Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 July 2020
63. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which he has set out priorities in respect of climate action with a view to reducing emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16200/20]
View answerThe Programme for Government sets out our ambition to halve our carbon emissions over the course of the decade. The action we take in the coming years will be critical in order to address the climate crisis, which threatens our safe future on this planet.
As Minister for Climate Action, I will lead on delivering our shared commitment to achieve an average 7% per annum reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions from 2021 to 2030, and to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The 2050 target will be set out in the Climate Action Bill, which I will introduce in the Dáil within the first 100 days of government.
With the increased scale and depth of this ambition, new strategies will be needed to sustain a reduction trajectory that will increase over time. I will work with colleagues across government to develop a new Climate Action Plan before year end, prioritising initiatives in every sector to bring about the significant change needed to transform our society.
While this will be challenging, requiring fundamental changes in how we live our lives, we will improve the health, welfare and security of our society, as well as realising significant economic benefits. To this end, the Government is committed to ensuring that the economic recovery is a green recovery.
