George Lee

Environment Correspondent

The contrast in climatic experiences between Ireland and Spain was emphasised by rainfall data for November

Data comparing Ireland and Spain shows pace of warming

Regional differences in the pace of climate warming within Europe are evident when comparing the official November Weather Statements for Spain and Ireland.

Climate Change • 04 Dec 24

The EPA report says farm inspections are far below the level needed to drive compliance and improve water quality

Councils must prioritise environmental action, says EPA

The Environmental Protection Agency has said local authorities must effectively prioritise enforcement resources to protect and improve the environment.

Ireland • 03 Dec 24

COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev speaking in Baku, Azerbaijan, during the climate summit

For first time ever, money the main item on a COP agenda

The COP29 climate talks in Baku was the 29th time in 32 years that the nations of the world gathered to negotiate what to do about climate change, writes George Lee

World • 24 Nov 24

Mary Robinson has accused the Vatican, Russia and Saudi Arabia of blocking progress on a gender-related climate plan (file image)

Robinson critical of Azerbaijan as choice for COP host

The Chair of the Elders, Mary Robinson, has said the Vatican, Russia and Saudi Arabia have been blocking progress on a gender-related climate action plan at the COP29 talks in Azerbaijan.

Climate Change • 21 Nov 24

Ireland is now considered among the medium climate action performers worldwide for the first time according to the report (file image)

Ireland achieves best ranking yet globally on emissions

The international ranking of Ireland's climate performance has improved substantially over the past 12 months according to a new report published at the COP29 climate conference.

Environment • 20 Nov 24

Eamon Ryan said Ireland wants access to reliable finance to be ensured

COP29 needs to deliver deal on climate finance - Ryan

Bringing climate action and supporting the least developed countries is at the heart of Ireland's position on climate finance, according to Minister for Climate Eamon Ryan.

Climate Change • 19 Nov 24

There are 197 parties, plus the European Union at the Climate talks

COP structure cannot deliver change at exponential speed

Keeping the rise in global temperatures below 1.5C is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve. There is a rising sense of panic among the most senior, and most influential, United Nations advisers about it.

Climate Change • 18 Nov 24

Rise in temperatures cause 'sense of panic' at COP29

Keeping the rise in global temperatures below 1.5 degrees is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve. There is a rising sense of panic among the most senior, and most influential, United Nations advisers about it.

World • 17 Nov 24

Activists demand climate change loss and damage financing from rich countries at the UNFCCC COP29 Climate Conference in Baku

COP29 climate talks grapple with trillion-dollar task

Countries at the COP29 summit tried to make progress on how to raise up to $1 trillion in climate finance for the world's most vulnerable, as political tensions overshadowed the talks.

COP29 • 14 Nov 24

It might be cheaper for a government to pay for the development or protection of a carbon sink, like forestry, in a developing country

Standards for Carbon Credits at COP29 and what they mean

Governments at COP29 approved new standards for international carbon markets, in a key step towards allowing countries trade credits to meet climate targets, however there is a lot more work to be done, writes Environment Correspondent George Lee.

Analysis and Comment • 13 Nov 24