Environment

We are facing a dual crisis on climate change and biodiversity.

In the Seanad, I led opposition to Bills that threatened hedgerows, peatlands and pollinators. I sought protection for our oceans and green spaces, and a ban on microbeads. On the
Climate Action Committee, I pressed for ambitious targets, an exit from all fossil fuels, and investment in retrofitting, public transport and cycling. A just
transition is about quality employment, sustainable communities and economic policies that respect the environment. As a climate activist for over a
decade, I am ready to drive the urgent action we need.


Related Stories

Senator Alice-Mary Higgins calls for “green networks of cycle and pedestrian lanes and new ambition for rural public transport” at launch of new Committee report on Transport and Climate Action

The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment and Climate Action launched its Report on Reducing Emissions in the Transport Sector last Wednesday 3rd June. It is the first in a series of sectoral analyses on how Ireland will meet its target of a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030. 

Ireland has the fourth highest level of transport emissions per capita in Europe and the transport sector is responsible for around 20% of our overall CO₂ emissions, with private cars being the largest contributors to transport emissions.

Senator Alice-Mary Higgins urges Government to “Step up the Speed and Ambition on Climate Action”

JOC on Climate publishes report with 78 recommendations to improve Climate Bill. 

 After eight weeks of intense pre-legislative scrutiny, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action’s today published its official report on the ‘Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2020’ including 78 “significant recommendations on how the Bill should be strengthened.

 

A strong voice for Climate for Seanad 2020

Senator Alice-Mary Higgins has been an activist on climate change for over a decade and a consistent voice calling for action in the Seanad and as a member of the Oireachtas Climate Action committee.

She has been a leading voice calling for protection of hedgerows and peatlands, for investment in cycling and sustainable transport, for marine protections, for accountability for corporations, for fossil fuel divestment, for commitment to multilateral targets and processes and for a just transition.

Launch of the new TASC and Carnegie UK Trust essay collection: "Ensuring Good Future Jobs"

Speaking at the launch of the "Ensuring Good Future Jobs" essay collecting at the National University of Ireland office, Senator Alice-Mary Higgins said "The essays in this collection from TASC and the Carnegie UK Trust are the kind of joined up thinking we urgently need around the future of work. They offer a detailed examination of work and employment policy that recognises and considers the reality of people's lived experience while also looking at the wider context of society with huge care needs, a new digital landscape, a changing climate and important choices to make."