KEVIN HUMPHREYS TD
STANDING UP FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
FIRST EVER CLIMATE CHANGE LAW PASSED Labour in government has always worked to tackle climate change so that future generations of people in Ireland can live in a safe and cleaner environment. Working with Alan Kelly, Minister for the Environment, we have ensured that the first ever Climate Change legislation has passed the Dail and Seanad. The passing of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill 2015 is a hugely significant and historic milestone. It means that Ireland will be one of only a handful of countries in Europe that have legislated and committed ourselves to meeting our EU 2020 carbon emission targets in law. This legislation will hardwire action and accountability on climate change into the political system. It will also help ensure that we play our part internationally in tackling climate change.
Kevin Humphreys TD and Michael McCarthy TD, Chair of the Oireachtas Climate Committee, launching the Report on Climate Action
The new Climate Change bill provides a statutory basis for Ireland’s transition to a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by the year 2050. Work is already underway on developing a low-carbon roadmap - the National Mitigation Plan - which will specify the particular measures that will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland. The passing of Ireland’s first ever climate legislation in the same week that 196 parties gathered in Paris to agree a new global deal on climate change is hugely significant in terms of underlining Ireland’s commitment to achieving a low carbon transition, and providing a transparent and whole-of-Government mechanism to deliver it.
Active - Experienced - Hardworking
Kevin Humphreys TD Minister of State for Employment,Community & Social Support khumphreystd Phone: 01 618 3224 Email: kevin.humphreys@oir.ie