Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 September 2020
58. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Climate Action and Communication Networks if his attention has been drawn to the UNEP report Enhancing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for Food Systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24667/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis report published by the World Wildlife Fund, the United Nations Environment Programme, the non-profit 'EAT' and Climate Focus highlights the role that national food systems can play in helping countries meet their climate goals. These climate goals are submitted via Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The report also links the impact of our food systems on other environmental areas such as biodiversity loss, conversion of land, depletion of freshwater resources, and pollution of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
Preventing waste arising across food production, distribution and consumption is key to improving the sustainability of the food chain. 'A Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy', which I recently published, recognises food waste prevention as a priority intervention. Amongst a broad range of actions, the Plan commits my Department to working with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to pursue ambitious food waste reductions and other measures that contribute towards a sustainable food chain in the Agri-Food sector.
Ireland contributes to the Paris Agreement via the NDC submitted by the European Union (EU) on behalf of its Member States. The EU’s updated NDC will be informed by increased ambition as committed to under the European Green Deal. This includes the EU’s ambition to increase the EU-wide greenhouse gas emissions reduction target at least 55% by 2030, a target that the Government welcomes. It will be important for the EU as a global leader on climate efforts to submit its NDC before the end of 2020 to build momentum and encourage other major economies to take similar action.
