Holding the Government to account on climate justice

As a new Government begins its term, we stand at a pivotal moment in our shared fight for climate justice. The climate chaos we’ve already seen this year across the world — from the Los Angeles wildfires to Storm Éowyn —shows that the challenges we face have grown increasingly urgent, but so too has our determination to create a just, healthy and sustainable future for all. Here are some updates on Friends of the Earth's activities relating to Government formation, and what we’ve been doing to push the new Government to step up on climate. As they settle in, we’re making sure they know that Ireland has both legal and moral duty to take faster and fairer climate action.

Advocating for Climate Action during Government Formation Talks

During the process of Government formation, we called on all negotiating parties to treat the climate breakdown as the emergency it is. That means real action to tackle energy poverty, phase out fossil fuels and put a halt to the unchecked growth of data centres. Climate cannot be “just another item on the political agenda”—it has to be at the heart of the Programme for Government.

We highlighted that the Programme for Government must prioritise swift, equitable measures to tackle the climate crisis. The stakes could not be higher: failure to act risks not only catastrophic climate impacts but also billions in EU non-compliance fines that will ultimately fall on Irish taxpayers.

As Government formation talks began, we shared a detailed policy briefing with all political parties involved in the talks. This document outlined clear, actionable steps for achieving Ireland’s legally binding climate obligations in a manner that tackles poverty and inequality. These measures include implementing affordable retrofitting programs for vulnerable households, enforcing minimum energy efficiency standards in rental properties and introducing an immediate moratorium on data centres.

Programme for Government risks falling into “Climate Cakeism”

As the Government lays out its priorities for the next four years, it’s clear that the incoming Government has unfortunately strayed into the realm of “Climate Cakeism” - having the established climate targets on paper but wanting their pollution too. While the Programme for Government reaffirms Ireland’s legally binding climate commitments, it lacks the specific policies and measures needed to deliver these targets effectively and has some major contradictions and vagueness.

While the Programme includes some positive steps - such as support for renewable energy, and retrofits targeting low-income households - it also vows to make Ireland “the most secure location” for data centres within the EU. The Programme fails to outline how the Government intends to regulate data centres to align with our decarbonisation goals. 

That is why we need to keep the pressure on and continue advocating for faster and fairer climate action. Through your  support, we’ll continue to push policymakers for a robust vision of the future that not only phases out harmful emissions, but also tackles poverty and inequality - because real climate action means leaving no one behind.

Holding the Incoming Government to Account on Climate

Friends of the Earth continue to keep up the pressure on politicians to prioritise social and environmental justice. We have sent a briefing to all TDs this month, calling for stronger government leadership and robust Dáil accountability regarding climate action.

Our message is clear: the incoming Government must fulfil its moral and legal obligations to pursue climate justice and a swift, just transition away from fossil fuels. This transformation must not only reduce emissions, but must also protect vulnerable communities, address economic inequalities, and ensure that the costs and benefits of climate action are distributed fairly. 

New Polling Reveals Strong Support for Climate Action Among Voters Across the Political Spectrum

Recent polling, carried out by Ireland Thinks on behalf of Friends of the Earth, provides a heartening reminder that the people of Ireland continue to demand meaningful climate action from their elected representatives. A majority of voters, 55%, want the new Government to do more on climate than the last, with only 21% advocating for less action. Find out more about the polling results here.

This data sends a clear message to political leaders: slowing down climate action is not only counterproductive but also unpopular.

Looking ahead

As we have entered into 2025, faster and fairer climate action is not just a necessity - it’s a chance to build a better Ireland for all. As we navigate this critical moment, let us continue to hold leaders accountable, champion equitable climate action, and demand the transformative change we need. 

Thank you for your continued support and engagement! We couldn't do the work we do without you.