Action on Climate Change

I've been in a cave for the past few years - What's this climate change thing all about?

Global warming is caused by the growing concentration in the atmosphere of a series of gases, which act as a blanket and trap the sun's heat. The most important of these greenhouse gases is carbon dioxide, with the main source of this being the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas in power stations and in internal combustion engines. The only realistic way to cut emissions from power generation is to stop burning fossil fuels and use energy sources that have a minimum impact on global warming. What we need in Ireland, and indeed globally, is a greater shift towards renewable energy driven by wind, wave, tidal and solar power. These technologies are already fairly well developed, and could quickly become the dominant form of electricity generation if the political will was there. For historical reasons, however, we live in a global society where the fossil fuel corporations have immense power and this fact has shaped everything about the world we live in, including the very ideologies and policies of the parties and politicians who run most of the world's governments and global institutions.

What are the human consequences of climate change?

No one will be immune, but climate change will have a disproportionate effect on the lives of people living in poverty in developing countries. People living in poverty are more likely to live in unplanned, temporary settlements, which are erected on unsuitable land - most prone to the risks of flooding, storm surges, and landslides. From the river deltas of Bangladesh, to the deserts of Africa, and the South American Andes, communities are already being affected by changes in the world's climate. They are among the poorest people on the planet. This makes them especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change, even though they have done very little to cause it. Climate change is a humanitarian crisis.

What can we do as a Student Movement to make a difference for the future of our planet?

Governments all over the world are taking token steps towards change, but we need to act much faster to avert crisis. When people make themselves heard on issues like this, it can force a change in government policy. For example, in 1987 public pressure and campaigning successfully brought about a global treaty on CFC's, preventing further destruction of our ozone layer. We need to get active and create the political will necessary to take positive action to limit our impact on the environment.

Student Action on Climate Change - What's that?

Student Action on Climate Change is a campaign started here in UCD by the Students' Union in order to campaign for better government policy on the prevention of Climate Change. The campaign is supported by Unions throughout the country and groups such as Friends of the Earth. Our future depends on students, workers and people everywhere taking a stand and demanding action on Climate Change. You can play your part by getting involved with the campaigns run by your Students' Union. Remember - we are stronger when we unite and work together.