Irish climate policy and green jobs Neil Walker Global Solidarity Summer School 2 nd September 2011

Outline  Structure and remit of IBEC’s policy units  The role businesses can play in helping to meet Ireland’s climate change obligations  How we can benefit from joined-up thinking about climate policy and the green economy

IBEC provides help and advice to a diverse membership Circa 7500 members Policy Division Regional Offices Business Sector Associations Private sectorPublic sector

We cover a wide range of policy areas EnergyOccupational Health & Safety European Affairs (Brussels) Environment Economics & Taxation Joint Business Council Transport and Trade Social Policy Survey Unit Public Organisations

We view energy, climate and agriculture as interlinked  Ireland faces a colossal challenge over the period to 2020: –comply with EU targets on greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency and renewables –maintain our cost competitiveness, particularly in exporting industries such as food  A number of recent analyses broadly agree on where the biggest opportunities exist to meet our obligations at minimum economic cost

Irish GHG emissions reflect the structure of our economy  Roughly two-thirds arise from energy, one-third from farming  Much of the energy-related emissions are attributable to private transport and residential heating  If we strip out the EU ETS sector, then agriculture accounts for nearly 40% of remaining emissions  Opportunities for emissions reductions in the beef and dairy sector are quite limited –particularly in the context of sustainable job creation through Food Harvest 2020

Cost implications Abatement cost per avoided tonne of CO 2 Typical examples of the low carbon technology €0 - €20Energy efficiency in buildings and transport €20 - €40Onshore wind energy, solid biomass fuels, biogas €40 - €60Improved farming and forestry practices €60 - €100Gaseous and liquid bio-fuels, electric vehicles €100 - €150Offshore wind energy, Carbon capture & storage €150 - €200Wave energy, hydrogen fuel cells These costs are based on technical models so they don’t include any macro-economic “multiplier” effects.

Getting the right policy mix is vital (but tricky)  Business can play a leading role by delivering jobs and investment in low-carbon technologies for energy services such heating, lighting and transport. Many of these are still dependant on policy support.  To maximise the economic benefit to society, we must identify combinations of policies that are mutually reinforcing.  Failure to develop a coherent national climate change strategy could be extremely costly in terms of existing and future jobs.  To implement the chosen policy mix we would support the establishment of new institutions underpinned by new climate legislation.

Green jobs - can we give a helping hand?  IBEC is delighted to be associated with the NWPP Green Business initiative  We actively encourage members and non- members to avail of this free confidential service

Thank you