Last November just before the historic climate conference in Paris COP21, the Dublin Cycling Campaign took part in the People’s Climate March in Dublin. Over the coming months further communication was had with Stop Climate Chaos (SCC) who were one of the organisers of that event.

As climate action is nationally relevant, it was thought best and more inclusive for Cyclist.ie to become a SCC member rather than just the Dublin group. Following ratification at the recent Cyclist.ie Council meeting, membership was formalised.

The NGO alliance is “a coalition of civil society organisations campaigning to ensure Ireland plays its part in preventing runaway climate change. Current members include development, environmental, youth and faith based organisations.”

Why are cycling campaigns joining a climate action alliance ?

In a recent presentation, James Nix director of Green Budget Europe, warned that Ireland is expected to miss its 2020 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions reduction target, mostly due to projected increases from transport of 19% and agriculture of 2%. Currently these two sectors account for over 50% of emissions and are rapidly moving towards a 75% share.

Further insight into Ireland’s climate policy failings is given by “Is Ireland’s climate policy credible?” a 5 minute video by Paul Price of An Taisce.

With the transport sector’s CO2‬ emissions continuing to rise, no political will to ‪‬significantly increase funding to active travel has been reflected in any programmes for government emerging so far. Representation at regular SCC meetings and cooperation with other like minded groups lobbying for climate action, will strengthen and complement Cyclist.ie’s existing advocacy streams of transport and health.