Varadkar's €25m pledge at Cop28 criticised by environment groups

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar: 'With the cost of living and high energy prices, many worry about how much the transition will cost and what it will mean for their jobs and incomes and living standards.' File picture

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's €25m pledge for the 'loss and damage' fund to help poorer countries deal with climate change has been criticised by Irish aid and environmental organisations.

His failure to use stronger language around the phasing out of fossil fuels also drew scrutiny as Mr Varadkar joined other world leaders at the UN's climate change summit in Dubai.