Election 2016 Climate Manifesto Analysis

2/20/2016

Journal.ie

It’s the final week of General Election 2016 (#GE16) and at this stage, most of us can’t wait for it to be over. It’s hard to advance climate action when the Dail is dissolved and you don’t know what kind of government you’ll be dealing with in the future. At least the “quiet time” allowed me to trudge through political party manifestos to anticipate what kind of battles we might face in the next government with respect to climate.

To save you the pain and suffering of reading 665 pages to figure out where the political parties really stand on climate action, I’ve posted my entire analysis below both by party and by topic. I've also included my own personal ranking on how the parties measure up (biased as it may be).

Happy GE16 – This Friday!

Disclaimer: This is a volunteer, individual effort that does not reflect any organisation in any way. It may be an incomplete analysis due to limited time and resources. Feel free to email me suggestions if I neglected to include something related to climate and I’ll consider updating this post.

Update: New material added in red based on candidates responses to Friends of the Earth six questions to ask your candidate: here

No time to read? Watch my three-minute summary of where the parties stand on climate below:

First, the light stuff… How much does climate change feature in GE16 manifestos?

All parties mention climate at least once though Fine Gael (20), Green Party (15), and Fianna Fail (10) reference more than Labour (8), Renua (4), Social Democrats (4), or People Before Profit (1).
Which parties’ manifestos dedicate a stand-alone section to climate change? Fine Gael, Green Party, Renua, Social Democrats
Who mentioned the Paris Climate Agreement? Fine Gael, Fianna Fail, Green Party
Who committed to keeping Whitegate oil refinery open? Fine Gael and Labour
Who called to put a price on solar electricity so suppliers could sell to the grid? Sinn Fein, Green Party, Renua. In a response to Friends of the Earth on this question, the Social Democrats stated their position is "that electricity suppliers should be encouraged to expand home micro-generation pilot schemes, covering wind, photovoltaic and combined heat and power" and People Before Profit said they agreed with putting a price on solar.
Who plans to close Moneypoint coal-burning power station? Green Party commits to closing it within next government. Labour will replace coal with low-carbon technology by 2025. No other parties refer to Moneypoint in their manifesto. In a response to Friends of the Earth on this question, the Social Democrats proposed "to phase out state subsidies for carbon-intense electricity generation, favour subsidisation of renewables where appropriate, continue the conversion of peat-burning electricity plants to co-fired biomass, set an achievable target to eliminate peat burning, and replace peat burning with domestically produced biomass where possible."; Sinn Fein supported "the phasing out of Ireland’s remaining power stations that burn fossil fuels such as peat and coal... [through] maximising the use of renewable energy sources without over relying on wind energy; and Fianna Fail wanted to examine the possibility of converting the coal fired power station at Moneypoint to biomass.
Who plans to ban fracking? Labour, Sinn Fein, Green Party, People Before Profit, and Renua commit to it in their manifestos. Fianna Fail agreed to ban it in a pledge to Friends of the Earth Ireland.

Now, some analysis by political party with respect to climate...

Fine Gael (FG): FG includes climate as one of ten policies (climate change, energy and environment) and refers to climate more than any other party manifesto, but don’t confuse quantity over quality. Any details on real actions to reduce emissions are all said to be provided in National Mitigation Plans (due in 16 months). As one of my students said, FG’s manifesto says “We plan to give you a plan on how we’ll plan.” FG’s manifesto is the only one that includes plans for peatland policies, but at the same time, they plan to keep peat-burning power stations open by co-firing them with biomass. There are several instances of phrasing around “balancing” that cause for concern: E.g. “balancing” agricultural emissions with rural economy; balancing of renewable energy generation with local indigenous energy generation; and balanced migration policy - All could be interpreted as potentially counteractive to climate action and climate justice. FG’s manifesto is weakest on migration issues and oil/gas exploration (They’re most definite on continuation of exploration). They are also in favour of herd expansion in line with Food Wise 2025 and make no reference to solar energy.

Labour (LB): Labour suggests achieving carbon neutral cities through an “ambitious” 20-year plan though provide no details. They have specific measures for improving public transportation but are more-vague on transport as a whole with respect to emissions reductions, other than a plan to establish a target in 2016 to increase number of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) filling stations (a dubious transition fuel that could delay full decarbonisation). LB is opposed to fracking and ambitious on community-owned energy projects. In a response to Friends of the Earth, they cite the Energy White Paper chapter “From Passive Consumer to Active Citizen” as their plan for citizen engagement in energy. Bizarrely, they claim they have already created a National Mitigation Plan and National Adaptation Plan (p50), when in fact their own Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act was revised to ensure those plans would not be completed until the next government. They plan to “gradually curtail” oil and gas exploration but provide no specific timelines.

