A ‘Once in a Lifetime’ opportunity for Ireland as the government approves the Climate Action Bill.
Waterford TD Marc Ó Cathasaigh welcomes the historic Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill which was approved by the government today. The Bill commits to transitioning to a climate resilient, biodiversity-rich, environmentally sustainable and climate-neutral economy by 2050. The legislation will require all carbon budgets to be in line with the Paris climate agreement and will target a reduction of 51% by 2030, making it one of the most ambitious climate bills in the world.
Speaking after the announcement, Deputy Ó Cathasaigh said:
‘The Climate Bill really is a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to change our society and our economy for the better and to play our part in addressing the issue of Climate Change. Climate Action is now the law in Ireland as we set out ambitious targets for carbon reduction. It’s ambitious, it will take hard work and there will be some bumps along the road but the end result will be a clean, green economy and a better future for our children.
The steps we will take over the next few years will bring new jobs, new businesses, warmer homes, cleaner air and a sustainable future to our country. Ireland can be a world leader in this area as we launch one of the most ambitious climate bills in the world and it is crucial that we leave no-one behind. The government will run a public consultation on the Climate Action plan and I encourage everyone to join the conversation and have their say on Ireland’s clean and green future.”
This is a signature piece of Green legislation and a commitment in the Programme for Government. The Bill is the culmination of many years of hard work getting climate onto the political agenda and keeping it there. The Green Party campaigned while in opposition, for a Citizen’s Assembly on climate change and instigated the formation of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action. In government, the Green Party has strongly believed in working with all parties in the Oireachtas to get cross-party consensus. This is an all of government effort, with a strengthened independent climate change advisory council and carbon budgets for all sectors of our economy.
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill strengthens the role of the Climate Change Advisory Council, enabling them to propose carbon budgets in line with the Paris agreement and other international obligations, which will include all forms of greenhouse gas emissions.
Further quotes/interview available. Contact Marc directly on 086 1908147 or Cristiona on 087 1761166
The full bill can be accessed here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/984d2-climate-action-and-low-carbon-development-amendment-bill-2020/
