Irish Aid's new environment policy only one part of the equation

Stop Climate Chaos*, a unique coalition of Irish development, environment and youth agencies, has welcomed the publication today of Irish Aid's Environment Policy for Sustainable Development, but highlighted the need for much greater coherence between Irish Aid's environment policy and the policies of other government departments.

Stop Climate Chaos*, a unique coalition of Irish development, environment and youth agencies, has welcomed the publication today of Irish Aid's Environment Policy for Sustainable Development, but highlighted the need for much greater coherence between Irish Aid's environment policy and the policies of other government departments.

The Stop Climate Chaos coalition believes strong political leadership is required from the Irish government to reduce Ireland's carbon emissions if Ireland is intent on making a meaningful difference to the lives of poor people living in vulnerable areas around the world.

‘Helping developing countries adapt to the impacts of climate change is vital, but unless the Irish government takes immediate action to reduce Ireland's carbon emissions we risk undoing any gains made. Providing assistance to the poor to deal with the impacts of climate change is only with part of the equation,' said Niamh Garvey, Policy Officer for Christian Aid Ireland, a founder member of Stop Climate Chaos.

Stop Climate Chaos is calling on the Irish government to:

· Ensure Ireland does its fair share to prevent climate chaos by immediately bringing in a climate change law which provides for an annual Carbon Budget** and 3% year-on-year reductions in Irish greenhouse gas emissions.

· Push for an international agreement to keep the rise in global temperatures to 2 degrees C or less. This means global greenhouse gas emissions must reach their peak and begin to decline irreversibly within 10 years.

· Support developing countries adapt to the impacts of climate change 

www.stopclimatechaos.ie