Fianna Fail (FF): FF sees Ireland has having a strong voice on climate as part of global community, supporting EU policies and refers to climate within many of their policies. They explicitly plan to increase Green Climate Fund Contribution (GCF) up to EUR 13 million to help developing countries cope with climate change. FG is the only other party to refer to the GCF, but only to say it will “increase over time”. FF suggests a new Dept. of Climate Change including environment, flood defence, energy, transport, natural resources and heritage. FF wants a long-term (25 year) National Infrastructure Commission with a decarbonisation mandate. Of all the manifestos, FF’s provides the strongest plans on Electric Vehicle incentives, but they’re weakest on agricultural policies (also in favour of herd expansion in line with Food Wise 2025). FF is also resistant to wind energy, calling for a full economic review.

Sinn Fein (SF): SF are committed to reaching 2020 EU emission targets and opposed to fracking. They include very little mention of climate change in their manifesto, simply saying they will engage with scientific experts to determine targets and roadmaps. SF does have some plans to improve energy efficiency in housing and supports the Better Energy Homes Scheme but has no transport policy, a limited energy policy, and their only mention to peatlands is in reference to maintaining turbary rights. If you were voting for climate action, the lack of relevant policies in Sinn Fein’s manifesto would make it difficult to justify voting for them. Given their MEP Lynn Boylan’s former career as an environmental consultant, I expected more from their manifesto with respect to environmental issues.

Green Party (GP): Not surprisingly, climate is a “foundation stone” of the GP manifesto and one of 11 points in their New National Plan. They advocate for binding 2030 targets and 80% emission reduction by 2050 and propose a law court that includes Climate Justice. GP have the strongest climate-related actions in agriculture, forestry, energy, and transport (including cycling) policies and the strongest ambition to end oil and gas exploration. It would have been nice to see a bit more reference to biomass policy, Green Climate Fund, and Food Wise 2025 plans within their manifesto, but they’ve stated publically that they don’t agree with full expansion of the national herd under Food Wise.

People Before Profit-Anti Austerity Alliance (PBP): With only a five-page manifesto, it’s very difficult to know where PBP stand on anything. They’re only clear on housing (national housing insulation programme to reduce energy consumption), a ban on fracking, and a proposal to establish community energy projects on unused Coilte land. Otherwise, there’s not enough in their manifesto to feel they can address climate issues and they have no policies on energy, transport, fossil fuels, etc. Despite leading the charge on an anti-fracking bill in the last Dail, there’s no indication from their manifesto that a vote for PBP would be a vote for climate action. Even if you were making your vote on other criteria, it seems to me that every political party should have comprehensive transport and energy policies if they really care about the well-being of people.

Renua (RN): Climate and natural resources is one of RN’s 19 policies. They are opposed to fracking and have some specific policies on solar energy. They are weakest on transport policies with a focus on roads and increasing aviation in a manner that's contrary to climate action. They’re extremely resistant to wind energy. RN’s handful of emission reduction measures are motivated by the need to improve air quality rather than responding to climate change or meeting Paris Climate Agreement objectives.

Social Democrats (SD): Climate is one of 20+ sections in SD’s manifesto. They recognise urgent need and benefits, calling for robust domestic emission reduction legislation with national and sectoral plans and stronger climate advisory council powers. SD is strong on legislative issues on climate, no doubt because Catherine Murphy is one of their TDs and a hero of climate action in Ireland. SD have good measures on EVs, public transport, and housing and commit to eliminating peat burning though they don’t specify when. In a response to Friends of the Earth on this question, the Social Democrats proposed "to phase out state subsidies for carbon-intense electricity generation, favour subsidisation of renewables where appropriate, continue the conversion of peat-burning electricity plants to co-fired biomass, set an achievable target to eliminate peat burning, and replace peat burning with domestically produced biomass where possible." They neglect to include any clear plans on growth of solar energy in Ireland in their manifesto, but in a response to Friends of the Earth on this question, the Social Democrats stated their position is "that electricity suppliers should be encouraged to expand home micro-generation pilot schemes, covering wind, photovoltaic and combined heat and power".

My vote!

