EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
T he Global Footprint Network times faster than our planet’s ecosystems can regenerate. The global infrastructure already locks in 95% of our carbon budget. Ocean acidity is 26% higher than in pre-industrial times and is projected to increase from 100% to 150% by 2100. These rates are alarming - but the impact of climate change is hardly a new threat. According to the Government’s climate reports that humanity is currently consuming natural resources 1.7 action plan, Ireland is ‘way off course’ in tackling climate change compared to the rest of Europe. As things stand, achieving the Government’s aim of net zero carbon energy systems is set to become a momentous mission. But Ireland’s mindset is shifting, and if we are to meet the global targets it’s important that every household, business and individual plays their part to make radical changes to energy, transport and waste management. Climate change is an energy issue More than 80% of the CO2 emissions in EU-27 countries are from production or consumption of energy. We use energy at every moment throughout our lives, whether through heating or cooling our homes and offices, or producing and manufacturing things we own - from toys all the way to cars. The continued growth in productivity and progress of human civilization have long been linked with our capability to harness energy resources. This dependency increased with economic and industrial development. With an expanding global economy, along with the addition of nearly two billion people to the global population within the next 30 years, its predicted that our energy needs will increase by more than 40% by 2040. The rise will be required to power our buildings and homes, together with meeting our needs for cooling, transportation and a connected lifestyle. It’s clear, therefore, that climate change
KELLY BECKER, COUNTRY PRESIDENT IRELAND AT SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC, EXPLAINS WHY THE TIME IS RIGHT TO PLAY OUR PART IN CLIMATE CHANGE... Steeringback on course
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