Eamon Ryan says world must end ‘fossil fuel chapter for good’ at Cop29 and giving up on climate action would be ‘unforgiveable’

He told the global climate summit in the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, that a successful conclusion to the talks was essential for trust between the nations of the world, for hope of preventing runaway climate change and for saving the global economy.

“We are living through perilous times,” he said.

“In a world ravaged by war and destructive weather patterns, we need an agreement here in Baku to give hope for a peaceful future.”

Mr Ryan was delivering Ireland’s ‘national statement’ at a gathering of ministers from countries whose heads of government did not turn up to address the world leaders segment at the start of the summit last week.

He made a plea on behalf of the poorer countries who have come to Cop29 hoping for much increased finance from richer countries to help them implement their climate action plans.

“We need to listen to our partners in developing countries when they tell us what they need,” he said.

He said countries must also hold firm to their pledge to end the use of oil and gas – an undertaking already under threat after just one year.

“We need to see the whole world take seriously the consensus that was reached last year at Cop28 in Dubai on transitioning away from fossil fuels,” he said.

“The heartbeat of this will be renewable energy. We must all implement the energy package agreed in Dubai last year and close the chapter on the fossil fuel era for good.”

Mr Ryan said: “Giving up would be unforgiveable, but success can help restore belief in multilateralism and restore confidence.

“The stakes have never been so high but I believe we can meet the challenge of climate change by working together – finding global solutions for a global problem - transforming the risks of today into the opportunity for our future.”

The climate talks are in their final few days before the formal Friday deadline but Mr Ryan said after his address that he believed agreement could be reached in time.

“It’s not signed, sealed and delivered but there wasn’t confrontation either,” he said of the negotiations he has been involved in.

“You didn’t get a sense of someone looking to block this.

“I don’t see any country that politically benefits from stopping this.”