Ms Maude Cullen-Mouze:

I would like to respond to Senator Higgins’s comments on the just transition and Mia Mottley’s words that two degrees is a death sentence for island nations in the Caribbean. Those two things can be seen together because it is not just a just transition in Ireland. Rather, it is a just transition globally. That means wealthy countries, such as Ireland, contributing more and having to adapt more quickly. We need to cut our emissions faster than countries that are still developing, many of which are very vulnerable to climate change. We have a responsibility as a wealthy nation to take action, not just for ourselves, but for every country in the world, particularly those that are most vulnerable. Fast and fair climate action means not trying to maintain the status quowithout carbon emissions but, rather, trying to make the world a better place, even if that sounds like a cliché, and more equal while we are changing. We have the opportunity to make huge changes to our system and how we live and work. That opportunity needs to be taken to make the world more equal and, obviously, help countries and societies that are struggling. That is very important. I thank the Senator for bringing that up.