Ireland's minister: It's possible to cut emissions and have economic growth

In a world ravaged by war and destructive natural phenomena, an agreement in Baku is necessary to provide hope for a peaceful future, Eamon Ryan, Ireland's Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, said at the high-level session of COP29.

"We need a renewed endorsement of the Paris Agreement at this year's COP. Failure would be unforgivable, but success can help restore faith in multilateralism. The prize is not just to stop runaway climate change but to develop a new economy that will deliver better sustainable development for all," said Ryan.

Climate change is not something happening in the future; it's already affecting all our lives, particularly the most vulnerable in the world's poorest countries who bear the least responsibility for harmful emissions, he noted.

"Ireland is not immune to climate change. Our small island is getting warmer and wetter. We're seeing increased rainfall and flooding affecting our cities, towns, and farmlands," Ryan pointed out.

According to Ryan, Ireland reduced national emissions by 6.8% in 2023 amid population and economic growth, demonstrating that it's possible to decouple emissions and economic growth.

Ryan said that an earlier round of talks in Baku last month he heard the African Union representative make an appeal: "We don't want charity, but we want justice. Access to quality, reliable, and affordable finance must be ensured, especially for least developed countries and small island states."

"We must come together to build trust, ensure fairness and make progress so that we can continue to develop the momentum we set last year. The stakes have never been higher, but I believe we can cope with the climate challenge by working together, finding global solutions to a global problem, turning today's risks into opportunities for our future," he concluded.