How can Leitrim reduce its emissions to become carbon neutral by 2030? This question will be discussed at the Leitrim Cróga Climate Dialogue Session in the Bush Hotel on Thursday 20th February at 7pm. The GEAI Cróga report launched last December looked at how much an area such as Leitrim emits carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases and also absorbs carbon dioxide by its forests and other sinks. It gave the figures on all major sectors in Leitrim. The overall picture is that currently we emit far more carbon than we can offset with trees or other means.
“Even though our emissions per person are about average for Ireland and we emit more than we absorb, Leitrim’s overall emissions are actually less than other counties and we have an opportunity here of capitalising on this,” said Aedín McLoughlin, CEO, Good Energies Alliance. “Ireland is committed to reduce its overall carbon emissions by 30% by 2030. If we did this in Leitrim, we would be more than carbon neutral, which would be a fantastic advertisement for our county and our people. But, most importantly, can we do this and at the same time improve the well-being of our communities?”
“We have the facts and the figures,” continued McLoughlin. “It’s now up to us to decide how we are to move forward. Only by working together, as individuals, communities, businesses, agencies and local authorities, can we make it happen so that all of us benefit. Climate Dialogue sessions, where members of the public can make their voices heard, is a fantastic way to achieve this and we are delighted to be organising them in Leitrim.”
At this month’s Climate Dialogue Session there will be discussions on the three main emitting sectors – Housing, Transport and Agriculture – and scenarios put forward on pathways to achieve net zero carbon emissions.
Questions to be asked at the Leitrim Cróga Climate Dialogue include:
- What does the government target of retrofitting all houses to standard B2 (BER) mean on the ground? How can people afford this?
- What is our vision for low-emissions transport in rural Ireland? How can we achieve this?
- How can our farms become higher nature value and climate proof while ensuring that farmers get fair incomes?
Leitrim Cróga Climate Dialogue Session takes place in the Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon on Thursday 20th February at 7pm. The event is free, all are welcome and refreshments will be served. This event is organised by Good Energies Alliance Ireland and funded by EU Erasmus+ programme and Irish Environmental Network.
(Cróga = brave in Irish)
