A letter to the editor

This letter has been sent to the editors of local Nenagh papers, the Nenagh Guardian and the Tipperary Star, on 11the December 2009

Dear Sir

We are all horrified at reports of the recent floods which have devastated thousands of homes, farms and businesses - ‘once in 800 years’ floods some say. It is heartening how the Irish people have rallied to help the thousands whose lives have been shattered. But let us also take the floods as a wake-up call. Climate scientists say that as the planet warms we can expect more winter rainfall in the West of Ireland, and more frequent extreme weather. No one can say for certain that the floods are caused by global warming, but they may be a foretaste of worse, more frequent floods to come if we do not act on climate change.

As I write, world leaders are gathering in Copenhagen for the UN climate change summit to agree what each country will do to reduce greenhouse gases and prevent runaway global warming. Last Sunday Nenagh churches came together on the eve of the talks to pray they will be successful. But we cannot afford to leave it all to governments and prayers must be matched by action. Now is the time for ordinary people to show that we are ready to defend our children’s futures.

What if we each cut 10% of our greenhouse gas emissions in 2010? What if we got everyone we know to do the same? And what if all this made governments sit up and take notice? Maybe this could be the first step towards a brighter future. Cutting 10% in one year is a bold target, but most of us can do it – and save on energy costs too. This might be the best New Years resolution any of us could make!

Nenagh Carbon watchers aim to support each other in reducing their household emissions, and to encourage others to do the same. Readers who want to help us can contact me or visit our web site http://nenaghcarbonwatchers.blogspot.ie.

Yours Sincerely

Joc Sanders
Chair, Nenagh Carbon Watchers
Dromineer
087 699 6775