merrion street

Thank you Secretary General.
The unprecedented engagement from world leaders witnessed last December in Paris has generated significant political and cultural momentum. Today represents another hugely significant milestone in our collective response to the impacts of climate change. The signing of the Paris agreement sends an unequivocal message to business, stakeholders and citizens that all Governments are committed to playing their part. It marks the global transition as universal and irreversible.
The dynamic nature of the agreement is a key achievement, enabling us to strengthen ambition over time. Enhanced transparency and accountability will be a key feature in this regard. We also note and fully support a global goal on adaptation and in particular within the context of recognising the specific vulnerabilities and needs of developing countries which is a key concern for Ireland.
Ireland’s efforts to face the challenge of climate change will be reflected in the EU’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, which was submitted in March 2015 and which commits to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by 2030, compared with 1990 levels.
The Paris Agreement is very much in line with Ireland’s long-term objective, as expressed in our National Policy Position on Climate Change. It reflects well our own ambition to transition to a low carbon and climate resilient economy by 2050, which is underpinned by the legal and policy framework contained within our recently enacted Climate legislation.
Ireland is a strong supporter of the commitments outlined in the Paris Agreement and I am convinced that this Agreement will support all global leaders in putting in place the measures necessary to accomplish our common goals. Today is a signal that our global motivation is as strong now as it was in Paris – however in moving forward we must translate this motivation into action if we are to achieve the ambition set out for all of us in delivering an effective global response to climate change.