Citizens assembly
Posted on 28. Sep, 2017, in Christian Values, Church Teachings, Ecology, Economy, Faith and JusticeComments Off on Citizens assembly
The recent hurricanes in the Atlantic have brought the realities of climate change into focus. If we fail to address the issue, there will be ever increasing turbulent weather. This weekend the Citizens’ Assembly will convene in Dublin to look at climate change.
The Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice (JCFJ) has made a submission to the Assembly. Their submission is one of 1,200 responses by groups and individuals to the question, “How can the state become a leader in tackling climate change?”
Climate justice is an important focus of their input, according to Catherine Devitt, Environmental Justice Officer with the JCFJ. She says the poor always suffer the most in terms of the fallout from climate change. Referencing the recent flooding and storm damage both here and abroad she says, “The less well-off often live in the type of housing that is more susceptible to the damage caused by changing weather patterns.”
The JCFJ, in their submission, also urged the government to put a workable plan in place to reduce greenhouse emissions. Catherine notes that Ireland is already on target to fail the deadline set for us by the EU for 2020, “and if government doesn’t act swiftly,” she says, “it will be a real challenge for us to meet our 2030 targets on harmful emissions as well.” She explains more to Pat Coyle.