Transcript IBEC Presentation - Houses of the Oireachtas

IBEC Climate Change Working Group
Climate Change - A Business
Perspective
Presentation to the Joint Oireachtas
Committee on Communications,
Marine and Natural Resources
June 2005
Overview
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Significant issue for business and
society
Climate change policy and energy
policy directly linked
Will impact prices and therefore
economic growth
Difficult background of fuel prices,
energy demand and competitiveness
International level
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Global problem requiring a global
solution
Significant competitiveness issues
when USA, China, Australia, India
and Brazil outside
Post 2012, EU must engage with all
others
National Level
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Irelands 13% target is extremely
challenging
Ireland has a number of
disadvantages relative to trading
partners which must be recognised
Significant change have occurred
since 1990
Lack of equity very evident
Sectoral Breakdown
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2001 Sectoral Emissions
Waste
2%
Residential
10%
Transport
16%
Industry
17%
Agriculture
29%
Energy
26%
Changes Since 1990
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• GDP more than doubled since 1995
• Employment up over 800,000
• Improved energy efficiency and reduced
intensity
• Industrial output up 500%
• Tourism doubled: 6 million
• Housing completion rose from 22,000 to
80,000
• €52 billion on NDP
• Population over 4 million
Business
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Business has positively and proactively
engaged
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14% reduction in 2002 and 2003, 3.82
million tonnes
EU ETS primary mechanism
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Only covers some sectors
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Trading sector cannot be overburdened
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All cuts will add costs
Solutions
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Utilise all mechanisms available which are
environmental and economically efficient.
An equitable allocation must be made to the
trading sector
Other sectors must share the burden
equitably
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Support required for R&D and alternatives
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Public education required
Conclusions
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Critical issue which must be addressed
Business has and will play its part but
other sectors must engage equitably
Need measures that are
environmentally and economically
efficient.
Key decisions must be made.
IBEC Climate Change Working Group
Climate Change - A Business
Perspective
Presentation to the Joint Oireachtas
Committee on Communications,
Marine and Natural Resources
June 2005