LOCAL authorities have signed up to a charter in which they willl commit to driving forward meaningful climate action in their communities, through the actions set out in the Climate Action Plan.
Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton and the Minister of State Sean Canney signed the charter with all the local authorities last week.
The Climate Action Plan, published earlier this year, is the Government’s plan to ensure Ireland meets its 2030 climate commitments, putting the country on a trajectory to be net-zero emissions by 2050.
The charter is a key action in the plan and will ensure every local authority embeds decarbonisation, sustainable development and climate resilience into every aspect of the work they do.
Minister Bruton said the public sector leading by example is a central pillar of the plan.
“I am determined that Government, both at central and local level, will lead the way in our response to the climate challenge,” he said.
“Local authorities are uniquely placed to drive forward effective climate action at both regional and local level.
“Given their pivotal role across the key sectors of planning, housing, transport and waste and their close relationship with the community, they have a crucial role in implementing the step change that is needed and influencing many more to address this challenge.”
Minister Canney said: "The key to achieving our climate action targets is to bring everyone with us.
“Local authorities are a focal point for our communities, villages, towns and cities and their support for this charter reflects the whole of society approach we need to take to transform our economy from brown to green.”
The charter commits local authorities to several actions that will ensure they play a key leadership role locally and nationally in delivering effective climate action.
Among other commitments, all local authorities will:
•Put in place a process for carbon proofing major decisions, programmes and projects on a systematic basis, including investments in transport and energy infrastructure
•Deliver a 50 percent improvement in energy efficiency by 2030,
•Ensure all suppliers provide information on their carbon footprint and steps they plan to reduce its impact,
•Build local citizen engagement, particularly with young people,
•Partner and collaborate on climate action initiatives with local community groups, local enterprise and local schools and higher level institutions, and
•Monitor, evaluate and report annually on the implementation of activities under the charter.
Meanwhile, Minister Bruton hosted a Climate Action Youth Town Hall event in Mount Temple Comprehensive, Clontarf last week.
Speaking at the event in his own constiutuency, Minister Bruton said: “Young people have led the way highlighting the urgency of taking climate action.
“This is the greatest challenge facing the world and we must act now, and leave a better, healthier, more sustainable Ireland for future generations. The Climate Action Plan provides our way forward.”
Minister Bruton added: “It is vital that the voices of young people are heard as we shape decisions for their future.”