John Kerry has warned that we are “not getting the job done” on climate action.
He also said that “not one nation in the world is living sustainably” and that we must act now before it’s too late for the next generation.
The former US presidential frontrunner and Secretary of State under Barack Obama was speaking at the international Our Ocean Wealth conference in City Hall in Cork.
On a slightly more optimistic note, Mr Kerry said he believes it is not yet too late to change our ways and save the planet and our oceans for future generations.
“I believe we can do this.
“My frustration, my anger comes from the fact that we’re not doing the things we know we can do.
“But the fact is that time is not a friend to any of us right now on this issue, not unless we change the decisions we are making.”
The senior Democratcic party figure also had a pop at US President, Donald Trump, in his presentation.
Without naming the Republican who wowed in Doonbeg last week, Mr Kerry said that we need to be wary of “leaders who try to alter the truth.”
Mr Kerry signed the Paris Agreement on reducing carbon emissions on behalf of the US in 2017.
Mr Trump has since pulled the US out of the Agreement, massively damaging the accord by taking one of the biggest players out of the game.
Mr Kerry said: “When I was in the United Nations I had the privilege to sign the Paris Accords on behalf of the United States and the privilege to negotiate them.
“I happened to be holding my granddaughter - my daughter had just gone away somewhere - when the United States was called.
“So I walked onto the stage holding my granddaughter and the exploded (with applause) for her, for the future generation.
“They are the future and we are not getting the job done for the future.”
Mr Kerry was introduced by Tánaiste Simon Coveney.
Mr Coveney said that Ireland would be playing its part in protecting our oceans.
He said that Ireland would lead by example, with actions rather than words.
Part of the Government plan will see us host ‘céilís’ on the outskirts of summits and gatherings of world leaders.
Mr Coveney said the idea here is that small island states, or ocean states as he called them, like Ireland, could meet and discuss issues of mutual concern.
“Ireland is here to listen to you.
“Ireland is a friend, a collaborator and a partner.
“We believe that there is good worth working for, and indeed worth fighting for if necessary.
“By working in partnership together, we can work to overcome the challenges that threaten to engulf us.”
