Climate change is happening and human activity is causing it. Carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels are trapping more of the sun’s energy in the atmosphere, destabalizing the global climate system. But humanity also has the power to stop it running out of control. If we act now we can make the decisions and take the steps needed to prevent climate change having catastrophic consequences. Otherwise this century will see ever more storms, floods, droughts and famines. It boils down to how we produce energy and how we use it. We need to move away from carbon fuels like peat, coal and oil and towards renewables like wind, solar and biomass.

The good news is that Ireland is well placed to become a world leader in renewables with considerable natural resources in wind, wave and biomass. But the switch will only happen quickly enough if the government puts in place the right incentives and supports. The only upside to the rise in oil prices is that is that it’s dawning on decision makers that the sun is setting on the age of oil, as we pass the historical peak in production and supply, while global energy demand continues to skyrocket. Ireland depends on imports for 90% of our energy needs. The shift to renewables will not only cut our climate pollution it will increase our energy independence and security, safeguarding our prosperity and lifestyles.

We also need to use energy much more carefully and efficiently. Paradoxically, part of the answer to this most global of problems lies in things like CFL lightbulbs, insulation, and whether we can walk to the shops. We can take many small steps towards sustainability, starting now, or face unprecedented upheaval and disruption in the future. And the poorest and most vulnerable communities in the world will be the first and hardest hit. The industrialised world has got rich on the back of a 200 year fossil fuel binge. The Third World is waking up to the hangover. By 2050 unchecked climate change would put over 50% of people in developing countries at high risk from storms and floods and add 50 million to those going hungry in Africa. For them it will mean destruction of lives and livelihoods. For us, at the very least it will mean flood damage, falling property values and rising insurance premiums. At worst glacial meltwaters will shutdown the Gulf Steam that gives Ireland its temperate climate. We have the power to avoid this. The only question is do we have the energy and the commitment. Friends of the Earth’s climate campaign plans to put the issue on the agenda like never before in Ireland. At www.climatepledge.ie you can sign-up to play your part, learn more, and email your TDs to ask them to pledge that Ireland will do its fair share to prevent climate chaos. Let’s take action now, before it’s too late.