Cara Augustenborg - trying to decide who to vote for in #GE16. Photo Credit: Scott Butner

I’m a former Green Party member and their policies on climate action in line with scientific evidence were a key driver of my past support. So, it’s no surprise that when I scored the manifestos for climate action, the Green Party’s came out light-years above the rest. They have more specific, quantifiable measures and deadlines to be able to evaluate whether their promises would actually reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, since the Green Party candidate in my constituency is unlikely to get elected, my number 2 and number 3 votes are actually important in our preferential voting system. Based on climate action within the manifestos (but not necessarily the only issues I will vote on), here’s how the political parties scored in my humble opinion:

Cara’s scoring for climate commitment based on political party manifestos:
GP (111) > LB (52) > SD (50) > FF (33) > FG (15) > RN (14) > SF (11) > PBP (5)

Finally, more details on specific climate-related topics within the manifestos for the brave at heart...

On Energy: FG prioritises energy efficiency in public sector, lower prices for consumers, and implementation of the Energy White Paper. With respect to renewables, FG prioritises price supports and community ownership but plan to “balance” renewable energy development with protection of local communities and indigenous energy generation. LB is committed to decarbonisation, funding energy efficiency, renewables, network infrastructure, strengthening building regulations and creating an Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme. With respect to renewables, LB will accelerate decarbonisation by encouraging development of capacity, funding sources, and research. FF focused on reducing cost and achieving “balanced mix” of energy sources. With respect to renewables, FF wants to diversify sources. GP plan to fully decarbonise energy system by 2050, using renewable and gas in interim and advocate for extensive national dialogue on options. PBP makes vague reference to more job creation in sector and commitment to invest in renewables. RN wants to reduce dependence on imported energy, diversify, and encourage responsible energy use in tourism. For renewables, RN wants afforestation/biomass and solar, not wind. SD will eventually phase out fossil fuels and want smart grid infrastructure. For renewables, SD emphasise farm based production, favour subsidies, and encourage home microgeneration pilot schemes. SF has no energy policy but in response to Friends of the Earth, Sinn Fein supported "the phasing out of Ireland’s remaining power stations that burn fossil fuels such as peat and coal... [through] maximising the use of renewable energy sources without over relying on wind energy, and proposed that the next government to bring the Geothermal Energy Development Bill before the Dáil.

