Stop Climate Chaos welcomes Climate Law inclusion in Programme for Government

The Stop Climate Chaos coalition, the alliance of Irish development, environment, youth and faith-based groups, welcomed today the commitment to climate legislation in the new Programme for Government.

Molly Walsh, Policy Officer with Friends of the Earth said, 'This is another clear demonstration of the cross-Party support for a climate law. We look forward to engaging with the new government and the Dáil to ensure the bill brought forward is a strong and effective one'.

The coalition is calling for the legislation to be introduced without delay to ensure it is an integral part of Ireland's path to sustainable economic recovery.

'There are significant economic and employment gains to be had by ensuring Ireland establishes itself as an international hub of innovation in sustainability', added Ms Walsh.

Cliona Sharkey, Environmental Justice Officer with Trócaire added, 'The need for climate change action goes beyond our international obligations and the prospect of economic advantage. Ireland has a disproportionately high level of Greenhouse Gas emissions for our population size; a climate law can help ensure that our recovery will not be at the further expense of vulnerable people in developing countries who are already struggling with the impacts of climate change'.

ENDS

Notes

1. The members of Stop Climate Chaos are: Action Aid, Afri, Birdwatch, Christian Aid, Climate Action Ireland Platform, Comhlámh, Concern, Cultivate, Dublin Friends of the Earth, Eco Congregation Ireland, ECO UNESCO, Feasta, Friends of the Earth, Gorta, Just Forests, Kimmage Development Studies Centre, Latin America Solidarity Centre (LASC), Methodist Church of Ireland- Council of Social Responsibility, Mountmellick Environmental Group (MEG), National Youth Council Ireland, Oxfam Ireland, Presentation Ireland, Sustain West Cork, Trócaire, An Taisce, VITA, V.O.I.C.E.