Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Two weeks ago, Courthouse Square in Dundalk was filled with the loud chants of young people as they spoke out against climate change and for climate justice. They, and the millions more who took part in a global day of action, have demonstrated an energy and commitment that is inspirational. A few days later, speaking in New York at the UN climate change summit, Greta Thunberg berated the political leaders of the world for not honouring past agreements on climate change. She accused governments of failing humanity and warned of "the beginning of a mass extinction". The Swedish climate activist said: "We will not let you get away with this. Right here, right now is where we draw the line". That is what the Minister has to do as well.

The science advisory group to the summit produced a report, United in Science, that brings together the most recent data from the world's six leading environmental organisations. The report found that current plans to meet the 2015 Paris Agreement are insufficient. Last October, the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned that we have only 12 years to limit climate change. If we fail, the people of the world, particularly hundreds of millions in underdeveloped countries, will face extreme droughts, heat, floods, increased food and water supply insecurity, and poverty. It also means that Belfast, Dublin, Dundalk and other coastal towns and cities will face significant and serious flood dangers.

Without resolute action, millions are at risk. The future of our children and grandchildren depends on the decisions we take now. Moreover, any strategies to tackle climate change must be rooted in the principles of social justice and equality. Governments, including the Irish Government, and the EU need to significantly step up their climate change commitments and challenge the big polluters.

In his speech to the UN, the Taoiseach announced that oil exploration will end. He also announced that gas exploration will continue. Five months ago, the Government granted consent to a subsidiary of the Chinese National Offshore Oil Company for an exploratory oil and gas well in the Porcupine Basin. This new licence allows for drilling in an area where that company and ExxonMobil already hold licences to explore for oil and gas until 2033. Will the Government introduce a moratorium on any further, new exploration for fossils fuels in Ireland? Will it remove its opposition to the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development (Amendment) (Climate Emergency Measures) Bill 2018?

An Taoiseach's plamás at the UN to the effect that he wants Ireland to be known as a green country is worthless rhetoric when set against the Government's policies on environmental issues. His own climate action plan lacks ambition and it does not address the substantive issues of pollution, over-consumption, corporate responsibility and opposition to fracking. The reality is that this State will spectacularly fail to meet its 20% reduction target by 2020.

Sinn Féin's approach is clear. We want to see 80% of our energy produced by renewables by 2030. This has to be done in a way that protects lower income families and ensures that ordinary people do not carry an unjust share of the burden. In the past two weeks, young people in cities across the world have shown the way forward. Their example should guide us in the time ahead.

See this speech in context