On Oil/Gas: FG supports oil/gas exploration. LB says oil and gas exploration will be “gradually curtailed”. SF wants staged tax measures. GP wants to end licensing for exploration. PBP wants public ownership and ring-fencing. No reference to oil/gas by FF.
On Fossil Fuels: FG supports decreasing dependence on foreign fossil fuels through renewable energy development. GP wants to stop purchasing fossil fuel imports and switch to renewable energy system. RN also wants to remove dependency on imports and reduce emissions to improve air quality in cities. SD want lower prices for businesses in light of falling oil prices but also want to phase out subsidies. PBP doesn’t mention fossil fuels.
On Fracking: FG will delay decision until EPA study is complete. LB, SF, GP, RN, and PBP are opposed to fracking. No mention of fracking by FF or SD though FF committed to ban it in a pledge to Friends of the Earth Ireland.
On Wind: FG will update wind planning regulations within 6 months. LB plans to diversify away from wind and says it’s not suitable for every location. FF wants a full economic review of wind energy sector. SF will develop a Wind Turbine Regulation Bill. GP want 15% community ownership of wind energy projects. RN doesn’t support wind without improvement in economy of scale. SD want a new approach to wind, including farm microgeneration projects, offshore development, and community ownership. No mention of wind by PBP.
On Solar: LB will incentivise solar uptake. FF will explore solar as an additional energy source. SF advocates a feed in tariff for solar and in response to Friends of the Earth, proposed that the government maintain and increase grants for householders to incentivise converting their homes for solar technology into the future. GP wants extensive roll out of solar, including support for communities to sell back to grid, solar panels on public buildings, and an auction process for farmers. RN wants to increase solar energy and would consider third party country purchase. RN also wants to include solar on current and future houses and put a price on solar to sell back to grid. SD’s mention solar as part of overall renewable energy strategy but have no specific policies on solar. In a response to Friends of the Earth on this question, the Social Democrats stated their position is "that electricity suppliers should be encouraged to expand home micro-generation pilot schemes, covering wind, photovoltaic and combined heat and power". FG and PBP fail to mention solar in their manifestos, though in a response to Friends of the Earth, PBP said they agreed with putting a price on solar.
On Biomass: FG says indigenous biomass will play significant role in peat-plant co-firing. LB will incentivise uptake. FF will explore biomass as an additional energy source. GP mentions forestry as a source of biomass. RN wants to increase biomass sector through forestry for domestic heating. No mention of biomass by SF or PBP but in response to Friends of the Earth, SF said it would work with Coillte and Bord na Mona to develop a viable and sustainable biomass industry in Ireland.
On Off Shore renewables: FG and LB support research into off shore renewables. GP wants extensive roll out of off shore wind. RN wants to develop tidal energy, which is still in R&D phase. SD wants Ireland to be leader in ocean energy and establish an offshore wind development agency. No mention of off shore energy by FF, SF or PBP.
On peat: FG commits to a National Peatlands Strategy with a focus on peatlands as tourism destinations, but at the same time plans to keep peat-burning power stations running by co-firing with increasing amounts of biomass. SF only mention peat by supporting turbary rights to extract. RN want to reduce household peat burning to improve air quality. GP commit to closing the peat-burning power stations within the next government. SD want continued conversion of peat plants to co-fired biomass with full elimination target. In a response to Friends of the Earth on this question, the Social Democrats proposed "to phase out state subsidies for carbon-intense electricity generation, favour subsidisation of renewables where appropriate, continue the conversion of peat-burning electricity plants to co-fired biomass, set an achievable target to eliminate peat burning, and replace peat burning with domestically produced biomass where possible." LB, FF, and PBP don’t mention peatlands or peat-burning.
On Community-ownership: Community-owned energy doesn’t feature in FG or RN manifestos. LB puts communities at centre of decisions and will encourage grid access and energy efficiency projects based on the Energy White Paper chapter “From Passive Consumer to Active Citizen”. FF emphasises community energy projects and ownership and in response to Friends of the Earth supported introducing a new community share options scheme on proposed wind farms where the local community must be given the option of purchasing a minimum of 20% ownership of wind farms in their area. SF supports a dedicated route for community projects to national energy grid, but when asked by Friends of the Earth if they supported 20% community ownership of development led projects, they had "no specific policy with regard to this item. On its face, it appears to have merit, however, I would need much more information about how it has been implemented in Denmark, and especially what might have been any unintended consequences". GP call for a cooperative ownership model for energy with at least 15% community-owned wind. PBP wants to establish community energy projects on unused Coilte land and in a response to Friends of the Earth on community co-ownership stated that they favour an entirely publicly owned system of major energy projects and therefore "on [their] watch developer led projects would not arise in the first place. SD want community involved wind planning, a rebalance of ownership and community energy coops. In a response to Friends of the Earth, SD said "we need to enhance supports for home energy retrofit (including a Pay-As-You-Save scheme) and work with Local Authorities to enhance Community Energy Schemes and Cooperatives, drawing on the Haringey model utilised in London and on our Smart Cities policy... We must rebalance the ownership model of such projects towards local communities where possible. We have adopted a formal policy position that endorses a Danish or German model-led approach to community ownership so that local communities benefit most and have the final say on the scale of proposed developments".
On Moneypoint: LB will replace coal at Moneypoint power station with low-carbon technology by 2025. GP will close Moneypoint in next government. FG, FF, SF, PBP, RN, and SD don’t have policies on Moneypoint, but in response to Friends of the Earth, SF said it would investigate converting Moneypoint into a biomass power station.

On Agriculture: FG plans to balance emissions with sustainable development of the rural economy. They plan to explore energy crop development and locally led agri-environment schemes with respect to agriculture’s contribution to climate action. LB does not say anything with respect to climate and agriculture and FF says it will remove “green tape”, when environmental issues create obstacles to agri-business. SF only mentions being opposed to TTIP and CAP simplification. GP have many tangible suggestions to aspire to carbon neutral agriculture by 2050, including local food production systems, poly-cultural grazing to reduce livestock emissions, local food procurement policies, a national soil strategy, a Zero food waste policy, a solar panel auction process for farmers, and anaerobic digestion of farm wastes. PBP makes vague reference to more job creation in sector. RN doesn’t reference climate in sector, but suggests return of beet industry. SD mention climate as threat to farming and encourages microgeneration pilot projects on farms.

On Forestry: FG plans to add 6,000ha forestry in first year of government, increasing to 8.3k ha by 2020. LB plans to expand forestry by 43,000 ha (no timelines). GP plans to increase forestry by 15,000 ha per annum by 2030 with 30k subsidies and increase native, continuous cover woodlands. PBP makes vague reference to more job creation in sector. RN wants to expand to 20% for energy production. SD want greater forestry uptake for carbon sequestration and biomass production. No mention of forestry by FF or SF.
On Food Wise 2025 ambition: FG will prioritise full implementation. FF will full realise Food Harvest 2020 and Food Wise 2025 (FW2025). SF doesn’t mention in manifesto but at Environment Hustings, Lynn Boylan said they supported herd expansion. No mention of FW2025 in GP or PBP manifesto, but they both rejected herd expansion at environment hustings. There was also no mention of FW2025 by LB, RN or SD.

