Global leaders committed to decreasing methane emissions by 30%
The government is set to bypass a Cop26 climate summit pledge to reduce methane gas.
Global leaders - including the Taoiseach - yesterday agreed to a 30% cut in methane emissions.
However the Irish Times reports a reduction of 10% is to be included in the government's climate action plan, which is expected to be published tomorrow.
The papers reports larger reductions in other greenhouse gases will instead be included in order to meet the country's target of a 50% reduction by 2030.
Yesterday Micheál Martin said it's not too late for world leaders to tackle climate change - and that Ireland is ready to play its part.
When addressing Cop26 in Glasgow, the 61 year-old said it's vital for countries to take urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
He said every nation needs to come up with effective solutions to the climate crisis:
Ireland will play its part.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) November 2, 2021
We do not believe or accept, as some would have it, that it is too late; that the transition will be too costly; that it is inevitable that we will leave people behind; that someone else should shoulder the load. #COP26 pic.twitter.com/XLGPuWBrCH
Elsewhere the US President has taken a swipe at China and Russia for not having their leaders at the climate summit.
Joe Biden says it was a mistake, and the countries have lost influence.
Tune in as I hold a press conference from COP26 in Glasgow. https://t.co/wY4by2kRrv
— President Biden (@POTUS) November 2, 2021
Meanwhile, 450 private firms - which hold 40% of the world's money - are joining a pledge to limit global warming.
US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry, says their help is badly needed:
Bill Gates says he "doubts" the target to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees celsius can be met, warning it "will be very difficult".
Speaking at the summit, the billionaire philanthropist stressed the need to drive down the cost of green technology to make it affordable for everyone:
Forecasters have said Europe's hottest summer on record would not have happened without human-induced climate change.
A new European record was set in Sicily - where it reached 48.8 degrees Celsius.
The UK Met Office says without climate change, a record would only be hit once in 10,000 years.
At the summit, the office's spokesperson, Professor Peter Stott, says it cannot continue:
Back here at home, there are calls for the school curriculum to change to educate students more about climate change.
A group of teaching unions have come together as the Cop26 summit continues in Scotland.
The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation says teachers need to be given a stronger role in the fight against climate change.
General Secretary John Boyle says the school curriculum should reflect that:
