Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In addition to a climate crisis, we also have a biodiversity crisis with the mass extinction of species. Nowhere is it more apparent than here in Ireland. There is a continuing debate and some uncertainty about the role of this committee, the Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action, in addressing the biodiversity crisis. For me and for most people there is a clear link between the biodiversity crisis and the climate crisis as well as the role that biodiversity and nature-based solutions might play in achieving our 2% reduction target and carbon neutrality but also in terms of the budget that the Climate Change Advisory Council has suggested. I ask Ms Donnelly to comment on the biodiversity crisis and nature-based solutions. What is the role, if any, of the Climate Change Advisory Council in addressing the biodiversity crisis and advising on the best ways to increase habitats and biodiversity and stop species loss?