On Transport: FG says the future National Mitigation Plan will reveal plans to reduce emissions and energy efficiency in sector. LB will establish a target in 2016 to increase number of compressed natural gas (CNG) filling stations, a dubious transition fuel that could inhibit renewable development. GP plan to fully decarbonise transport by 2050 and strengthen NTA role in planning and expedite NTA city plans. RN emphasises more road development and wants development of Western Corridor. SD plan to shift from carbon intensive transport but also build new road infrastructure between Cork, Limerick, and Galway. SF and PBP have no transport policies, though PBP wants to cut bus fares to encourage people out of cars.

On Electric Vehicles: FG will establish a task force on E-Cars within 6 months. LB will increase grants to incentivise. FF will expand EV uptake to 10% in five years and proposes four incentives to increase uptake, including waiving motor tax, tolls, free charge points, and SEAI grants. GP plan to increase charge points for EVs. SD want EV incentives and subsidies including those for domestic charging points and more national fast charge points. No mention of EVs by RN, PBP, or SF.
On Aviation: GP wants to add aviation to Emissions Trading System. RN wants to incentivise aviation. No mention of aviation by other parties.
On Public Transport: FG refers to investment in greenways as specific carbon reduction measure. LB plans a Green Bus Fund, New Rail Strategy including energy efficiency, and possibility of exploring electrification of inner-city rail. LB also plans to bring Metro North plans forward to 2021. FF refers to the need to curb emissions from public transport and need for better public transport in cities. GP proposes orbital bus routes, more park and ride facilities, and greater rail investment. SD want to restore subsidies on fares, balance public transport spending with roads spending, build DART underground, improve reliability, and develop more light rail/tram. RN and SF have no public transport policies.
On Cycling: FG refers to cycling only as part of enhanced blueways and activity-based tourism. LB proposes a Dublin city cycle system and Cycle-to-School scheme. FF proposes a National Cycle Way Strategy and EUR 2 million for GreenWays. GP allocates 10% transport budget to improving cycling routes. SD want to enhance cycling infrastructure and greenways. SF, PBP, and RN don’t mention cycling.

On Housing: FG will continue Better Energy Programme grants. LB will strengthen residential building regulations with focus on heat, light and grants for energy efficiency. LB will also increase investment in warmer homes scheme, widen applicant base, and encourage deep retrofit. FF refers to a Green Deal and increasing retrofit. SF will invest in retrofit and extend warmer homes scheme. GP encourages passive housing standards, switching oil to heat pump and wood fired heating by expanding warmer home schemes by Eur 10 million per annum, the addition of a deep retrofit scheme, and higher density urban housing designs. PBP will promote a national housing insulation programme to reduce energy consumption. RN wants to retrofit housing with solar panels and include in all new planning applications. SD want a home energy retrofit programme and Pay-As-You-Save scheme.

On fuel poverty: FG will protect the warmer homes scheme and develop an energy poverty strategy with a focus on enhanced insulation. LB will implement the Affordable Energy Strategy and increase supports for fuel poverty. SF support retrofitting investment. No mention of fuel poverty by FF, GP, PBP, RN, SD.

On Migration: FG refers to a need for a balanced migration policy and immigration bill. LB plans to implement a National Integration Strategy for migrants. FF refers to worsening of migrant crisis due to climate change. GP acknowledges link to climate change and advocates greater asylum rights for those fleeing environmental disaster. SF, PBP, RN, and SD don’t mention migration.

On Green Climate Fund: FG says it will increase in coming years but doesn’t say how much. FF will increase contribution to 13 million. No mention of GCF by other parties.

On Governance: FG says that a long-term economic planning unit will include climate change, energy and environment. FF suggests Dept. of Climate Change including environment, flood defence, energy, transport, natural resources and heritage. GP want to strengthen emission reduction targets. SD want to reform climate action regime with domestic targets, mitigation measures, enhanced climate advisory council powers, and appropriate reduction targets to all sectors.

On Infrastructure: LB plans a Green Infrastructure Fund and carbon neutral cities. FF wants a long-term (25yr) National Infrastructure Commission with a decarbonisation mandate. GP wants traffic free “Proud cities”. PBP says they will invest in public infrastructure. SD want Smart Cities with rapid urbanisation. No mention of infrastructure by SF or PBP.

