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An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen TD - along with Ministers from
the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security
- met with a number of stakeholders from the public, private
and voluntary sectors in the Climate Change Leadership Forum.
The Government convened the event to allow for an exchange
of views on the challenges that are facing Ireland in moving
towards the proposed EU 2020 greenhouse gas emission targets.
Speaking at the Forum, which he chaired, the Taoiseach said
- “We have to begin the transition to a low-carbon economy
and start changing how we create and use energy. I invited
the leaders in different areas of Irish society today, because
the changes involved will be profound and will impact significantly
on the structure of the economy. No sector, organisation or
individual will be immune.”
He emphasised that Ireland needs to identify the most cost-effective
measures for meeting our targets and that “this requires engagement
and rational debate by all stakeholders as we identify and
adopt solutions.”
The Taoiseach highlighted the fact that climate change is
one of the great challenges for our generation and stated
that Ireland now has to position itself in terms of a transition
to the type of low-carbon future which an effective global
response to climate change requires.
The Minister for Finance echoed the Taoiseach’s comments
and emphasised the need for measures to be taken in a sensible
and cost effective way. Minister Lenihan said - “In the current
economic climate, it will be hard to convince people of the
need for action. However, we need to reinforce the message
that climate change policy can be consistent with good economics
if it encourages energy efficiency and reduces our dependence
on expensive and finite fossil fuels.”
The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government,
John Gormley TD, highlighted the opportunities that will arise
for business. He said - “Our economic success over the last
two decades was built on innovation, creativity and flexibility.
Do we now harness those same characteristics, be proactive,
seek to lead the transition to a low-carbon economy and benefit
from the advantage of being an early mover? I am convinced
that our future must lie in pursuing the opportunities - not
struggling with the challenges.”
The Taoiseach also used the occasion to invite stakeholders
to continue the dialogue over the coming months as the Government
begins to identify the most economic policy options to allow
Ireland make the required transition.
He stressed “the importance of us working together if we
are to ensure that Ireland successfully makes the transition
to a low carbon economy and improve our energy security.”
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