Climate Change : three reasons to be hopeful

While there is much frustration and disapointment at the missed opportunities in Copenhagen, there are still a few reasons to be hopeful in the months ahead. Here are just three...

Everyone knows that the job is not done.

Far worse then an inadequate outcome would be an inadequate outcome that was falsley labelled as a success and gave an excuse for complacency.  Thanks in part to the scrutiny and strong messages from civil society, it is widely and openly acknowledged that Copenhagen has not delivered a fair and binding agreement and that much more must be done to address the causes and effects of climate change. Even the Irish government have acknowledged that the accord falls far short of what is needed.That means the pressure is still on to deliver far greater progress in 2010.

A  common message is being heard from all corners of the world,

Rarely have so many diverse groups from around the world shared such a strong  common message – one rooted powerfully in science, lived reality and the principles of fairness.  Civil society, media and activists from both developed and developing counties have all joined the call for climate justice.  Best of all, new voices have  been making themselves heard both inside and outside the negotiations. Voices from the countries worst impacted by climate change have spoken out powerfully and passionately - inviting solidarity from us all. The connections formed around Copenhagen mean these voices will not be silenced but can only grow stronger.         

The negotiations will continue and Ireland can play its part.

UN negotiations will be continuing arond both the Kyoto Protocol and broader long term co-operation and political leaders need to ensure real progress is made within the next few months.  In the words of Niamh Garvey, Trocaire's Environmental Justice officer,  (read her blog here) “Governments, including Ireland, need to get back at the negotiating table and deliver a real deal as soon as possible. This will require re-building trust between developing and developed countries. Ireland must show its willingness to take action by adopting a strong climate change bill at home that commits to a 40% domestic emission reduction by 2020 and guarantees that Irish contributions to climate financing are 100% additional to overseas aid.”