Ireland has “exposed its citizens to risk and danger without justification” by not taking adequate measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and failing to maintain an environment consistent with human dignity, the High Court has been told. Unless urgent measures are taken, emission levels will be higher in 2030 than in 1990, he said. The fact society recognises environmental rights through the legislature supports the existence of a constitutional right to an environment, counsel argued. The court was obliged to protect these rights given the “real and imminent threat” posed by climate change. The four-day hearing concluded today and Mr Justice Michael McGrath reserved judgment in what he described as a “very complex” matter.

Source: Irish Examiner January 25, 2019 16:41 UTC