Over the next 22 days GreenNews will bring you coverage of Ireland’s General Election 2016 in our Election Diary. We will catch up the parties and cover who stands to deliver when it comes to environmental protection, sustainable development and future proofing the country. On day 1 of the campaign we may have posters up be we are far from having everybody’s stall set out. Today we look at AAA/PBP and Renua.
Hedgerows provide a vital refuge to many native wildlife species that face a landscape with little native woodland in comparison to other countries. Existing rules outline how landowners have six months between September and February to manage hedgerows and uplands effectively and there is provision for hedge cutting for safety on our roads. A decision such as this is unjustifiable; it will result in a severe blow to many wildlife species here are six of them.
The charity, which works to preserve Ireland’s natural and built heritage, sets out seven key areas that must be acted upon to reduce carbon emissions and prevent runaway climate change. They appeal to the electorate to “question canvassers and candidates vigorously”, as well as directly seeking political parties’ policies on the issues.
Phenomenal support has been received for a campaign to resist changes to the Wildlife Act. Over 14,400 people have signed a petition to stop proposed changes to the time of year farmers are allowed to cut hedgerows and burn scrub.
The dust has settled on December’s COP21 Paris conference, where 196 countries signed a landmark agreement to act on Climate Change, and all eyes are now on our own leaders who have ambitious commitments to honour. But does the agreement really tie our leaders down to taking any meaningful action?
VOICE, an Irish environmental charity that campaigns for the responsible use of resources, is urging consumers to go naked. In an effort to free us all from the hassle of getting through unnecessary packaging on many everyday products, the Dublin-based charity recommends buying naked or unpackaged items where possible.
The Irish government need to stop pleading we are a special case in relation to climate change and start doing what is needed, experts told an Oireachtas Committee this week. Members of the Stop Climate Chaos coalition this week spoke to the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline what the Paris deal means for Ireland.
While communities are still reeling from this winters devastating flooding environmental groups have offered some solutions. Today the Environmental Pillar published twenty recommendations to protect communities and their natural environment from future deluges.
Forests, bogs, and wetlands can all play a valuable role in slowing down water and protecting homes and farms from flood waters. Theresa O’Donohoe, Convenor of the Climate Change working group of the Environmental Pillar, spoke to Near FM this week about using nature to prevent the kind of devastating flooding we have seen this winter.
A 10 hectare blanket bog has been acquired by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC) and will be their first nature reserve in Kerry.
