Wellbeing: Advocacy Work in April 2020

5th May 2020
Whilst the Covid-19 crisis is everyone’s top priority, there are significant decisions being taken now that will impact our wellbeing for many years to come. These decisions may in fact determine whether we succeed or fail in the battle against climate breakdowns and biodiversity loss. Therefore, even in the midst of the public health crisis, An Taisce has been lobbying hard for sustainability and a Just Transition. In case you missed it, I have collected a selection of our advocacy work for your review…

Silent killer – spiralling agri pollution threatens rural and urban lives

20th April 2020

In addition to health impacts in Ireland’s rural areas, ammonia emissions from agriculture account for around 50% of the total health impacts of polluted air in urban areas. Moreover, ammonia emissions have risen steadily, year on year, in line with government policy to expand dairy and other animal agriculture.

All political parties must commit to deep and rapid emissions cuts in line with science and justice

27th April 2020

The United Nations Environment Programme has assessed the global average rate of emissions reduction required to remain within the Paris Agreement goal of 1.5°C as being at least 7.6% per year from 2020 onward. For a relatively wealthy, high per-capita-emitting country like Ireland, the required annual reduction rate is now considerably higher. It is An Taisce’s view that the suggested 7% per annum reduction rate is the absolute minimum that must be included and actively endorsed by all partners in any proposed programme for government. It will also be necessary to assess the further increase in mitigation ambition necessary for Ireland to play its fair share in this unprecedented global effort.

Submission on the Draft National Marine Planning Framework

30th April 2020

An Taisce has made a submission to the public consultation on the Draft National Marine Planning Framework published by the Department of Housing Planning and Local Government.

Time to Invest in a Healthy Future: Time for a Green and Just Recovery

20th April 2020

An Taisce wrote today to each of the 13 Irish MEPs to demand sustainable recovery investments.

While the immediate priority is to address the public health emergency, public stimulus packages are being developed to relaunch the economy. Given the monumental size of these investments, how we invest this money will determine whether we succeed or fail in the fight against climate breakdown, biodiversity loss, widespread pollution and inequality.