Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021
193. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the international community continues to ameliorate or exacerbate climate change trends; the measures taken or proposed to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13225/21]
View answer194. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the international community accepts the need to contribute to the fight against climate change in a meaningful way; the steps or actions that would need to be taken to achieve same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13226/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 193 and 194 together.
Climate change remains a trans-boundary challenge that can only be addressed through committed ambition and effective multilateral cooperation at the international level. The consequences of failure are catastrophic, particularly for some of the world’s most vulnerable people. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will hold its 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, United Kingdom, from 1 to 12 November 2021. While the Paris Agreement is delivering on raising global climate ambition, further effort is required. A positive outcome at COP26 is critical to secure increased effort to avoid and prevent irreversible climate change.
Ireland is committed to concerted global effort to address the climate challenge and engages in negotiations under UNFCCC through its membership of the European Union (EU). The EU continues to retain its leadership role on climate ambition and mobilising and supporting action of other Parties.
The EU aims to be climate-neutral by 2050. This objective is at the heart of the European Green Deal and in line with the EU’s commitment to global climate action under the Paris Agreement. The European Council has agreed, at its meeting in December 2020, to increase the EU's 2030 target to reduce emissions by at least 55% relative to 1990 levels. Legislative proposals to implement the new EU 2030 target will be presented by June 2021, and additional effort will be asked of all Member States, including Ireland. Ireland fully supports the enhanced ambition at EU level to increase the EU 2030 target to at least 55% emissions reduction.
