Dublin Climate Dialogues can build momentum ahead of vital UN COP26 Conference – Farrell

All parties must come together to engage constructively during the two-day Dublin Climate Dialogues event being held virtually in Dublin this week, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Fine Gael Climate Action Spokesperson Deputy Alan Farrell said the Dublin Climate Dialogues will offer an opportunity for Ireland to build momentum ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference COP26, which will take place in Glasgow later this year.

Speaking today, the Dublin Fingal TD said: “The Dublin Climate Dialogues will take place tomorrow May 19^th, and Wednesday May 20^th. The event will bring together leaders from around the world, including leading businesses and economists. These meetings will focus on making net-zero commitments within viable energy policies and, crucially, build on Ireland’s climate commitment ahead of the COP26.

“Six years ago, the Paris Agreement showed the world that we can, as an international community, make progress on the issue of climate change. All countries must now come together again and ensure that another major consensus is reached at COP26. The world cannot afford a failure to reach agreement in Glasgow this year. The time to act is now.

“I believe that Ireland can become a climate leader and lay down a roadmap for other nations to follow, demonstrating the economic and humanitarian advantages of moving towards a more sustainable economy and society.

“Fine Gael are committed to playing our part in tackling climate change. Building on the 2019 Climate Action Plan, the Climate Action & Low Carbon Development Bill, introduced this year, will set Ireland on a path to reducing emissions by 51% by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

“The Dublin Climate Dialogues offer Ireland a chance to impress the urgency of the climate situation upon the international community and build towards reaching a global consensus in Glasgow later this year,” concluded Deputy Farrell.