Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2019
221. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason the Solidarity and Just Transition Silesia Declaration was not signed; the reasons for signing or not signing respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1816/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 24th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP 24) took place in Katowice, Poland, from 2 to 15 December 2018. COP 24 had two major outcomes - the completion of negotiations aimed at enabling the full implementation of the Paris Agreement and the conclusion of a year-long process of reflection on the imperative of scaling up global efforts to address climate change, the Talanoa Dialogue. COP 24 also saw three Declarations presented by the Polish Presidency and adopted by a range of Party and non-Party stakeholders.
The Silesia Declaration on Just Transition reiterated the importance of managing the transition away from emission-intensive activity in a structured manner, taking into account the societal needs for alternative employment and opportunities.
The Ministerial Katowice Declaration on Forests for the Climate recognised the importance of forests and calls on all sectors to pursue afforestation measures and support the enhanced scientific understanding of the role of forests as carbon sinks.
The third Declaration, Driving Change Together - the Katowice Partnership for E-mobility, was presented jointly by Poland and the United Kingdom, recognising the challenges faced by societies in reducing transport emissions. It called on Parties, regions, cities and NGOs to promote electro-mobility and clean transport and encouraged the development of electro-mobility, sustainable patterns and innovation in transport, with the ultimate goal of reducing emissions in this sector and improving the health of the planet's population.
Ireland supported all three Declarations at COP 24. Officials from my Department are in contact with the Polish COP Presidency to ensure that Ireland is listed as a signatory to all three Declarations.
