8 November 2006

Environment

Stern Climate Change Report

Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the report by Sir Nicholas Stern on behalf of the UK Government on the issue of climate change and its simple and apocalyptic message, that climate change is fundamentally altering the planet; that the risks of inaction are high and time is running out; and the Government’s response to same.

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche):
I welcome the publication of the Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change. The report offers a comprehensive review of the economic implications of climate change. Together with the substantial body of scientific evidence which is available through the UN system in relation to climate change, the Governments of the world now have a comprehensive analysis of the issue, and very clear advice that it makes both environmental and economic sense to act now.

The Stern report makes it clear that climate change is a global problem which must be addressed by effective multilateral action. From the outset of the international response to climate change through the United Nations, the EU has been very positive and proactive in promoting a concerted global response to climate change. Ireland has supported and continues to support that position.