The Chair of the Climate Change Advisory Council, Marie Donnelly, has said that Ireland is not a laggard on climate action in Europe but rather is keeping pace with other countries, all of whom are having the same difficulties over the slow speed of implementation of climate action.
Speaking at COP28 in Dubai, Ms Donnelly said that she met with other Climate Change Advisory Councils or their equivalents from other European countries over the past few days and all are facing the same difficulties.
Ms Donnelly said all the climate change advisory bodies in the EU have the same targets, objectives, and legislative frameworks making it easier to make comparisons.
"We are able to exchange experiences of what works or doesn't work; what are the issues and the sensitivities; do their governments respond to their recommendations; and what kind of emissions productions they are achieving," she said.
Ms Donnelly said that while "we are on the right track" and "going in the right direction", "we are not going fast enough".
"But we can see, that other countries are having the same difficulties in terms of the speed of implementation. So in that sense we are all in this together. We are all moving forward," she said.
She pointed out that Ireland has put in place one of the most ambitious pieces of legislation for climate, with actions and central targets.
"We have the climate action plan and people are making changes. We are seeing changes in the building stock. The retrofitting programme is really starting to deliver. We are seeing changes with the farmers who are now using new technology, new fertilisers, and are changing their practices."
Ms Donnelly also pointed out that change is happening in electricity generation incorporating renewables.
"So it is really beginning to move. Not fast enough. But I think we are starting to see results. And I think that's very positive" she said.
"I don't want to be overly optimistic because the stock-taking process at COP28 has demonstrated that we are not on track for the 1.5°C [target].
"We have a global problem. It is everybody's problem, and everybody ultimately will be part of that solution.
"That means governments, yes. But it also means people. Even small changes at our own domestic level at home, at work, in school that can make a difference," added Ms Donnelly.
COP28 must be 'beginning of the end of fossil fuels' - Hoekstra
EU Commissioner for Climate Action Wopke Hoekstra has told COP28 - the UN climate change summit taking place in Dubai - that the European Union wants the outcome of the negotiations to mark the beginning of the end of fossil fuels.
He said this is what the science wants and it is what our children deserve.
An updated outline document for agreement has been presented to delegates by the COP28 Presidency.
However, key decisions about phasing out fossil fuels and how to massively increase climate finance are still a long way off.
Speaking on behalf of the European Union, Mr Hoekstra insisted that we must not, and can not, pass the temperature limit of 1.5 degrees for the sake of our own lives and the sake of future generations.
He said the scientific community is crystal clear about that matter, and the window of time to limit warming is closing.
Mr Hoekstra said that different countries can have different opinions, but they cannot argue with facts.
The option put on the table by the COP28 Presidency presents a clear choice he said.
Emissions much peak by 2025 and then fall by 43% globally by 2030.
Mr Hoekstra said this COP needs to be the beginning of the end of fossil fuels because that is what the science says and our kids deserve.
He added that the European Union is willing to work with all parties to set a path to net zero emissions.
Meanwhile, the Russian government will consider making a financial contribution to the new Loss and Damage Fund agreed on the first day of COP28, but only out of the monies currently frozen by Western governments in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The announcement was included in the formal national statement to COP28 on behalf of Russia that was delivered today by Ruslan Edelgeriev, Advisor to the Russian President and Special Presidential Representative on Climate Issues.
The Loss and Damage Fund was agreed to provide essential financial assistance to poorer countries in event of climate related disasters.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has pledged that Ireland will commit €25 million to the fund between 2024 and 2025.
