Thread by @OisinCoghlan

Delighted to be an observer at @irishcongress #BDC19 this morning as they debate motions on #ClimateAction and #JustTransition and a keynote address from Mary Robinson. Government plan is hopelessly weak on Just Transition, compared to #JOCCA report. We need a Task Force now.

Speaking to @irishcongress #BDC19 Mary Robinson praises @GretaThunberg for speaking so directly and quotes her:
“We need to keep the fossil fuels in the ground and we need to focus on equity.”
Are you listening @LeoVaradkar, @RichardbrutonTD and @SeanCanney?

Mary Robinson sets out 3 steps for people taking #ClimateAction. First, take personal ownership and action. She says again she has become a pescatarian, still eating fish but giving up meat. @irishcongress #BDC19

Secondly, Mary Robinson tells @irishcongress #BDC19 to get angry and get involved in #ClimateAction: “Get angry with those in power, in governments and big business, first the fossil fuel companies but also agri-business and transport companies.”

And Mary Robinson tells @irishcongress #BDC19 to get involved in organizations that do climate advocacy. As well as building the movement we need for a just transition, getting involved lessens people’s increasing #ClimateAnxiety she says. We know action can turn #DreadIntoHope.

Proposing the Executive Council motion on #ClimateAction at the @irishcongress #BDC19 Phil Ni Sheaghdha of @INMO_IRL says the Government’s Climate Plan is “Just Transition Lite” and calls for the establishment of #JustTransition *Commission* now.

In a thoughtful and insightful speech Adrian Kane from @SIPTU told @irishcongress #BDC19 that climate change is an existential crisis and means the labour movement and the environmental movement must work together like never before. I second that - Ní cheart go cur le chéile.