There was a great turn out of eco-activists outside the Dáil on 24th November when Stop Climate Chaos members and supporters blew hundreds of vuvuzelas ahead of the UN Climate Change Summit in Durban, which runs from 28th November to 9th December.
Activists ‘blew off steam’ to express their frustration at the slow pace of political action to combat climate change and called on Irish and international decision-makers not to leave the future to chance.
They called on Minister Hogan to go to Durban and support the continuation of the Kyoto Protocol – the only binding global framework for climate action. While there, we also want the Minister to set a date for the publication of the promised Irish climate law, to show that Ireland is serious about its domestic commitments to addressing climate change.
Stop Climate Chaos is a coalition of Irish civil, development and faith organisations working to prevent runaway climate change. Eco-Congregation Ireland is an active member.
Emer Mullins of Oxfam Ireland said, “The programme for government contains a commitment to passing a climate law. Consistent failure to implement adequate policies over the past decades has shown that this is the only way to ensure forward thinking and smart investment. When passed, this legislation will be a vital part of building a sustainable and competitive Irish economy. Enacting a strong climate law is the greatest thing Ireland can do to stop climate chaos.”
Jennifer Thompson of Concern Worldwide said, “We can’t talk about tackling global poverty and hunger without tackling our contribution to one of the greatest threats to poverty eradication and food security. Ireland has a responsibility to people in developing countries who are already feeling the impacts of climate change, a crisis they played no part in creating. Ireland must work hard in Durban to secure the extension of the Kyoto Protocol which is seen as the strongest signal of the rich world’s willingness to do its fair share.”
Here’s some videos from Oxfam and Trocaire –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZqZF4SKJWs&feature=channel_video_title
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kv3B4iGN9Kg&feature=channel_video_title