Ms Jessica Dunne:

I have a few small points to make in response to what others have said. We have spoken a lot about the circular economy and the idea that consumerism is at odds with it, which is an incredibly important conversation to have. We need to be aware that while we talk about consumerism and demonise the public for buying specific things, we also need to be aware of the very real problem of planned obsolescence. I try my best to live sustainably. I have had to get one phone every three years, which is terrible. I cannot repair any of the damage done to my phones, which have a specific expiry date. The same is true of fashion nowadays. The idea of destigmatising charity shops is brilliant. However, shopping in those shops involves an enormous time commitment when compared with shopping in a fast fashion shop. I can get a blazer for an important meeting in five minutes in a fast fashion shop whereas I might have to go to a few different charity shops before I find anything suitable. It is important for us to have conversations about the privilege to be sustainable nowadays and how we can make changes, as well as considering ways to prevent planned obsolescence. We must look to a future in which we can have sustainable products. Instead of putting the onus on the individual, we need to put it on the companies to start working towards that.

In respect of the loss and damage facility, Ireland gave €250 million to developing countries to address the climate crisis in 2021. My issue is that the money is not related specifically to the loss-and-damage facility. It is more a matter of giving that money on our terms. The loss and damage facility shows this funding as an obligation, which it is, given our historical culpability. Instead, we seem to see it as charity. We need to start the work to frame these things differently and to meet these countries on their terms rather than only giving funding when it suits us.

A point was made that two major people gave credence to the climate movement. While that is true, I think we need to be aware that scientists and indigenous people have protected land for years. Young people and activists in general in Ireland have been working on these issues for years. While some great people who get a lot of media attention have been great at starting conversations, the people on the ground need to be acknowledged more.