The next government must not lose focus on Ireland’s climate action responsibilities, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore.
Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on climate action, said:
“According to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, 2024 was the first full year in which global temperatures exceeded 1.5C above pre-industrial times. In fact, last year was the world’s hottest since records began, and every month was the warmest or second warmest for that month.
“This trajectory is deeply concerning as it will make it more difficult for governments around the world to prevent average temperatures exceeding the 1.5C limit, as set in the 2015 Paris Agreement. This is essential if we want to avoid climate change disasters, such the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles and last year’s catastrophic floods in Valencia in Spain.
“Ireland has much to lose if we fail to achieve our carbon reduction targets by 2030. Not only does it heighten the risk of extreme weather events here, it also potentially exposes the State to up to €20 billion in EU fines – significantly higher than the original €8 billion estimate.
“Given what is at stake, the next programme for government must have a laser focus on climate action and not be distracted by political division on this crucial issue.
“There can be no watering down of the difficult but necessary measures required of all sectors in order to placate any climate sceptic Independent TDs on whom Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael may have to rely on for support.”
January 10, 2025