The Financial and Environmental opportunities in Building a Green Economy

For the past year the current financial crisis has been the centre of all media attention. While this is important and relevant to everyone today we may sometimes forget that that climate change is the defining issue of our era.

Not a day passes without a newspaper, a broadcast or a politician making references to the threats posed by economic instability, job losses, housing crisis and issues of competitiveness. All of these are hugely important but none pose any threat to our survival. 

What many people are now realizing is that the environment is our economy and by investing in green technology, and renewable energy we provide a clean limitless source of renewable energy that can drive our economy forward and attract investment into this country.

Companies ultimately decide to invest in countries for a number of reasons, access to markets, tax base, educated work force, but also for reasons of competitiveness which include availability of energy and natural resources.

Only by capitalizing on our vast renewable energy resources and availability of natural resources such as water and agricultural land can we ensure that certain industries remain in this country. Irelands future lies in the sustainable utilization of these resources and in marketing Ireland as a green clean country for the promotion of tourism. Our natural resources, renewable energy and food production will be the three defining pillars of our economy in the years to come. But first we must adapt to develop a low carbon economy to ensure not only our survival but also our short term economic future.

While the economic financial collapse has been the focus of media attention we must not forget that Climate change is upon us, and the problem is here to stay. But it is still in our power – as individuals, businesses, cities and governments – to influence just how serious the problem will become. We have the choice how to act, but the change we need to make is in ourselves. We can make a difference by supporting the transition to a low carbon world. This concept – developing a low carbon economy– is the subject of a lecture to be held in Clonakilty on the 18th May.

Over the past six months, following on from the Partnership for Change Climate Change conference I organized in Nov last, I have been working hard with colleagues on a very exciting proposal.   Together we are seeking to facilitate the participation of Cork County and City in joining the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) Climate Neutral Network (CN Net).

The CN NET initiative was established by UNEP last year to assist those interested in achieving big cuts in greenhouse gas emissions to achieve their goals. A number of governments around the world have now declared their aim to become climate neutral in the next decades through renewables, carbon taxes, energy efficiency, carbon offsetting and more.

Cities from Europe to Asia and North America are also coming on board with strategies including clean transport, carbon neutral buildings and awareness raising campaigns. A growing number of companies are taking steps to reduce their energy consumption and become more sustainable. From banks to energy producers and cosmetics firms, companies from across sectors are taking bold steps towards climate neutrality. Strategies range from the local to the global, with greener offices, climate neutral products and far-reaching commitments to reduce emissions across the supply chain.

UNEP’s climate neutral network brings together this growing group. As participants join, it will serve as a platform for networking and the sharing of best practice, catalyzing progress towards a low carbon society. As it grows, the network is acquiring ever greater interactivity, with the participation of intergovernmental bodies, community groups, NGOs, climate neutral events and even citizens and households.

I am delighted that we have facilitated one of the worlds experts on “building a green economy” coming to Cork where he will make a presentation to two very important influential groups.  Our guest speaker is Mr. Svein Tveitdal a former Director at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Environmental Ambassador to the city of Arendal, Norway. Apart from Mr. Tveitdal’s vast experience with the United Nations, he brings with him a wealth of business knowledge serving as Chairman of the Board of the following organisations: The Asplan Foundation, Purity (Green IT provider), Frameworks (Internet publishing), South Norway European Office in addition to being a Board member of Norfund (Government-owned investment fund risk capital in developing countries), Agder University, Zero Emission Resource Organisation and Earthprint Ltd.

In the morning Mr. Tveitdal will address a select group of influential leaders including the County Manager, City Manager, President of UCC, CIT, leading academics and senior executives of small and large companies, together with the public sector.

At noon in the Quality Hotel, Clonakilty he will address the wider community of West Cork. His presentation will provide invaluable insight into how other countries, cities, businesses and corporations are developing green economies and responding to the climate change challenge by embracing a low carbon future and joining the UNEP Climate Neutral Network.

The presentation and talk will be opened by Minister of State Trevor Sargent T.D. The midday event is free but places are limited, to ensure attendance one must pre-register. To register e mail Declan Waugh at: declan@partnershipforchange.ie or Ivan McCutcheon, West Cork Development Partnership at:  ivan@wcdp.ie