Dublin City Council has launched a draft Climate Change Strategy for the City aimed at primarily reducing CO2 emissions. The draft strategy is currently on public consultation and the Council is encouraging everyone, householders, people in business and from across all sectors, living and working in the city to study the plans and make their views known. The draft strategy has been prepared by the Council's Environment & Engineering Strategic Policy Committee in association with the City of Dublin Energy Management Agency (Codema).

"CO2 emissions have the strongest effect on climate change and for that reason the reduction of such emissions is the primary focus of this strategy," said Councillor Tom Stafford, chair of the SPC. "Five action areas have been included in the strategy - energy, planning, transport, waste management and biodiversity with specific actions, targets and key performance indicators being identified in respect of these areas.

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"The strategy document also has a comprehensive analysis of challenges to be met in dealing with flood management and the supply of drinking water. It covers the years 2008-2012 and an annual review mechanism is built into the process."

Councillor Stafford also thanked the members of the SPC Working Group for the dedication shown over the last few months in developing the strategy document, which is now open to public consultation.

Codema has worked closely with the SPC in developing the draft strategy. Ms Edel Giltenane of Codema points out that CO2 gases mainly come from the combustion of fossil fuels and since our use of energy is commonly in the form of such fuels, there is a strong link between energy use and climate change.

"Due to the release of these gases, the climate has already started to change and will continue to do so giving higher global average temperatures, higher sea levels and changes in weather patterns," said Ms Giltenane. "CO2 emissions in the city can be divided between three major sectors - commercial, residential and transport, with the waste management sector also contributing to some emissions."

In 2006 Dublin City released approximately 4.23 million tonnes of CO2 gases. However it’s not all bad news for the city: While on average a Dubliner generates 8.4 tonnes of CO2 per year, this is 25% lower than the Irish average which stands at 11.3 tonnes. The City Council is confident that the new strategy will make a significant impact in reducing CO2 emissions in the Capital.

The strategy document is available on: www.dublincity.ie as well as at public libraries and Area offices and submissions will be accepted up to the 22nd February 2008.

(JM)