Ireland commits to 51 per cent emissions cut by 2030

The Irish government has approved legislation for a reduction in the country’s emissions of 51 per cent by the end of the decade and to reach net-zero emissions no later than 2050.

Two five-year carbon budgets will be proposed by the Climate Change Advisory Council to reach the 51 per cent reduction relative to a baseline of 2018. The government must adopt carbon budgets that are consistent with the Paris agreement and other international obligations. All forms of greenhouse gas emissions including biogenic methane will be included in the carbon budgets. However it is up to government to decide on the trajectories for different sectors. The Government will consult on how to apply the carbon budget across the relevant sectors, and what each sector will contribute in a given five-year period.

The preparation of the 2021 Climate Action Plan will involve amajor public consultation. The government is inviting climate scientists, experts and industry toshare their data-based technical proposals to support development of the Plan. It also wants to hear fromhouseholds and communities about what Government can do to further support them as part of Ireland’s journey to net zero.

In the past two years emissions have fallen by 4 per cent and 6 per cent, but the Government says that Ireland needs to to reduce emissions by at least 7 per cent per year to ensure a 51 per cent reduction by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050.

The Taoiseach, Micheal Martin (pictured), said: “This is a landmark day for Ireland. We all know that Climate Change is already happening, and the time to act is now. The Bill we are publishing today affirms our ambition to be a global leader in this field. As we begin our journey towards net zero emissions, the government is committed to tackling the challenges, and embracing the opportunities, this transition can bring our economy, our society and our country. We must continue to act, across Government, as there is no time to waste when it comes to securing our future.”