Thousands of protesters gathered in Dublin this afternoon to demand stronger action on climate change from the Irish government. The demonstrators called for policies that address both environmental concerns and affordability, including lower energy bills, accessible public transport, and a ban on liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals.
The protest coincided with ongoing negotiations at the COP31 climate summit in Turkey, where countries remain divided over the pace of transitioning away from fossil fuels. A recent UN report warned that global temperatures are on track to surpass the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius warming threshold, which scientists warn would worsen climate change impacts.
Deirdre Duffy, CEO of Friends of the Earth Ireland, emphasized the urgency of climate action, stating that the greatest threat currently is climate breakdown, not war. She urged the government to halt plans for a new gas LNG terminal in Co Clare and prioritize renewable energy for households, hospitals, and schools over data centers.
Sam Moran of the stop LNG coalition highlighted that the proposed fracked gas terminal would produce 33 percent worse greenhouse gas emissions than coal and twice as bad as current gas usage. He argued that Ireland must contribute to global climate efforts and cannot justify such projects amid worsening climate conditions.