In Ireland’s recent history, a model for clean growth
Clean economic growth is not just a pipe dream — it happened in Ireland between 1990 and 2010, when emissions dropped 10 percent even as the country’s economy grew 265 percent, the leader of that country’s Green Party said Monday. “Ireland … is one of those countries you can point a finger to and say, ‘You can de-carbonize an economy and still develop,’” said Eamon Ryan. Ryan acknowledged that the growth came in relatively green industries, such as medical devices, finance, and digital technology. But he also said that even in a much slower economy, investment in clean energy continues to pay dividends. Today, Ireland generates 20 percent of its power through wind energy; on windy days as much as half the nation’s power can come from renewable sources. “We can actually change the energy system,” said Ryan. “It takes time, but what amazes me is how quickly you can start to change.” Ryan...