Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. Most people in Opposition recognise that climate change is happening. There is no doubt about it. We saw the wildfires in Greece, the fatal floods in Belgium and Germany and record temperatures in Sicily and there is no doubt that Europe is now squarely on the front line of a climate crisis. We also saw what happened in the United States and the loss of permafrost lands in the steppes. Ice glaciers have been also melting in the northern hemisphere. All these changes are having an impact. Unless we deal with this situation collectively, internationally and in local communities, we will not even be able to begin to attempt to deal with this issue. This issue comes down to trust.

The IPCC report rings alarm bells. We are seeing the cost of decades of climate inaction. On the other hand, the report also identifies an opportunity to limit the rise in global temperatures to 1.5C. It is a slim possibility. Importantly, though, it is scientifically, technically and economically possible. Mention was made of Covid-19. While some parts of the strategy of this Government in the past year and a half worked, much of it did not. There was much mistrust from people. People knew what needed to be done, though, and people know what needs to be done regarding climate change as well.

It has not gone unnoticed that the rich world's failures in tackling Covid-19 in an equitable fashion, especially in respect of the production and distribution of vaccines, has increased the distrust between the global north and south. There is no doubt about that. The same can be said when we look at the pharmaceutical industry. I refer to the contracts that sector engaged in with the governments of the US and Europe.

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