Green energy not high on Irish list ALMOST half of all Irish people believe both the Government and businesses are not doing enough to tackle climate change, yet only a third are willing to pay more for greener energy, a new survey reveals. While 82 per cent believe global warming is a serious problem, the latest Eurobarometer poll found Irish citizens are not changing their behaviour to reduce their carbon footprint. The survey found three per cent of us have adapted their homes to green fuels and only 15 per cent admitted using their car less. However, 87 per cent of us proved our green credentials by separating waste when recycling, higher than the EU average of 63 per cent. Meat-free: Ex-Beatle Paul McCartney gestures as he visits the EU parliament By COLM KELPIE Veggie Macca urged to beat swift meat retreat SIR Paul McCartney was yesterday urged to give his meat-free climate change campaign the chop for the sake of hard-pressed farmers. The ex-Beatle told an EU conference that one days less meat-eating a week could have a major impact on overall efforts to cut CO2 emissions. But the Irish Farmers Association said the stakes were already too high for struggling farmers facing competition from imports. IFA president Padraig Walshe accused the singer of promoting his own business agenda as his late wife Linda, a vegetarian campaign- er, has a range of meals sold in her name. He has an agenda, and its particularly an- noying to see the hype thats around some- body like him coming into the European Par- liament to promote his own business agenda. Mr Walshe said the singers facts were dis- torted and farmers were helping the environ- ment by maintaining grassy fields which serve as carbon sinks a natural or man-made reservoir that stores carbon. If we end up ploughing up grassland to grow more vegetables, we release that carbon. It just doesnt make sense from a climate change point of view, Mr Walshe said, adding he wished McCartney would just let it be. D Friday, December 4, 2009 METRO Why not cash in on all that gold jewellery you NEVER wear! We buy and pay cash immediately for all gold items in any condition. Old Wedding Rings, Earrings, Chains, Bracelets, Ingots or Coins. EXTRA CASH FOR CHRISTMAS? Call Peter at College House Jewellers, 44 Nassau Street, Dublin 2. Tel: 01 677 7597 (Sorry no Engagement Rings) index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html24.html25.html26.html27.html