Friends of the Earth responds to COP30 conclusion - Courage in short supply as COP30 delivers bare minimum

Outcome of climate conference, coinciding with Paris Agreement 10-year anniversary, bring limits and weaknesses of the UN process into stark relief.

 

Responding to the COP Outcome, CEO of Friends of the Earth, Deirdre Duffy stated:

“Two weeks ago the Taoiseach called on world leaders to listen to science. While the COP30 agreement edges the world slightly forward, it’s not nearly enough. The malign influence of petrostates and the fossil fuel industry has been laid bare yet again. A commitment to a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels has been omitted from the agreement seemingly due to the opposition of Saudi Arabia, Russia and others. 

This farcical situation can’t be allowed to continue. We are down to the wire in terms of averting climate breakdown and yet Belém is another lost opportunity for fossil fuel phase out. We strongly support the Minister’s statement that Ireland and the EU must still prioritise the development of the roadmap outside of the COP process. At home in Ireland that must mean clear fossil fuel phase out commitments and timelines are included in the Government’s Climate Action Plan for 2026. Internationally, the Government should move swiftly to endorse the development of the fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty and support UNFCCC reform to stop corporate capture by fossil fuel lobbyists.

Minister O’Brien played a leadership role in negotiations on a funding package to better protect people on the frontlines from the worst impacts of climate breakdown. The at least tripling of climate finance by 2035 means all is not lost but it is both too little and too late. 

Where this year’s COP has delivered is a clear process for driving progress on a just transition with the ‘Belém Action Mechanism’. Where our leaders falter, communities are taking up the baton, and the Mechanism includes clear language on human rights, labour rights and empowerment of women.

As we look to the COP next year in Turkey, and Ireland’s key role in holding the EU Council Presidency, actions must speak louder than words. It is essential that the Irish Government is not just a voice of reason but a true champion of climate justice and a genuine defender of multilateral order. A start would be a commitment from Ireland and the EU that fossil fuel and other industry lobbyists will be excluded from future COP negotiations. 

The impressive climate march in Dublin just last week shows that Irish people haven’t given up hope - they have been clear that this Government must reject fossil fuels and must protect those who are most vulnerable. And this is just beginning - supporters from across Ireland will be meeting with their local politicians on December 3rd at a lobby day organised by 'Stop Climate Chaos' at Buswells Hotel, Dublin. [1]”

ENDS

Notes

1. See more at www.stopclimatechaos.ie