‘The time is now for transformational action for climate, communities and equality’, say Greens at kick off of annual think-in

The Green Party kicked off a two-day think-in in Dundrum, Dublin this morning (Monday, 13 September) to assert the Party’s vision for the year ahead – that the time is now for transformational action that prioritises climate, communities and equality.

The Party will discuss both the challenges and opportunities ahead for a new ‘green economy’. The Climate Action Plan, which will be announced by Green Party leader and Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan, early next month will outline what actions the State will take to reduce emissions by 51% by 2030 – a target that is all the more critical following the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) stake report in August which was described by the UN as a “code red for humanity”.

Minister Ryan stated;

“Ireland’s Climate Action legislation is amongst the most ambitious in the world, and it is the Green Party’s influence in Government that has brought us this far. It is now the time for us, as a Party and as a country, to put these commitments into action. The Climate Action Plan will set out what Ireland needs to do this decade, including changes in how we generate our energy, travel, heat our homes, grow our food and look after our land. We have to create a greener future for our children that means cleaner air, sustainable jobs, thriving communities and affordable housing.

“Over the course of these two days, we will discuss how the new Common Agricultural Policy should be used to help encourage sustainable farming in a manner that will encourage young people to stay on the land, including through the planting of native forestry. We are in the middle of a climate crisis, but we are also in the midst of a biodiversity crisis. A National Biodiversity Action Plan will be launched next year, and we will be discussing our vision for tackling the alarming decline in species and deterioration of habitats.”

The past year has seen the Green Party achieving more in government than any junior coalition partner in the history of the State – evidenced by the enacting of the Climate Action Bill; unprecedented financial supports for the live events sector; the publication of a White Paper on ending Direct Provision; the ratcheting up of investment in affordable cost rental accommodation; the extension of a ban on smoky fuels across the country; and the ban on fur farming.

Deputy Green Party Leader and Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin added;

“The Green Party is the key transformational partner in Government. We took the difficult decision to enter coalition last year, but it’s clear that we are effecting real change, working to create a fairer Ireland for every citizen. The recent Housing for All plan has Green Party policy at its core with a focus on affordability, public housing on public land and the introduction of cost rental accommodation which will be a game changer for housing in Ireland for generations to come.

“Within my own brief, I recently announced a Basic Income Guarantee pilot scheme for artists, and this is something the Party will be working towards rolling out across the population. I’ll also be driving further initiatives across arts, culture and sports and especially the night-time economy as we emerge from 18 months of Covid restrictions.”