Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 November 2021
61. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the recent UN Environment Programme report finding that many national determined plans fall short of the Paris targets and are expected to lead to a temperature increase of 2.7 degrees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53668/21]
View answerIreland is committed to concerted global actions to address the climate crisis and engages in negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement through its membership of the European Union (EU). Ireland has actively engaged with EU partners in preparation for the 26th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP26) in Glasgow which commenced on 31 October and will conclude on 12 November 2021. I will lead Ireland’s National Delegation for the continuation of the high-level segment during the second week of COP26.
Ireland is committed to playing an active and constructive role at the COP this year, particularly on issues linked to our climate priorities and with the intention of illustrating greater strategic coherency between our international climate agenda and our domestic climate ambition.
The scientific evidence demonstrates that the atmosphere is warming and the climate is changing with each passing year. These changes will cause extensive direct and indirect harm to Ireland and its people, as well as to other countries more exposed and less able than we are to withstand the associated impacts. This year’s COP is crucial in ensuring that climate action is taken in a manner that balances considerations of fairness, cost effectiveness and solidarity, ensuring that no one is left behind.