If you got this far, you can call yourself a truly informed voter! Congratulations and Happy GE16!

This was a mountain of (volunteer) work, so shares and retweets greatly appreciated before #GE16.

Keep fighting the good fight!
-Cara

22 Comments

Geraldine

2/21/2016 04:47:08 pm

People Before Profit also commits in its manifesto to banning fracking. See p. 11 http://www.peoplebeforeprofit.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Manifesto-up-date-PBP.pdf

Paul Leech link

2/23/2016 04:05:03 am

WELL DONE - Succinct, and a useful audit of the parties , otherwise lacking.

Cara Augustenborg

2/23/2016 05:07:01 am

Thank you so much for reading and commenting, Paul. Happy voting on Friday! -Cara

Paula Downey link

2/23/2016 06:55:15 am

Cara - I found this incredibly helpful. A real public service. Thank you and the team for all the work. Much appreciated.

Cara Augustenborg

2/23/2016 07:13:51 pm

Thank you, Paula. I appreciate you taking the time to write. Unfortunately, no team involved - just an individual, volunteer effort on my part. Happy voting! -Cara

paul Allen

2/23/2016 08:37:28 am

Dear Cara,None of the election candidates in Wicklow responded to the FOE survey. Your herculean effort at distilling fact from aspirational waffle on climate change & environmental issues by political parties is a great public service. It has indeed influenced how i will be voting on Friday. 5 gold stars for your research & giving your expertise free to promote the common good! Best wishes,Paul Allen.

Cara Augustenborg

2/23/2016 07:15:50 pm

Dear Paul. Thank you so much for your lovely comments. I sent the FoE survey to Wicklow candidates too and received replies from Anne Ferris (Lab) and Steven Mattews (GP), but no others. I'm glad my efforts could help you in your decision making! -Cara

Paul

2/23/2016 05:29:46 pm

I surveyed all the main political parties about two years ago for my PhD. Green party were the strongest, SF next, then labour, FF, and finally FG. I didn't survey the other two. However, FG largely came last because they gave neutral to answers nearly every question.

owen

2/23/2016 06:04:51 pm

Hi Cara, I understand that pressures of time may have precluded you from fully researching the People Before Profit policy on Climate Change. The 5 page document you are refering to is a simplified synopsis, not a comprehensive environmental policy. However, we are unique among all the political parties you mention in both prioritising action on climate change and very clearly identifying the causes of climate change as the workings of free-market capitalism and its drive towards profit and competition - something which your ex-colleagues in the Greens have abyssmally failed to recognise. This means our policy includes a commitment to switch to a carbon neutral economy whilst ensuring that carbon reservoirs remain in the ground. It means ensuring that Ireland's natural resources (e.g. forestry - Coillte) are not privatised or handed over to multi national corporations. We want to see a mass movement that can take action against the MNCs in the fossil fuel industry that are the cause of increased CO2 emissions in their pursuit of profit. Importantly we will not look to market solutions that have failed so dramatically over the last twenty years to halt CO2 levels - again, unlike the green party. This means that our priority will not be to "incentivise" private companies to produce solar or renewable forms of energy, but we will use the full state resources to ensure a rapid switch to alternative forms of energy. We are committed to building a mass campaign against any attempt to introduce fracking. In our literature, and in every campaign we are involved in, we constantly raise the dangers of climate change and how this shows that the market system based on profit poses a threat to the future habitability of the planet. In short, we are committed to placing people and the environment before profit.
Cheers, Owen.

Cara Augustenborg

2/23/2016 07:24:38 pm

Dear Owen. Thanks for your contribution, which I've included in comments on the website for further info. You are correct in your assumption that it was simply not possible for one individual to analyse policies beyond the manifestos so I could not look at past record, etc. though I did acknowledge PBP bringing the anti-fracking bill before the Dail recently.

It's a shame that PBP's manifesto is so limited in content. At this stage, PBP is a well-resourced party, receiving government funding and with three paid TDs. I don't think there's any excuse for not including coherent policies in transport, energy, etc. in a party manifesto. The manifesto is the way voters determine whether your party is capable of governing to their liking, and 4 pages is not enough to make that decision.

I would agree with you that the capitalist system is broken and there is a direct link to climate change and I would really love to see PBP develop these concepts further, but at present I can't see how PBP plans to make and finance the dramatic transformation you're proposing. PBP's stated commitment is great, but I need to see tangible, fully-comprehensive policies on how they intend to make the low-carbon transition in transport, energy, and agriculture.

