new policies and measures. Among these are the EU Emissions Trading Scheme launched on 1 January 2005 and the EU legislation in relation to fluorinated greenhouse gases adopted on 17 May 2006.
The Framework for a new Climate Change Bill was published in December 2009.
Ireland’s National Climate Change Strategy 2007 - 2012
As part of Ireland’s efforts to stop climate change, the National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012 (pdf) was developed. The Strategy builds on the commitment to sustainable development set out in Towards 2016 and the National Development Plan 2007-2012. The Strategy sets out the principles and actions which guide Ireland’s efforts to reduce its CO2 emissions in the following areas:
• energy supply
• transport
• waste management
• industry, commercial and services sector
• agriculture
• residential
• public sector
What can I do?
The Department of Environment, Community and Local Government has developed a national climate change awareness campaign as part of the National Climate Change Strategy.
The campaign highlights that many of the activities we do every day result in the release of ‘greenhouse gases’. It also provides information about the different ways to reduce carbon emissions and stop climate change.
The national climate change awareness campaign shows how you can reduce your CO2 emissions at home.
It identifies actions that won’t cost the earth but will reduce your carbon footprint.
The national climate change awareness campaign provides information and activities for, primary schools, secondary schools, third level institutes, youth groups and teachers. It will develop initiatives to support the reduction of CO2 emissions and the awareness of climate change.
The Irish Government and the EU are constantly monitoring Ireland’s CO2 emissions.
You too can monitor your CO2 emissions. Click here to calculate your Carbon footprint and find ways of reducing it.
Where to apply
For more information about climate change and reducing your carbon footprint contact:
Climate Change Campaign
PO BOX 11296
Dun Laoighre
Dublin
Ireland
Locall:1890 242 634
Homepage: http://www.change.ie
Better Energy Homes Scheme
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland
P.O. Box 119
Caherciveen
Kerry
Ireland
Locall:1850 927 000
Homepage: http://www.seai.ie/
Email: hes@seai.ie
Language
Related Documents
- Budget 2007
Budget 2007 was announced on 6 December 2006. Summary of the main changes. - Budget 2010
Budget 2010 was announced on 9 December 2009. Summary of the main changes. - Landfill Sites
This document explains how waste is disposed of in a landfill site and the rules governing the operation of landfill sites in Ireland.
Contact Us
If you have a question relating to this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0761 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm) or you can visit your local Citizens Information Centre.