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THIS WEEK AND next week, thousands of world leaders, activists and the watching media are gathering in the Amazon to discuss the climate at COP30.
The annual COP gathering attracts a fair degree of scepticism, cynicism and in some quarters increasing amounts of derision – and I can understand why. The image of droves of people flying across the world to talk as the world continues to burn can, for some, be seen as a modern day version of Nero fiddling.
The belief that a country the size of Ireland can have limited impact sits comfortably with those who are constantly being told to change their ways, make sacrifices and pay more; especially in the face of larger countries refusing to play a comprehensive part.
In 2015, the parties of the COP came together to agree the goal of keeping average warming well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and to seek to limit the increase to 1.5°C.
When the Paris Agreement was signed, it was a beacon of great hope; a victory for the multilateral system, for climate diplomacy, and for international solidarity and progress.
A decade on, the only thing that has changed are global temperatures – and they are rising. Our current trajectory shows that we are on track for warming of 2.7°C by 2100.
Years of inaction has been the story of international climate negotiations.
Parallel to that is a growing level of apathy to the challenge and resistance to difficult actions mixed with increased climate scepticism.
So, all that said, why am I joining the cast of characters travelling to COP30?
Simply put, the COP process really matters. It may be flawed, but it is the best and indeed only process we have at the moment to deal with the single most existential situation facing humanity.
The challenge facing us is tremendous and it is essential that we see a greater degree of action.
The withdrawal of the US from the process is a serious blow, but we cannot lose hope.
At this COP, we must see commitments translate into real action from countries.
Contrary to what some critics have suggested, Ireland takes climate action very seriously. We have prioritised climate adaptation and championed loss and damage funding. Loss and damage are the negative impacts of climate change that happen despite actions taken to prevent them.
Ireland is committed to our climate finance goals. Our climate finance is aimed at those who need it most, particularly Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States. We are on track to meet our commitment to spend at least €225 million annually on climate finance this year, a target first announced at COP in 2021. Ireland’s climate finance has doubled since 2020.
Ireland has lead globally on pushing for adaptation and loss and damage funding, and these will remain key themes for the Irish delegation in Brazil. We also have a strong gender focus given the impact of climate change on women. It is predicted that by 2050, 158 million more women and girls could be pushed into poverty due to climate change and climate impacts.
WMO's #StateOfClimate Update 2025.
— World Meteorological Organization (@WMO) November 7, 2025
It combines consolidated data for 2024 with preliminary data for 2025 to where available.
Watch to find 5 key facts from the report, read the full report to find out the latest on all key climate indicators:
🔗 https://t.co/jVRcamfwQY pic.twitter.com/F8O7uagw5r
The Amazon rainforest is one of the world’s largest carbon sinks, but it is facing a point of no return. It is said that 70% of the rainforest could be lost if we reach this tipping point. The government recently announced that we will donate €15 million to the Amazon Fund to combat deforestation. This fund supports the prevention and combatting of deforestation and seeks to monitor the impact on that vital piece of our shared natural world.
What Ireland is doing is progressive, but we recognise, like every country, that more needs to be done.
That is why at COP in Brazil, I will be making a direct call for all nations to come together and commit to tangible and real action while pledging Ireland’s continuing financial contributions.
Understandably, there have been suggestions that COP has become a talking shop, where climate activists and government representatives get together every year, but with little results.
As government representatives we have to push back against this narrative, but we can only do that by showing that the process leads to real spending and real action.
There should be no debate, the climate emergency is real; the science proves this. But to genuinely lead, leaders need to work harder than ever before to bring people along with them and show that we are willing to act.
The role of COP has arguably never been more important at a time when its viability has never been more under threat.
Neale Richmond is the Minister of State with responsibility for International Development and Diaspora.
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