Ireland Set To Miss 2030 Climate Targets - EPA

Friday, 2 June 2023 10:16

By Caoimhe Harney

Ireland is also on course to exceed the two carbon budgets for the 2021 to 2030 period by between 24% and 34%

Ireland is on course to miss its 2030 climate targets by a large margin unless all sectors, including agriculture, electricity and transport, rapidly deliver further emission reductions and sustain this delivery into the future, according to the latest report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The EPA has analysed how far emissions would fall if the very challenging policy measures already approved and included in our national Climate Action Plan were fully implemented and delivered on time.

Its latest projections show that if all climate policies and measures currently planned are fully implemented, Ireland will achieve only a 29% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, well short of the legally binding 51% reduction target.

Ireland is also on course to exceed the two carbon budgets for the 2021 to 2030 period by between 24% and 34%.

EPA Director General Laura Burke said there are only seven years left to 2030 and Ireland must grasp the nettle of climate action so it can realise the significant opportunities and social and economic co-benefits for people, communities and business that can be delivered through innovation and decarbonisation.

The EPA is also warning that additional greenhouse emissions released by strong economic growth and related energy demands are now beginning to cancel out some of the cuts in emissions achieved by the Climate Action Plan.

More from National News

Exclusive: Cllr Bill Clear To Join Independent Ireland After Months Of Discussions

According to a source, Cllr Clear's decision to join the party was “common sense” because his views align with the party's "centre-right" positioning of the political spectrum.
WATCH: Car Linked To Attempted Naas Robbery Spotted In Newcastle - Gardaí Warn Public Not To Approach

Gardaí are urging the public not to approach the occupants and to contact them immediately with any information
Court Hears Gardaí Medically Advised Not To Speak To Alleged 10-Year-Old Victim Of Sexual Assault At Citywest

The 26 year old man accused of the offence has appeared in court for the third time
A New Report Has Highlighted Persistent Gaps In Access To Beds In Stroke Units

The number of stroke admissions to hospitals has increased by 13% since 2021.
Department Of Housing Shifts Blame On To Council As Kildare Families Priced Out Of "Affordable" Housing Again

In a statement to Kfm News, the Department said the Barracksfield West development is part of the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme, and that the minimum prices, about 24% below market value, were decided by the Council.
Outbreak Of Bird Flu Has Been Confirmed In Carlow Turkey Flock

All flock owners have been urged to be vigilant for signs of bird flu and to maintain biosecurity measures
Lidl To Open Country’s First Net Zero Energy Store In Maynooth This Thursday

Designed in partnership with the Irish Green Building Council, the supermarket will generate as much energy as it consumes annually.
Contract For Maynooth Eastern Ring Road Project Awarded To Company Based In Kilcullen

The new single carriageway relief road will connect the R405 Celbridge Road in the south to the R148 Leixlip Road in the north.