Ireland Becomes Second Country To Declare Climate Emergency

Ireland is now the second country in the world to declare a climate emergency.

It comes after the United Kingdom's declaration on Wednesday 01 May. The development for Ireland was made after a Fianna Fail amendment was accepted by both the Government and opposition parties.

Sinn Féin's spokesperson for Climate Action and the Environment, Brian Stanley TD, had previously urged officials to recognise the climate crisis and biodiversity emergency.

He said: "Climate action should not be viewed as a burden. We should see it as an opportunity to create a stronger, more sustainable economy for everyone.

"To do that, however, we have no option but to radically transform our economy.

"In our minority report we have called for a just transition in line with the International Labour Organisations framework. This is essential to ensure that workers and their communities are not left behind.

"A recent report by ICTU estimates that a €1b euro investment by the state would create 11k net jobs in Solar energy, 4.4k jobs in Wind and a huge 18,750 jobs in the retrofit sector.

"There is huge potential here to move towards a green economy based on decent employment and a sustainable environment.

"This is an issue of fairness and sustainability."



(JG/CM)