The ratification of the Paris agreement was approved by Dáil Éireann on 27 October 2016.

The agreement, known as COP21, sets out a global action plan to restrict the impact of emissions on global warming, to hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C.

The agreement – the first-ever universal, legally binding global climate deal – was made in Paris in December 2015.

Minister for Communications and Climate Action Denis Naughten completed the ratification process on behalf of Ireland almost a year later on Friday 4 November 2016.

The completion of the ratification process comes at a time when world leaders are gathering in Morocco for COP22, where they will look at how to implement the Paris agreement.

Comment

Speaking after the ratification of the agreement was approved by Dáil Éireann in October, Naughten said: “Today is a turning point with the formal approval by Dáil Éireann of the Paris agreement. It is the basis for doing more and for allowing communities in Ireland with other countries around the world to take decisive actions which ultimately safeguard our shared future on this planet.

Ireland is a strong supporter of the Paris agreement

“Using less energy, and using it more efficiently, is the most cost effective and accessible way for us all to take action on climate change,” added Naughten.

The Department of Communications and Climate Action said that Ireland “is a strong supporter of the Paris agreement and indicated its continuing commitment by signing the agreement, along with other EU member states, at the signing ceremony in New York on 22 April 2016.”

A recent report from the Climate Change Advisory Council said that agriculture, which accounts for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland, should create a robust roadmap towards achieving its contribution to Ireland’s carbon emission reduction targets.

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