Ireland promises to change
Climate change and global warning threatens our very existence which is why the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow is so important.
It can be hard to engage in thinking about such an overwhelming and complex idea and it’s easy to switch off when talk turns to climate change.
As an island nation though and a maritime county, we are certainly at risk if global temperatures continue to rise and sea levels rise.
Large parts of Cork city are at or below sea level and will be submerged in the sea if we don’t make major changes.
The COP26 summit in Glasgow could be the last best chance to keep global temperature rises to no more than 1.5C. That’s the target that was agreed when the Paris Agreement (the global treaty on climate change) was negotiated in 2015 but we are wildly failing that target as it stands so something - many things have to change.
On Saturday people in Cork will express their support for climate justice. This event is part of a global movement, with hundreds of rallies taking place all over the world.
The Global Day of Action for Climate Justice rally will start at midday outside the City Library on the Grand Parade.
Organisers say the “transformative solutions that we need to survive and build a more just and fair world can only be brought about through collective action, solidarity and coordination, from our local communities and international levels. We are bringing together movements from across the world to build power for system change.”
This week An Taoiseach Micheál Martin spoke at the COP26 climate conference and said: “If we act decisively now, we will offer humanity the most valuable prize of all - a liveable planet”.
He also said countries in the developed world have an obligation to support those who are most acutely challenged by the results of climate change as they contributed most to the problems. “Ireland accepts that obligation,” he added.
“In support of achieving the $100bn target, I am therefore pleased to announce today that Ireland will more than double its contribution to developing countries, so that we are delivering at least €225m a year by 2025.
“As leaders, if we are to bring people with us on this journey of a lifetime we must also recognise and respect the real anxiety that many people feel when confronted by such an enormous challenge.
“As political leaders, it is our responsibility to put the necessary policies in place,” he said. “Ireland is ready to play its part.”
Will we though? Fine words but will this Government and the next follow through and act on those words and cut our emissions? I wouldn’t hold my breath.