The Taoiseach will not make an appearance at this year’s UN COP climate conference in Azerbaijan.
Simon Harris will instead spend his time campaigning in the General Election and Ireland’s delegation to COP29 will be led by Environment Minister Eamon Ryan.
Usually the event is attended by heads of state and government from across the world; however, this year there will be some noticeable absences - including US President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
“They wouldn’t say they’re taking it less seriously, they’re saying there’s too much happening at home,” Irish Independent Environment Correspondent Caroline Doherty told Newstalk Breakfast.
“Too many crises.
“Each country will send some sort of delegation or representative.
“Ireland isn’t sending our Taoiseach this year and there is a feeling there’s too much going on in the world.”
Only 3 days until #COP29 begins in Baku! The world is ready for decisive discussions as leaders and experts come together, joining our vision to enhance ambition and enable action. Let's unite to deliver inclusive climate action solutions, leaving no one behind. #COP29… pic.twitter.com/iBxOmww8Dx
— COP29 Azerbaijan (@COP29_AZ) November 8, 2024
Every year, COP focuses on a slightly different way climate change can be tackled or mitigated and this year the focus is on how to help those countries that are already suffering.
“One of the big issues this year will be looking at how we actually pay for what needs to happen in countries to cope with the climate change that’s already happening,” Ms Doherty said.
“The climate change we know we can’t stop.
“There’s a big push to help poorer countries - they’re the ones who get hit worst by natural disasters that are caused and intensified by climate change,” she said.
“They’re the ones who are least able to cope with it - they don’t have infrastructure that can cope with it.”
During the 8th meeting of the COP29 Organising Committee, Mukhtar Babayev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and COP29 President-Designate, provided an update on #COP29’s progress, noting recent global milestones such as the annual sessions… pic.twitter.com/En7bWofiis
— COP29 Azerbaijan (@COP29_AZ) November 1, 2024
Last year at COP28 in Dubai, world leaders agreed for the first time that countries must "transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems".
“There’s always incremental changes,” Ms Doherty said.
“They tighten up agreements, they push things just a little harder.
“They raise their ambition just a little more.”
The Irish Government has set a target of halving carbon emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050.
Main image shows the Taoiseach Simon Harris at Government Buildings. 25/06/2024. Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNews
