Barristers Highlight Carbon Emissions Increase as Part of Natural Justice Campaign

New legal year kicks off with focus on rising CO2 levels

On Tuesday evening, a group of barristers gathered at The Bar of Ireland buildings in Dublin to highlight the issue of increased carbon emissions in the atmosphere.

Marking the beginning of a new legal year, barristers gathered to underline the increasing urgency of climate change as carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere continue to increase. This is planned to be a yearly engagement, and an opportunity to chart the legal and regulatory responses to the climate crisis.

CO2 levels in the atmosphere now sit at 420 parts per million (ppm), up from the pre-industrial average from 280ppm.

Speaking at the gathering, Chair of the Climate Bar Association, Clíona Kimber SC said:

Recent cases such as the Ennis Data Centre, in which Climate Bar Association members worked, show the importance of providing access to justice and legal representation for environmental groups, to ensure that state bodies adhere to their obligations to deliver the National Climate Objective.”

The gathering forms part of the Natural Justice campaign, which aims to promote the legal profession’s role in engaging with these issues, through public engagement, seminars on environmental litigation, pro-bono work and sustainable practice management. It is organised by The Bar of Ireland in collaboration with specialist bar associations.

On the initiative, Ms. Kimber said:

“Comhshaol, The Climate Bar Association is proud to support The Bar of Ireland’s Natural Justice campaign. As members of the legal community, we understand the importance of advocating for environmental protection and ensuring that climate justice is a priority. Together, we can make a positive impact and work towards a fairer, more sustainable future for everyone.“

Over the past year, the Climate Bar Association has hosted open-to-all events in the north, south, east and west of the island of Ireland, on topics of interest to the public and legal profession.

The association is running another programme of public events this legal year, including an event on protecting lakes and rivers in the University of Galway this Thursday.

On Tuesday, the Planning, Environmental and Local Government Bar Association (PELGBA) also hosted an event, in conjunction with the Law Society of Ireland’s Environmental and Planning Law Committee, focusing on public participation (SLAPP) in the planning process and EU Nature Restoration and the National Biodiversity Action Plan.

This summer, a large-format illustration was installed on The Bar of Ireland’s building on Church Street as part of the Natural Justice campaign. More information on upcoming events and engagements can be found at www.naturaljustice.ie.