Despite our politicians making all the right sounds, Ireland’s agricultural emissions will be a major issue in trying to reach targets on climate change, writes Dave Robbins

Ireland is in danger of becoming an international pariah because of its cynical approach to climate change, a leading member of An Taisce has warned.

Ireland’s challenge to meet climate change goals while maintaining its tradition as a producer of high quality food was spelt out by the Taoiseach Enda Kenny to one of the world’s largest gatherings of national leaders in Paris.

There was widespread optimism for a global deal to tackle climate change for the first time, as China and the US rowed in behind a binding agreement in a change to their attitude shown just six years ago in Copenhagen, Denmark.

World leaders have gathered for a critical climate conference in Le Bourget, outside Paris, today.