Topic: 2025 – Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: Ireland
Delegate Name: Reid Osiecki
Climate change and air quality are deeply interconnected, as rising global temperatures intensify ozone formation, increase wildfire risk, and contribute to higher concentrations of particulate matter. Ireland currently enjoys relatively strong air quality compared to many industrialized nations, yet it still faces domestic challenges. These include persistent rural burning of solid fuels, as well as growing vehicle emissions in urban centers such as Dublin and Cork. Ireland recognizes that the climate crisis threatens to worsen these problems through shifting weather patterns, increased smog, and more frequent extreme weather events.
As a committed member of the European Union and the Paris Agreement, Ireland supports international environmental cooperation and UNEP-led initiatives aimed at reducing both climate impacts and air pollution worldwide.
II. Country Policy
Ireland’s national policy seeks to protect public health while meeting ambitious climate goals. The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act (2021) established legally binding carbon-reduction targets, requiring significant emissions reductions across every sector of society. Ireland has already taken major steps toward this transition, including restrictions on bituminous coal and ongoing efforts to phase out highly polluting solid fuels on a nationwide scale.
To reduce climate-related air impacts, Ireland continues to expand renewable energy generation—particularly wind and solar—while investing in cleaner public transport and electrification initiatives. Ireland actively participates in EU-wide air-quality monitoring programs, including through the European Environment Agency, ensuring transparent data collection and early identification of pollution risks.
Ireland views strong environmental governance as essential to maintaining its air quality. Through its Clean Air Strategy, the state emphasizes the link between climate resilience,
public health, and environmental justice, and supports aligning national policy with broader EU Green Deal objectives.
III. Proposed Solutions / Recommendations
Ireland encourages UNEP and its member states to pursue sustainable, equitable approaches to improving global air quality by:
Supporting clean cooking and heating initiatives in developing nations through UNEP and Irish Aid to reduce reliance on high-polluting solid fuels.
Advocating for transition financing from wealthier countries to help low-income states move away from polluting fuels and develop resilient clean-energy systems.
Enhancing global data sharing on air pollution using satellite networks, open-source monitoring, and standardized reporting frameworks.
Promoting nature-based solutions—such as peatland restoration, reforestation, and wetland conservation—to remove pollutants from the air while strengthening carbon sinks.
