Climate Emergency Declared Republic of Ireland

Republic of Ireland has become the second country in the world to declare a climate emergency.

• Earlier on 1st May 2019, Britain's parliament became the first in the world to declare a climate emergency.

Details:

• The climate emergency declaration was passed by both the government and opposition parties of Ireland unanimously.
• Both agreed to an amendment to 'Oireachtas report on Climate Action' (a parliamentary report on climate action). The ammendement was accepted without a vote.
• Targets to be undertaken include becoming carbon-neutral by 2030, introduce electric car hubs or build sustainable homes to try to achieve that goal.
• The Oireachtas Climate Action report that started the Irish declaration came from a Citizens' Assembly report.
• The Citizens' Assembly will next be considering the issue of a biodiversity emergency.

About the Citizens' Assembly:

• Ireland's Citizens' assembly was established in 2016 for considering several political questions like referendums, abortion, population ageing, fixed term parliaments and climate change etc.
• The report produced by it is to be considered by the Oireachtas (Ireland's Legislature).

What's next?

• Ireland will next vote on a Climate Emergency Measures Bill, which seeks to limit oil and gas exploration.

Question:

Q. Which country has become the second country in the world to declare a climate emergency?
a. Scotland
b. Republic of Ireland
c. Britain
d. Germany