Engineers Ireland has welcomed the publication of the National Mitigation Plan, calling for its prompt implementation as a step towards achieving a low carbon, resilient and sustainable economy and society. The plan, prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, was announced by Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten TD. The plan outlines 106 policy measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet EU and international obligations. This is Ireland’s first National Mitigation Plan as part of a transition to a low-carbon society by 2050. Engineers Ireland strongly believes that climate change is one of our greatest global threats and that we must transition to a carbon-free society. Yet as a country, we face major challenges in achieving climate targets in 2020 and later in 2030. It is critical that the measures identified in the National Mitigation Plan are implemented as part of wide-ranging and ambitious climate action. Climate change must be seen as a ‘burning platform’ and courageous decisions will have to be made to ensure that future generations enjoy a carbon-free society. Sustainable and resilient infrastructure must be central to this national transition objective. Just this week, Engineers Ireland launched the seventh annual State of Ireland Report (PDF)– a detailed evaluation of the country’s infrastructure needs in 2017. The report outlines recommendations for priority infrastructure projects, focusing on transport and communications, which will be pivotal for health and wellbeing, long-term prosperity and the transition to a carbon-free society.