Greenpeace: Ireland should ban inefficient light bulbs

Environment Minister John Gormley should put in place a law requiring all businesses and homes to use only energy-saving light bulbs by 2010, the organisation believes.

Lighting accounts for around a fifth of carbon emissions, so ensuring that everyone made the switch would dramatically improve the country’s carbon footprint.

Last week, the Irish government signalled its own commitment to lowering carbon emissions by launching a five-year campaign that will raise awareness of climate change among businesses and the general public.

Known as the Change Plan of Action, it will work towards better carbon management in business, industry and the public sector.

Separately, Greenpeace reports that some of its activists were shot at in Indonesia when they attempted to rig up a “Coal kills climate” banner at a coal-fired power station.

The UN Climate Change Conference is taking place in Bali, Indonesia, this week.

Ben Meggeson