Eamon Ryan, Ireland’s Climate Minister, is anticipated to be requested to spearhead discussions at the forthcoming UN climate negotiations in Azerbaijan. The dialogues revolve around the augmentation of aid to enable vulnerable nations to become more resilient to the effects of climate change.
During a meeting in New York on Wednesday at the UN general assembly which he is attending, Ryan indicated that he might be chosen by the presiding body of COP29 to be the co-facilitator of climate adaptation at the annual assembly of nearly 200 nations, slated for the tail-end of November.
The COP, an acronym for “conference of the parties”, serves as the sole global platform to negotiate fresh strategies to tackle climate change and track progress in reducing carbon emissions and temperature rise as set out in the Paris Agreement.
Despite any potential general elections coinciding with his assignment at COP29, Ryan assures that his role in Baku won’t be jeopardised. He does not intend to seek re-election and would serve as a caretaker minister. He reiterated that his role at the UN aligns with his political career.
Ryan is no stranger to the COP, having been a delegate at 10 of such meetings, including the past three, where he featured as part of the EU’s lead negotiating team. He feels that his extensive experience will stand him in good stead for the crucial role of co-facilitator.
He regards the adaptation brief as impactful, primarily linked to finance, which he views as the main requirement, particularly for small island developing states and other developing nations that lack the financial muscle to build resistance to climate change.
While his co-facilitator will come from a developing nation, both of them will be involved in pre-COP discussions with governments, the COP29 presidency, and major economic blocs including the G7 and the African Union.
Ryan opines that a landmark achievement on climate finance is necessary by bringing it into the political realm, though he recognises that reaching an agreement will be challenging – Ireland’s stance could serve to bridge the gap between the Global North and South, given its credibility. Wealthy nations had pledged to deliver €100 billion yearly from 2020, a promise fulfilled two years late.
The Minister insisted on the necessity for a varied blend of financing avenues, including private funders, insurance companies and generous donations. This would be bolstered by a revamp of the global economic infrastructure. He disclosed his prediction of a twofold increase in Ireland’s commitment towards climate finance, thanks in part to an anticipated hike in the 2025 annual Budget, due the following week. Mr Ryan stated his comfort in commencing dialogue with the government of Azerbaijan, a country known for its oil wealth. He argued if such dialogue was deemed problematic, he would be hampered from engaging in conversations with the US and Brazil, globally renowned for being amongst the top producers of non-renewable energy. He maintained his stance that the reallocation of €800 billion annually from fossil fuel subsidies, ensuring over 50% is channelled towards green energy by 2030, is a critical component of forthcoming negotiations.