Climate spokesperson Darren O’Rourke accused the government of a “divisive and punitive” approach to reducing carbon emissions.
Sinn Féin has said that it is “absolutely clear” that action is required to mitigate the impact of climate change, following accusations of climate denial.
Earlier this week, the party was heavily criticised due to a lack of a position on reductions in emissions in the agricultural sector.
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Climate Action, Darren O’Rourke told JOE:
“It is clear that emissions must be reduced and society must move away from fossil fuels. That’s why Sinn Féin supported the Climate Bill and its objectives of 51% emissions reduction by 2030 (based on 2018 baseline) and net zero by 2050. Indeed, we drove similar legislation in the North. We also supported the Carbon Budgets (average 4.8% emissions reduction 2021-2025; av. 8.3% reduction 2026-2030).
“We are absolutely clear that action is needed to ensure that the future of the planet is secured and that a just, fair transition to a cleaner, sustainable environment is needed.”
In a statement, O’Rourke accused the Government of taking a “divisive and punitive” approach to achieving emissions reduction targets and spoke of supporting relevant industries, sectors and communities through what he described as a “just transition”.
“Sinn Féin believes that by tackling climate change, we also have an opportunity to take people out of poverty (including fuel poverty), provide better public transport, warmer homes, lower electricity bills through microgeneration, a new green economy with jobs for rural and regional Ireland,” he said.
“We also have the incredible opportunity for energy independence through renewables (especially offshore wind) and new export industries (e.g. hydrogen, electricity) but, crucially, policies have to support industries, sectors and communities in the process – that is what is meant by a just transition.”
O’Rourke gave examples of a number of policy proposals, including funding solar panels for each school, overhauling the Government’s retrofitting scheme, and investing in “forestry, organics, biofuel and renewables and emissions-reducing practices in agriculture”.
When asked what information would be required for Sinn Féin to take a position on reducing emissions in the agricultural sector that hasn’t already been shared by both NGOs and climate researchers, O’Rourke said:
“Sinn Féin have sought publication of all consultants’ reports (including through Parliamentary Questions to government) which are being used to inform the Sectoral Emissions Ceilings. We are aware that private consultants reports from McKinsey consultants and others are being used extensively in this regard – as was the case for the Climate Action Plan 2019 and 2021.”
No timeline or reference was made to when the party would take a position on reducing carbon emissions in the agricultural sector.
The lack of commitment to a position has been heavily criticised, in particular by An Taisce.
If Sinn Fein or Darren O'Rourke need further clarification on the science of climate collapse, our inbox (or that of literally the entire scientific community) is open. Bad faith delay on climate action = climate denial. https://t.co/e5RpTaDmgQ
— An Taisce (@AnTaisce) July 26, 2022
“If Sinn Fein or Darren O’Rourke need further clarification on the science of climate collapse, our inbox (or that of literally the entire scientific community) is open,” the organisation tweeted on Tuesday.
“Bad faith delay on climate action = climate denial.”
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