Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2019
61. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his goals and targets to meet emissions targets for 2030 in view of the climate emergency that has been declared on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21515/19]
View answerThe declaration of a climate and biodiversity emergency by the Dáil on 9 May underlines the importance of the work currently underway to develop a new All of Government Climate Plan. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C, published last October, confirmed that the international community has a limited window for real action to reduce emissions to ensure that current and future generations can live sustainably in a low-carbon and climate-resilient world. In response to this challenge, the All of Government Climate Plan will set out how this Government intends to make Ireland climate resilient across our entire society. This will involve setting climate goals in all key sectors, including electricity, agriculture, transport, industry, buildings, waste and the public sector. It will have a strong focus on implementation, including clear timelines and steps needed to achieve each action.
The Plan will lead to a significant step-up in policy ambition and delivery, to ensure that we at least meet our 2030 targets and get on a clear pathway to meeting our 2050 objectives. It will be updated every year and will also be informed by the recommendations contained in the report of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Climate Action.
The goals and targets will be informed by analysis of the most cost-effective choices available to reach our 2030 targets. By articulating a decarbonisation ambition range for each sector, the framework provided by the Plan will enable each sector to identify and put in place the most appropriate policy tools to deliver this stated ambition in order for Ireland to meet its 2030 targets.
I intend that the Plan will be published over the coming weeks.
