Dear Taoiseach,
In June 2012 leaders from around the world will convene for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Brazil. 'Rio+20' will take place twenty years on from the ground-breaking 1992 Rio Earth Summit– an event that marked a watershed in international collaboration on social and environmental issues.
The Irish government has an international reputation for championing development aid. With just a year to go before Rio+20, there is a real opportunity and need for Ireland to show similar leadership on climate change and sustainable development, and for you, as Taoiseach, to publicly demonstrate your commitment to ensuring a successful Summit.
Rio+20 takes place at a time of increasingly urgent global challenges. There exists massive inequality between rich and poor countries - just 20% of the global population consumes 80% of the world's resources. Almost 1 billion people go hungry every day despite enough food being produced in the world, and we currently face the second food price crisis in three years. Ecosystem degradation, climate change and increasing natural resource scarcity threaten the lives and livelihoods of millions of poor people around the world, as well as compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Such challenges also threaten to undermine the entire global economy.
These multiple, interconnected issues demand an ambitious global response that addresses poverty, climate change and sustainable development simultaneously. We need a green and just transition – achieving prosperity and resilience for all within the ecological limits of the planet. Developed countries must lead the way by addressing unsustainable consumption and production patterns and promoting international co-operation for a more equitable distribution of the world's finite resources. This transition requires a fundamental rethink of progress - moving beyond a narrow focus on GDP growth towards broader and more meaningful measures of productivity and well-being.
We ask the Irish government to demonstrate leadership towards Rio+20 by:
Pledging that you, An Taoiseach, will attend Rio+20.
Appointing an Ambassador or Envoy on Rio+20, tasked with generating a coherent vision across government, ensuring effective engagement with Irish civil society, and taking a leadership role in dialogue with other countries.
Playing a leading role in the preparatory process for Rio+20. For instance, by hosting a High Level Policy Dialogue on a prominent issue – such as green jobs and skills, low carbon development or sustainable food systems - ahead of the next intersessional meeting in December.
Irish civil society is ready to play its own role in contributing to these endeavours. We look forward to hearing your Government's plans for comprehensive engagement with civil society and action on the Rio+20 agenda between now and June 2012.
Kind regards
Michael Ewing
Coordinator
Environmental Pillar of Social Partnership
Knockvicar
Boyle
Co Roscommon
Rep of Ireland
Tel: +353 71 9667373
Mob: +353 86 8672153
email: michael@environmentalpillar.ie
web: www.environmentalpillar.ie
Environmental Pillar members: An Taisce. Bat Conservation Ireland, BirdWatch Ireland. CELT - Centre for Ecological Living and Training. Coast Watch. Coomhola Salmon Trust. Crann. ECO UNESCO. Feasta. Forest Friends. Friends of the Earth. Global Action Plan Ireland, Gluaiseacht. Grian. Hedge Laying Association of Ireland. Irish Doctors Environment Association. Irish Natural Forestry Foundation. Irish Peatland Conservation Council. Irish Seal Sanctuary. Irish Seed Saver Association. Irish Whale and Dolphin Group. Irish Wildlife Trust. The Organic Centre. Sonairte. Sustainable Ireland Cooperative. VOICE. Zero Waste Alliance Ireland
