Climate change: Soothing rhetoric is not enough to save the planet

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

AT the Paris climate change conference this week, the symbolism was striking. The Eiffel Tower was bathed in messages of hope and peace. And the rhetoric was inspiring. Leader after leader stood up to pledge their nation to help fight climate change. “Never has the future of so many been in hands of so few,” said the UN’s climate change leader Christina Figueres.

The words of hope projected on to Eiffel Tower are not without foundation. Most of the countries attending this 21st Conference of the Parties (signatories to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change) have agreed emissions cuts in advance.