“Ireland cannot yet afford another step backwards on climate action” - Senator Higgins on controversial Wildlife Bill
Senator Alice-Mary Higgins debates the Wildlife Bil
Senator Alice-Mary Higgins calls on Government to withdraw controversial Wildlife Bill, saying - “Ireland cannot yet afford another step backwards on climate action”
Senator Alice Mary Higgins has called on the Government to “withdraw and urgently rethink” the controversial Wildlife Bill which is due to be debated in the Seanad today. Senator Higgins, who also opposed intensified hedgecutting under the “Heritage Bill, stated today, “As we have again been reminded this week, we are facing a dual environmental crisis, on climate change and biodiversity loss and proceeding with this Bill will intensify both of these" The Wildlife Bill would allow for the “de-designation” or removal of protection from a number of raised and blanket bogs which are currently acting as carbon sinks as well as supporting significant biodiversity. “De-designation” opens these bogs up for commercial turfcutting. Senator Higgins noted, “The ‘de-designatation’ process as currently set out in the Bill disregards most scientific or ecological evidence and does not include any reference at all to climate change or the important role bogs play in carbon-storage” In addition to calling on the Government to withdraw the Bill Senator Higgins will also be proposing an amendment, due to be voted on this afternoon, which would completely ban commercial exploitation of any bog “de-designated” under the Bill. Senator Higgins continued "we need to set down a clear line between commercial cutting and turbary rights for household use. If the bog is destroyed now, by the machines of this generation, future generations will never get to exercise their turbary rights or indeed enjoy the natural beauty of the bog” “There is also a wider issue of intergenerational climate justice. Peatlands cover only 16% of Ireland's ground but are estimated to store 53% of all soil carbon. As one of the countries with the worst records on climate action, Ireland absolutely cannot afford another step backwards”
Ireland is starting late on climate action and it should be starting stronger. Here are some important challenges, gaps and concerns which will need further attention and action in the months ahead.
Limitation of liability: This problematic clause limits compensation for citizens hurt by climate inaction at the same time as the Government want to introduce new liabilities/compensation for corporations under the Investor Court System/CETA with chill effect. It's more important than ever to stop the ratification of CETA.
Climate Justice: I am glad that the Government removed a weak and damaging definition of climate justice but am disappointed they did not replace it with the strong one as proposed by NGOs and Senators. Government must now prove sincerity on this through concrete global solidarity action for example at COP26 and through funding.
Just Transition: "There are also people involved in just transition who have been ahead of us." A strong Just Transition definition is not included in the legislation. The Government will need to place communities, trade unions and others at centre of Just Transition for a ground up approach to climate action.
SDGs: Ireland played key role in negotiating the UN Sustainable Development Goals yet the Government rejected any amendments to include them in Climate Bill. The SDGs are not aspirational or optional they must be recognised as crucial blueprint for how we survive together on this fragile planet.
Market forces: "If we try to fit climate action into stock market model, we will fail and the world will burn". The Minister's economic framing doesn’t recognise that, as with housing, speculation is a problem not a solution and we can’t afford that.
2030 Target:”51% should be the floor not the ceiling”. Unfortunately the Government rejected my amendment to insert ‘at least’ before ‘51%’ which would have given the Climate Change Advisory Council flexibility to propose more ambitious budgets. Many scientists also have concerns regarding how the 51% target may be calculated.
Oil and Gas: The Climate Bill still allows the Minister to grant NEW licenses and leases for fossil fuel extraction, for example where there has been previous exploration licence. This actively undermines the aim of Bill and may be motivated by fear of litigation through the Energy Charter Treaty. Ireland needs to stop digging!
