Green Party leader Eamon Ryan TD said today: “The IPCC report shows the scale of the challenge we face in avoiding the most dangerous levels of global warming.”

“The Irish political system must act now so our country can become a leader in tackling climate change. The National Development Plan ‘Project Ireland 2040’ will have to go. It follows a business-as-usual model when what we need is a radical transformation to our energy, transport, land use and industrial systems.”

“We need to end our use of fossil fuels in a single generation, transitioning our work-force to a low-carbon economy in a fair and just manner. Taking that leap is going to be good for our society and economy. We will have to reduce our national herd but can do so in a way which pays farmers properly for managing our land. We have renewable energy in abundance which can power our country into the future. Our over reliance on the private car is not working for anyone. Switching to public transport, walking and cycling will allow us build healthier and stronger communities for everyone.’

“The recently established Oireachtas Climate Action Committee has shown how the Government is ignoring this issue. The National Development Plan was agreed without anyone even considering its climate impact. Under new European legislation we have to produce the first draft National Energy and Climate Action plan by Christmas. We have this one chance to change our ways. We have never faced a challenge of such scale and urgency, it is time for our political system to step up to the mark.”

Green Party Climate spokesperson Cllr David Healy said. “The world’s climate scientists have come together to outline the risks we face if we allow global temperatures rise by two degrees. That synthesis of the science has been closely examined by the governments in Korea over the last week and accepted unanimously as the information which must guide action, at international, national and local levels.

The IPCC’s research demonstrates that 2°C cannot be considered an acceptable target and we must limit warming to 1.5°C. This will limit the impacts of extreme weather including heatwaves, storms and floods, with their devastating impacts especially on the poorest communities.’

“This is a conservative report as it does not examine the various tipping points and feedback loops that could be crossed as our world warms. It is still very alarming, because it has raised even greater concerns about the risks that we already know about and can measure with real certainty. It is a warning call that cannot be ignored.”