A new Government campaign has been launched to encourage people to do cut their own carbon footprint by ten per cent during 2010.
The Minister for Environment John Gormley launched the 10:10 campaign in Government buildings this morning. It is closely modelled on a British scheme that was introduced last month. The scheme will be jointly run by the Department and the Environmental Protection Agency.
The project is based on one simple idea: to get people and bodies to make a pledge to reduce their carbon emissions by a tenth during the course of next year, hence the title.
“The focus of the campaign is to show people that they can reduce their individual carbon emissions by 10 per cent in 2010,” said Mr Gormley.
“We want people to show that the commitment we are making as a Government on the global stage in Copenhagen is something that can also be reflected in their own behaviour,” he said.
The campaign has set up a website that is targeted individuals and organisations, big and small. Among the tips it suggests that will help individuals reduce their carbon footprints are:
• Walk or cycle for short journeys
• Take the bus or train instead of driving
• Switch off lights when leaving a room
• Reduce heating
• Avoid wasting water
• Fix leaping taps
• Use low-energy light bulbs
• Plug out appliances when not in use
• Buy A-energy rated appliances when possible.
Pledge sheets will be available in libraries on the website (www.1010.ie). Mr Gormley accepted that climate change had “went off the agenda somewhat” in the last year but said he hoped it would become the focus of attention again.
“People realise that climate change is a major issue. Certainly as politicians we have an extra responsibility and we have to step up to the plate in Copenhagen and get the reduction of 20 per cent, or 30 per cent, if we are getting the global deal,” said Mr Gormley.
The UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen will attempt to forge a new agreement to come into force after 2012 when the Kyoto agreement comes to an end.