Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

For reasons of planning on transport, energy and climate and protecting nature, I got involved in politics. For 20 years I have knocked on doors talking about the climate challenge. The climate plan we have introduced is the reason I am here. I am proud that the Green Party in Government has delivered that. I have no doubt in my mind that without the Green Party in Government the climate challenge would not be met. It is a huge challenge. We know that and we have not done enough to face it. Our children, grandchildren and future generations will suffer, not just immediate, close-to-home suffering brought about by storms, droughts, flooding and the increased cost of food and energy, but also the global creep of climate disaster, entire populations being displaced, global food shortages and wars over diminishing natural resources. Every responsible parent, guardian, grandparent, aunt and uncle inherently wants a better future for the next generation. As parents, we want to provide better for the future but we are failing the future. We are the generation that is failing that future. Everyone in this Chamber knows what needs to be done. It is big, complex and difficult and we should have started 20 or 30 years ago, but now is that time.

We have heard today of huge investment in public transport across bus and rail systems in both urban and rural areas, with towns and villages that were never served before being served by buses; investment in walking and cycling infrastructure; and safe routes to school for our children. We have heard about the retrofitting programme, which is paid for through carbon tax to some extent and is creating thousands of jobs providing warm energy and efficient homes throughout the country. We are doing more on that. We heard about the investment in and progress on renewables. Solar and onshore wind plants are being built as we speak throughout the country and delivering electricity. Every bit of solar and wind infrastructure we put in means there is coal or gas that does not need to be burned. Massive acceleration of offshore wind will provide us with independence and surety of supply and the ability to export electricity through interconnected cables. These are being built at the moment and will connect us to Wales and France. Very soon, we will be exporting hydrogen as that industry progresses.

Agriculture also plays its part. I know farmers are up for the challenge of playing their part in diversifying, planting trees, embracing the concept of regenerative farming and moving to a less intensive fertiliser model through organic production. It is imperative that we support those farmers to ensure they get the price for the extremely valuable, good quality food they produce.

In the most critical challenge of our time, are we doing enough? The answer is clearly "No". We need to do much more. We need to be faster, greater and unified in our challenge. It is not too late to change the outcome and the end of this story. The Climate Book by Greta Thunbergwas provided to every Member of the Oireachtas. I recommend reading and acting on it.

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