Mr. Colm Byrne:

I thank Deputy Ó Cathasaigh for that question. I share the sense of helplessness that everyone feels, but I also share the sense of opportunity for Ireland to act that Ms Van Lieshout underlined.

Regarding loss and damage, I will first set out the current state of affairs. The wealthiest 1% are responsible for twice the carbon emissions of the world's poorest 50%. When we talk about loss and damage, we are talking about redressing an imbalance in the global system. Most of the people who are affected by climate change are in the global south. To put it in perspective, they are estimated to number approximately 3.6 billion, or almost half the planet. We are seeing a widening gap between climate pledges and climate action. We are not just discussing targeting countries, but also corporations that are responsible for carbon emissions.

To be practical, I will offer some simple pointers about what we can do. First, we can reduce carbon emissions. There is a responsibility on us all to do this. Second, we can provide grants for adaptation, for example, water conservation, drought-resistant crops and better quality seed. Third, we can target women, noting their particular responsibility for decision making within the household, including household food production. By this, I predominantly mean domestic food production, but women also do the large bulk of hard agricultural labour, which is often unpaid. They also have responsibility for childcare and caring for disabled and sick family members.

Regarding climate finance, Ms Van Lieshout has welcomed the €225 million contribution from the State. Many calculations suggest that Ireland's contribution could even be as high as over €800 million. Importantly, the €225 million should be over and above ODA that has already been committed.

There has been a great deal of discussion around the establishment of a loss and damage fund in advance of COP27. Notably, COP27 is being held in Cairo this year, a part of the world that is very familiar with the impacts of climate change and water shortages. We are asking for the establishment of a non-voluntary loss and damage fund that is based on the principles of justice and equity and is guided, not by the interests of donors, but by the interests of those who need this funding the most.

In terms of targets for COP27 and reducing carbon emissions, we should also look to revise our targets conscious of the need to respond at speed and at scale. I underline what Ms Van Lieshout said. It is really important to acknowledge that Ireland was very active and very outspoken at the Security Council in trying to secure a resolution that recognises the links between climate change and conflict. That resolution was not successful but the opportunity now is for Ireland to remain active on that file and to pass the baton to those who will be on the Security Council in the years to come. This battle goes well beyond the Security Council but we should underline that climate change now is a very serious threat to international peace and security.