Bríd Smith
Question:123. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to ensure the climate action Bill is compatible with a just transition and environmental justice. [35110/20]
View answerTuesday, 10 November 2020
Questions (123)
Written answers
As Minister for Climate Action, I will lead on delivering the Programme for Government commitment of an average 7% per annum reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions from 2021 to 2030, and net zero emissions by 2050. A key aspect of delivering on this ambition will be enacting the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill, which will be reinforced by credible on-going policy. The statutory policy instruments provided for in the Bill include carbon budgets; climate action plans; long term climate action strategies; and national adaptation frameworks. The Bill provides an extensive range of matters that Government will have to regard in developing such statutory policy instruments. These include the principle of climate justice. The Climate Change Advisory Council will also be required to consider climate justice when developing and proposing carbon budgets to Government.The concept of climate justice incorporates a just transition and involves a human-centred approach to climate policy development.
The step change in our climate ambition will require fundamental changes, and the Programme for Government commits to continuing to work to achieve a broad political and societal consensus on a just transition to a sustainable future for all communities. I am committed to ensuring that no sector of society or community is left behind in the movement to a low-carbon future and instead can capitalise on the new opportunities the transition will bring.
In terms of managing this transition, the Programme for Government also recognises that it is vital there is adequate time and effort devoted to working with communities and sectors in designing and delivering the pathway to achieve the goal in a fair way. This will mean creating fresh opportunities for those sectors most exposed by the transition and supporting those in our community who are least equipped to make the changes.
The Bill is currently undergoing pre-legislative scrutiny in the Oireachtas and I welcome the active engagement of Committee Members and witnesses in this process.