Taoiseach's speech marks a step change in political leadership on climate

The real test will be the Climate Action Plan

Reacting to the Taoiseach's speech at COP26 today (and his interview on Morning Ireland), Director of Friends of the Earth, Oisín Coghlan said:

"I think the Taoiseach's remarks today mark a step change in political leadership on climate. I've never heard a Taoiseach speak so convincingly on the need for climate action. He spoke about the need for immediate action to keep 1.5 alive. He spoke about the cost of inaction being greater than the cost of action. He called out the scaremongering of certain sectors and he also moved to reassure all sections of society the the Government will put in place the supports we all need to make the transition to a cleaner, safer, healthier future.

"Of course, these fine words now need to be translated into firm action. The real test will be the Climate Action Plan due to be published later this week.

"Fairness must be our watchword. Doing our fair share as a country and every sector doing its fair share. No more and no less. And everyone getting the support we need to leave no one behind in the transition.

"The Taoiseach's announcement of incremental increases in our climate financing to help poorer countries cope with climate change is welcome. However, €225 million by 2025 still falls short of our fair share. The best estimates are we need to give twice that."

Notes

1. The Taoiseach's speech to the UN COP26 in Glasgow is here: https://www.gov.ie/en/speech/2b865-national-statement-by-the-taoiseach-cop-26-glasgow-2-november-2021/
2. The Taoiseach's interview on Morning Ireland is here: https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/22024723/
3. The Cabinet Committee on climate action is due to finalise the Climate Action Plan tomorrow (Wednesday) with publication pencilled in for Thursday.
4. Friends of the Earth's briefing on COP16 is here: https://www.foe.ie/assets/files/pdf/cop26_foe_ireland_briefing_nov_2021.pdf