Ireland must step up to the Climate Crisis says Labour
- Govt failure on climate targets unacceptable
Labour’s general election candidate in Waterford, Sadhbh O’Neill, has called out the government for failing to meet climate targets, following alarming reports from the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. Copernicus confirmed that 2024 is “virtually certain” to surpass last year as the world’s hottest on record, underscoring the rapid pace of global warming caused by human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels.
Sadhbh O’Neill said:
“This report confirms what we terrifyingly already knew—global temperatures are skyrocketing, and carbon emissions are at the root of it. The recent flooding in Valencia, Spain is a devastating reminder of the stakes at hand. For years, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and the Greens have been in charge, yet they’ve fallen far short of reaching the targets they set themselves. The current approach is clearly not ambitious enough.
“Equally, it’s shocking that some opposition parties would rather remain vague on their climate policies, and even worse that there are calls to abandon the net-zero target altogether. Meanwhile, Labour remains committed to real action. We will soon be unveiling our full climate plans as part of our manifesto, plans grounded in science and ambition, but also in practicality and fairness.
“Labour has consistently called for the Government to implement an annual carbon budget. This would hold the government accountable and enforce our 2030 climate goals. But while carbon budgets are essential, we need more. Labour has long championed a Just Transition, pushing for policies that will lead to a fair, inclusive transition away from fossil fuels.
“We know what has to be done. We need to reduce car dependency, decarbonise our industries, move decisively toward renewable energy, electrify our transport system, and start a retrofitting revolution. We need changes in agriculture and land use too, as agriculture is Ireland’s largest source of climate pollution. With these changes, we can cut emissions rapidly, improve public health, and create a more secure, prosperous Ireland. It’s time for action that matches the scale of the crisis we face.
“The outcome of the U.S. election will have significant consequences for global climate action. The election of Trump is very likely to slow down or even undo international progress, increasing the pressure on other nations, including Ireland, to do more at home.
“As the general election approaches, Labour is urging the public to make climate action a top priority when choosing the next government.
“The next government that takes office after this election will have unprecedented resources at its disposal, as well as a responsibility to heed the science and take meaningful action. Now is not the time for half-measures. It’s time to put Ireland on a path that secures a sustainable future for all.”