TDs to get the Gore details on climate change

AN environmental group is sending a copy of Al Gore's Oscar-winning documentary to every TD in the country - for free.
Friends of the Earth is hoping that 'An Inconvenient Truth' will inspire the 166 TDs to take action to reduce carbon emissions.
"We need every Government for the next 20 years to focus on climate change in the same way that every party has focused on unemployment and emigration in the past," its director, Oisin Coghlan, said.
Although the issue of climate change was expected to form a key part of the general election campaign, it was overtaken by the debate about the economy, the health service and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern's personal finances.
Mr Coghlan said he hoped the documentary would change TDs' attitudes to global warming.
"It is difficult to come out of it and say 'That was good but I don't have to do anything'. It is a movie which wants you to follow up in your life and your work."
In the documentary, Mr Gore describes his work as an environmentalist and his efforts to convince fellow politicians in the US of the dangers of global warming.
"We have everything, save perhaps political will. But I believe political will is a renewable resource."
Mr Coghlan said the documentary was not a 'silver bullet' solution to the problem but added that it was a worthwhile gesture.
Friends of the Earth is sending the politicians a copy of its own draft Climate Protection Bill which would introduce binding targets for reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.
It said this would follow the example of California, where legislation requires carbon emissions to be cut by 80pc by 2050, and Britain, which is planning to introduce similar laws. The group is financing the cost of sending out the DVD by getting donations of €10 from 166 of its members.
It has negotiated a "substantial discount" on the price from the film's distributors Sony BMG.
Michael Brennan
© Irish Independent