Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

That is the context in which I want to speak, as Sinn Féin tabled amendment No. 3 in the group. I want to start by reading the amendment into the record because climate justice is crucial to this matter. We propose that:

'climate justice' means the principle that global climate action should be undertaken, as agreed in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 'on the basis of equity and in accordance with their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities'. Accordingly, the developed country Parties should take the lead in combating climate change and the adverse effects thereof;".

That is our amendment, which makes perfect sense in terms of our duties to the world. This amendment seeks to replace the definition of climate change. It was offered by the Stop Climate Chaos coalition, consisting of Trócaire, Oxfam, Concern and Christian Aid. The definition of climate justice in the Bill is very weak. It is disappointing that the Minister has failed to accept recommendations 58, 59 and 62 of the cross-party, Oireachtas Joint Committee on Climate Action. It is vitally important that the principle is enshrined in this legislation. We must take seriously the principle of equity in the global effort to hold global warming to 1.5°C. It is very worrying that the definition currently in the Bill omits any reference to the issue of global justice and equity. Failing to consider this amendment is a massive missed opportunity.

I must also comment on that fact that on this crucial issue of how we define climate justice, there is not a single Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael Senator in the Chamber. That is how seriously they take the issue of climate change. It is an absolute disgrace.