The 2020 World Economic Forum identified the top five risks to our economy as environmental: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/01/top-global-risks-report-climate-change-cyberattacks-economic-political/ yet the CCDP Issues Paper in its Key Questions (page 9) woefully underplays both the climate and biodiversity crisis confronting citizens in Cork City.  These linked crises won’t be solved without treating them as an emergency.  CNN suggests it is clear – exemplified by the Development Plan preparation so far - that neither crisis has been treated as such by the City Council and that any Plan that pretends that we are on a reliable path to lower emissions or saving & restoring biodiversity means precious time in the near future will be lost.

CNN welcomes the Issues Paper acknowledging green & blue infrastructure and environmental quality issues but the City in creating its new Development Plan (CCDP) must face the full picture. This new Plan must guide development to face the climate & biodiversity emergencies.

CNN make 15 recommendations.