Climate Action News | January
Welcome to Climate Action News, January 2023
In this edition: Climate Action at home and at COP28, green skills for adults, and latest weather data for the year that was.
Plus, check out our noticeboard for resources and consultations.
Climate Action Plan 2024 for consultation
The Government has approved Climate Action Plan 2024, subject to public consultation and Strategic Environmental Assessment, which will happen in coming weeks.
Climate Action Plan 2024 includes a proposed inter-Departmental delivery and governance framework to further assess and consider potential options for allocating the current unallocated emissions savings for the second Carbon Budget period (2026-2030).
You can view Climate Action Plan 2024 and its annex of actions on gov.ie.
Ireland plays a key role at COP28
Ireland’s delegation played a key role in negotiations at December’s COP28. The conference closed with an agreement that signals the “beginning of the end” of the fossil fuel era by laying the ground for a swift, just and equitable transition, underpinned by deep emissions cuts and scaled-up finance, according to the UNFCCC (UN Climate Change).
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar delivered Ireland’s National Address, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin announced €50 million to support climate-related projects in countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change while Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan acted as one of the EU’s lead negotiators on Climate Finance;
They joined a delegation of Irish Ministers, officials and civil society representatives. WATCH Jenny Salmon, Ireland's Youth Delegate, describe her COP experience below.
Latest weather data shows a year of firsts
The latest Irish climate report from Met éireann gives details of Ireland’s record-breaking weather extremes in 2023, with rainfall and warming at unprecedented levels at times.
It comes as the Government prepares to launch a public consultation on the National (Climate) Adaptation Framework.
Deposit Return countdown
Producers, retailers and consumers are preparing for the launch of the Deposit Return Scheme.
From 1 February, we will all pay a small refundable deposit when buying a plastic bottle or an aluminium or steel can with the Re-turn logo. Bring It Back to participating shops and supermarkets and get your deposit back!
Skills to Advance Green
Workers who want to contribute to sustainability in the workplace are being given an opportunity to acquire Green Further Education and Training micro-qualifications.
Created by industry for industry, the programmes provide short, stackable accredited qualifications tailored to fit employees’ busy work schedules at little or no cost to employers.
Programmes are delivered nationwide by the Education and Training Board network under the Skills to Advance initiative, funded by SOLAS.
领英推荐
Brown bin collection service in 2024
From this month, every household in Ireland, no matter how remote, is entitled to avail of a brown bin collection service.
MyWaste.ie is encouraging everyone to contact their waste collector and request a brown bin service in 2024.
Reduce Your Use
The Government is rolling out its Reduce Your Use campaign for Winter 2023. It encourages people to save energy, where possible, to reduce the impact on our climate.
Ads across press, radio, social, and digital will also include information about how to reduce your bills and the Government supports available to households, such as the fuel allowance scheme.
For more information on available supports and energy saving advice, visit gov.ie
Noticeboard
Consultations:
The Department of Environment, Climate and Communications seeks submissions to a public consultation on the updated National Air Pollution Control Programme (NAPCP).
This consultation is open for submissions until 9 February.
Resources:
The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has published latest research on energy use in Consumer Sentiment and Reported Behaviour.?The Government’s Reduce Your Use strategy is to actively listen to Irish people; understanding and responding to their needs and concerns to determine the most useful advice and information.
The new Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) is available online. This global comparator is a useful tool for anyone who is researching national impacts.?
RTé’s Climate Change Jargon Buster videos are a great resource for those who need to break down complex topics.?
A new resource on Sustainable Public Procurement is available online for practitioners and policy makers. The guide?describes opportunities and approaches for Sustainable Public Procurement.
Electric additions for OPW fleet
The Office of Public Works recently launched two new electric buses during the winter solstice event at the Brú na Bóinne site in County Meath, as part of climate actions it is taking.
These buses are the first of a full fleet?which will gradually replace the old fleet of diesel buses that transport visitors from the visitor centre for tours of Newgrange and Knowth.
The OPW’s expanding electric vehicle fleet also includes vans and forklifts.
Brought to you by the Government of Ireland
To get Climate Action News direct to your email every month, subscribe here