Rahan man calls on Government to develop bold Just Transition strategy

Rahan farmer Seamus Boland is urging the Government to develop a bold and forward-looking strategy that places just transition at the heart of national climate action.

Mr Boland, CEO of Irish Rural Link, chair of the Irish Peatlands Council, and chair of the Government interdepartmental committee responsible for the implementation of the Peatlands Strategy, is part of Ireland’s Just Transition Commission.

Launching its first report on Wednesday (June 18), the Commission said: “Ireland must now move much faster and with much more ambition if we are to keep the people and places we care about safe from the effects of climate change, and to seize the unprecedented opportunity that a just transition offers to build a fairer, more inclusive, and resilient society.”

The Commission is calling on the Government to urgently develop a bold, nationwide strategy that sets out how Ireland’s approach to climate action, and will ensure a fair transition to a climate-neutral society.

The Commission continued: “A just transition offers a powerful opportunity, not only to manage the risks of the climate transition but to reimagine and reshape Ireland’s economy and society to be more inclusive, resilient and sustainable.

“This is our chance to embrace just transition as the foundation for a fairer, more resilient Ireland; one that delivers for people and the planet."

In its first report, the Commission outlines seven initial recommendations for how the Government should ensure that the transition to a climate-neutral economy is fair and benefits everyone.

The Just Transition Commission, as an independent advisory body, is focused on bringing fresh thinking and a constructive, thoughtful approach to helping Ireland move faster and fairly on climate change.

The Just Transition Commission of Ireland is chaired by Ali Sheridan. Ms Sheridan is also lead of the UN High Level Climate Champions, a member of the Environmental Protection Agency Advisory Board and a Common Knowledge board member.

Future work of the Just Transition Commission will include a detailed focus on key sectors and cross-cutting issues and provide targeted recommendations to support a fair and inclusive transition.

The full Introductory Report by the Just Transition Commission can be accessed here.

For more information, go to www.justtransitioncommission.ie.