Thanks again for your input.
Very Best,
Cara

owen mccormack

2/23/2016 06:47:30 pm

http://www.peoplebeforeprofit.ie/2016/02/we-need-a-government-that-takes-climate-change-seriously/

Donna

2/24/2016 09:50:50 am

Owen, that link does not contain any fully comprehensive policies or actual plans describing how this would be carried out, it is just a list of statements

Colin

2/24/2016 07:12:29 am

This is a fantastic analysis. Thanks for doing this Dr. Augustenborg - there has been a worrying lack of analysis on climate change in this election and this is a hugely valuable contribution.

Cara Augustenborg

2/24/2016 09:19:13 am

Thank you for reading and commenting, Colin! -Cara

Sarah

2/24/2016 11:46:13 am

Very helpful. Thank you!

Ed Harper link

2/24/2016 05:59:28 pm

Thanks for the breakdown of manefesto policies, very useful. PBPA has done itself no favours in the work you did, by having such a summary manefesto, but this is simply explained by our lack of funding and our rapid exxpansion. We at the moment in fact only have one TD, not three. There is fully funded and fully funded! We have and seek no corporate sponsors as we have no wish to represent those that controll those organisations. The people we represent and who make our policies through our party structure are not in general flush with disposable cash, which forces us to limit our hard copy output, but as you will appreciate this also saves on paper production with its attendant energy use, pollution, and necessity to transport for distribution. Our energy policy is based on an increase in producer-consumer diffuse mixed source production, state ownership of major infrastructure and natural resources and a radical expansion in public transport. As a small farmer myself, the present reality of climate change is pressed on me on an increasing basis, not least because of its results on my land and stock. We believe that actions can speak louder than words and were involved seminally in the protests which halted the rush to sell of our state forests and in the initial conference on water, and on an ongoing basis in the Right To Water and Right To Change movements. Ed, Convener, West Cork People Before Profit

Cara Augustenborg

2/24/2016 06:43:47 pm

Dear Ed, Thanks for the comments, which I've included in the post to inform viewers of your position. I appreciate the lack of funding as a reason for lack of resources. However, just to point out that Green Party has no TDs, no funding, and also accepts no corporate donations and yet, due to the incredible efforts of their members, they managed to write a comprehensive 60 page manifesto with no budget, so it certainly can be done. No one expects paper copies as you refer to them, but we do expect well-thought out, costed proposals to ensure confidence in the voter. Maybe next time consult with the NGOs more on what needs to be done to make the low-carbon transition as they are fountains of knowledge who are very accessible to all parties. Good luck with the election! Very Best, Cara

Declan Doyle link

2/25/2016 08:54:20 am

Cara, here's a letter from Richard Boyd Barrett published in today's Irish Times in response to Harry McGee's article on your synopsis:

Sir, – The article summarising the different polices of political parties seriously understated the exemplary record and policy commitments of People Before Profit in relation to environmental issues and climate change (“With climate change a hot topic again, who plans to expend most energy on it?”, February 24th).

People Before Profit’s manifesto has four separate sections dealing with environment, natural resources, public transport and sustainable land use, all explicitly directed towards taking urgent action to deal with climate change.

Our policies include a total ban on fracking; a major public native afforestation programme; using unused Coillte lands for community energy and afforestation projects; increased subsidies to public transport to deliver more buses and cheaper fares to reduce car use; a national retrofit and insulation scheme; supports for small farmers engaged in local food production; taking all natural resources into public ownership, with a moratorium on all hydrocarbon licensing until a new model of State management is established; major public investment to diversify energy production towards sustainable energy resources; protection of Ireland’s physical heritage; and complete opposition to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).

Furthermore, over the last five years as a People Before Profit TD, I have played a leading role in the successful national campaign to stop the government plan to sell-off Coillte’s harvesting rights, introduced the only private member’s motion on Coillte and forestry, submitted dozens of amendments to both the Climate Change and Forestry Bill aimed at establishing binding targets, led a successful campaign to prevent an oil rig being located in Dublin Bay, introduced a Bill to ban fracking, played a central role in establishing the Right2Water campaign to ensure water resources remain in public ownership, and campaigned inside and outside the Dáil against the cutting and privatisation of public service bus routes.

If any party has a better record over the last five years on environmental matters, I’d be surprised. – Yours, etc,

RICHARD

BOYD BARRETT,

People Before

Profit Alliance,

Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin.

