Minister Ryan said that the recent report by the International Panel on Climate Change had reminded governments all around the world that “climate change is greater than any other challenge faced by mankind”.

He pointed out that the challenge presented considerable business opportunities for Ireland, with more than $85bn expected to be invested in clean energy this year alone.

“I believe it is essential that we now leverage the knowledge and expertise of Ireland’s finance community, who have been at the centre of Ireland’s economic boom of the past decade, in moving us towards a sustainable energy future,” he said.

Good work has already been done in the sustainable finance area, he said.

Other individuals taking part in the meeting included Michael Liebreich of New Energy Finance, Tom Barrett of the European Investment Bank, and Michael Ryan of Merrill Lynch.

A recent report from Sustainable Energy Ireland suggested that it is critical that the country increases its renewable energy supplies in order to strengthen its energy security.

Ben Meggeson

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