Climate Change Negotiations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2017

Tuesday, 21 March 2017

Questions (51)

Mick Barry

Question:

51. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has had any contact or discussions with his US counterpart on the issue of climate change and targets contained in the Paris Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13930/17]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held its 21st Conference of the Parties (COP 21) in Paris in 2015. The major outcome of COP 21 was the agreement by over 180 countries to restrict the impact of emissions on global warming and to limit temperature rises to 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with an ambition of limiting this increase to 1.5°C. The entry into force of the Paris Agreement required that 55% of Parties, representing 55% of global emissions, complete their ratification processes. The Agreement has now been ratified by 134 Parties, including Ireland, the EU, and the United States with its entry into force triggered at the 22nd Conference of the Parties (COP 22) which took place in Marrakesh in November 2016.

The Paris Agreement will achieve its goals through a range of climate action plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), to be carried out by all Parties, which aim to address 95% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement will depend on ambitious action through NDCs by governments, business, civil society, and individuals if it is to succeed in its goals. Ireland will contribute to the Paris Agreement through the EU’s NDC.

I have had very positive engagements with the then United States Special Envoy on Climate Change under the previous Administration, both at the OECD in Paris and subsequently at COP22 in Marrakesh. While I have not had any direct contact to date with my counterparts in the new US Administration, I am looking forward to continued positive collaboration, both directly and through the European Union, with all international partners as we work to advance the goals of the Paris Agreement.