On 29 November, Ireland held it’s first general election since before the Covid-19 pandemic. With just 3 weeks to campaign, climate change has not featured prominently in the campaigns, with the cost of living and housing among the principal concerns on voters’ minds.

On day 2 of counting, the race is still too close to call. However, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are in pole position to form a new coalition, but Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald promises a strong fight for a left alliance in government.

In terms of climate change, a report commissioned by Friends of the Earth provided a ranking of how well the parties manifestos fared on climate action. Labour came out on top with an A grade, closely followed by the Social Democrats with an A- and the Green Party with a B. The three leading parties Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin, all failed the assessment scoring an E grade.

The report found that “climate action is still only a core priority for smaller parties. While larger parties are starting to show good progress in committing to renewable energy and retrofitting homes, their commitment to genuine, transformative climate action is still weak.”

The Green Party is projected to suffer major losses, with a number of junior ministers and outgoing TD’s losing their seats. Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman say they are to retain just two to three of the twelve seats gained in the last election.

Leader of Fianna Fáil, Micheál Martin said it “remains to be seen” whether a government will be formed before Christmas, as the country has a very “competitive and fragmented electoral situation”.

In Irish news:

• An Irish Times, RTE, TG4, Trinity College Dublin exit poll by Ipsos B&A found that 51% of respondents felt that the outgoing Government did not adequately address climate change.
• Eamon Ryan welcomed “hard-fought” deal on climate finance at COP29, while Irish aid organisations described the agreement as an “insult” that doesn’t go far enough.
• Climate change was highlighted as a “big worry” for children, as they question politicians at the Hustings, hosted by former RTÉ broadcaster Bryan Dobson.

In other world news:

• The International Court of Justice is set to begin hearings on the legal obligation of countries to combat climate change, a decision that could influence climate litigation globally.
• A report from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (Crea) reports that 44% of experts expect China’s emissions had either peaked already or will peak by 2035.
• A group of climate scientists, academics and activists urged Japan to provide a framework for emissions cuts by approx. 80% below 2013 levels by 2035, with a shift towards cleaner energy.