Declan

2/25/2016 07:09:44 am

Letter from Richard Boyd Barret published in the Irish Times today:

Sir, – The article summarising the different polices of political parties seriously understated the exemplary record and policy commitments of People Before Profit in relation to environmental issues and climate change (“With climate change a hot topic again, who plans to expend most energy on it?”, February 24th).

People Before Profit’s manifesto has four separate sections dealing with environment, natural resources, public transport and sustainable land use, all explicitly directed towards taking urgent action to deal with climate change.

Our policies include a total ban on fracking; a major public native afforestation programme; using unused Coillte lands for community energy and afforestation projects; increased subsidies to public transport to deliver more buses and cheaper fares to reduce car use; a national retrofit and insulation scheme; supports for small farmers engaged in local food production; taking all natural resources into public ownership, with a moratorium on all hydrocarbon licensing until a new model of State management is established; major public investment to diversify energy production towards sustainable energy resources; protection of Ireland’s physical heritage; and complete opposition to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).

Furthermore, over the last five years as a People Before Profit TD, I have played a leading role in the successful national campaign to stop the government plan to sell-off Coillte’s harvesting rights, introduced the only private member’s motion on Coillte and forestry, submitted dozens of amendments to both the Climate Change and Forestry Bill aimed at establishing binding targets, led a successful campaign to prevent an oil rig being located in Dublin Bay, introduced a Bill to ban fracking, played a central role in establishing the Right2Water campaign to ensure water resources remain in public ownership, and campaigned inside and outside the Dáil against the cutting and privatisation of public service bus routes.

If any party has a better record over the last five years on environmental matters, I’d be surprised. – Yours, etc,

RICHARD

BOYD BARRETT,

People Before

Profit Alliance,

Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin.

Declan

2/25/2016 07:14:11 am

The actual & full PBP manifesto below. There are 20 pages, & lots on the environment & environment-related issues:

http://www.peoplebeforeprofit.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Manifesto-up-date-PBP.pdf

Also, the PBP environment policy itself
http://www.peoplebeforeprofit.ie/2015/11/people-before-profit-environmental-policy-2/

Along with related policies below:
http://www.peoplebeforeprofit.ie/2015/08/natural-resources/

http://www.peoplebeforeprofit.ie/2015/11/people-before-profit-land-and-food-use-policy/

http://www.peoplebeforeprofit.ie/2015/11/ttip-policy-briefing-notes/

http://www.peoplebeforeprofit.ie/2015/12/people-before-profit-water-policy/

John Lynch

2/27/2016 07:05:12 pm

Cara,

As an impartial reader of the Irish Times I sent the following to the editor, a few days ago, but it was not deemed worthy of printing.

Thanks for your erudite analysis. My lament is that the Irish Times "summary" article was not a fair and balanced portrayal of your analysis and did not do justice to the Green Party. I have no political bent but only wish for the truth to prevail.

Regards,
John

Sir, -

I agree with the [Irish Times] editor's (February 24th) commentary that "the treatment of the environment by most parties in the campaign represents a disturbingly symptomatic failure of political vision and leadership".

The article in the same issue - entitled "Which parties have best climate-change policies?" - summarises Dr. Cara Augustenborg's comprehensive analysis which compares the policies of all parties as regards commitment to the environment. The Irish Times article placed the Green Party at the end of the article which might indicate to a casual observer that the Green Party was the least committed.

Cara’s scoring (extracted from her web site) for commitment to the environment based on political party manifestos is as follows:

Green Party: 111
Labour: 52
Social Democrats: 50
Fianna Fail: 33
FG: 15
Renua: 14
Sinn Fein: 11
People Before Profit: 5

This clearly shows that the Green Party is head-and-shoulders above the rest in terms of commitment to addressing climate change.

Sadly, with the exception of the Green Party, the other parties lack cohesive, comprehensive, credible, progressive policies in relation to the environment. But never mind; the European Commission will reign them in..... eventually! And taxpayers will pay the penalties and fines for not meeting our targets and obligations.

- Yours, etc,

John Lynch
Naas,

robert dresdner

2/29/2016 03:31:38 pm

Ireland should create hiking paths around the coast and throughout scenic interior lands. Fair compensation to landowners as required. Dublin, Cork and Galway should prohibit private cars and trucks from city centres. But it appear all this is never going to happen, e.g., isn't Dublin promoting a massive new motorway through the east side, bulldozing right through communities like Ringsend and Sandymount?

ps Great help to voters this, thanks!

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