Category: Environmental Justice

Retrofit Government Priorities

Hundreds of homeowners have been left high and dry by the SEAI retrofit scheme. Kevin Hargaden asks if the Government is really as invested in climate breakdown mitigation as it should be? The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) launched a pilot programme in 2017 to experiment with how best to approach the mammoth task of… Read more »

IPCC Report is More Than Cost Benefit Analysis

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) special report on land use was published today [8 August 2019]. It paints a stark but familiar picture of the impact human activities are having on the environment. The report, which draws on contributions from over 100 leading scientists from 52 countries across the world, highlights the need for… Read more »

Ireland’s Bogs Are Carbon Sinks

Ireland’s bogs are more than a distinctive feature of the landscape, they are a part of our identity. Restoring them is important for biodiversity, cultural and ecological significance, as well as in the fight against climate chaos, says Dr Ciara Murphy.

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Carbon Crimes: Government Obstructs Climate Emergency Bill

The Irish Government has resorted to using the ‘money message’ tactic to kill off the Climate Emergency Measure Bill which would have banned gas and oil exploration in Irish waters. This decision is a catastrophic error of judgement which demonstrates that the current Government does not have the required leadership capacity to face the global… Read more »

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Carbon Tax Sovereign Wealth Fund

A response to the Department of Finance consultation on Carbon Tax, from the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice. 

A Plan of Plans JCFJ web

Gentle Nudge or Political Fudge?

The Climate Action Plan completely ignores the fact that we need to adapt to climate breakdown now, not at some undefined future date. Ireland is already experiencing extreme weather events including flooding, drought and extreme snow-fall. But the Government’s plan for adaption is concentrated on building resilience through plans, strategies and support. It is a… Read more »

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Francis Trumps Leo on Climate Action

The Climate Action Plan considers the environment as a resource to be managed, not a gift to be cultivated, says social theologian Kevin Hargaden, who contrasts the Government’s approach with that contained in Laudato Si’.

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Is Ireland a Climate Action Leader?

Ireland’s Climate Action Plan was published in the wake of the recent political Green Wave and indicates a Government with its eye on both international and domestic fronts, says JCFJ Social Policy Advocate, Keith Adams.

Carbon Tax - Scales

Carbon Tax Sovereign Wealth Fund

A response to the Department of Finance consultation on Carbon Tax, from the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice. Overview The Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice welcomes the opportunity to make a submission to the Department of Finance on the options for use of revenues raised from increases in Carbon Tax. We recognise that… Read more »

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2018 Pivotal Year for Climate Change

On many fronts, 2018 looks set to have been a pivotal year on climate change. Disruption and hardship here in Ireland caused by severe weather in the early part of the year and record warm temperatures during the summer months brought the impact of climate change into greater focus, says Catherine Devitt.