Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 May 2021
175. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which Ireland compares with other EU and non-EU food producing countries in terms of carbon sequestration and meeting international objectives in respect of climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27383/21]
View answerClimate change remains a trans-boundary challenge that can only be addressed through committed ambition and effective multilateral cooperation at the international level. Ireland is committed to concerted global effort to address the climate challenge and engages in negotiations under UNFCCC through its membership of the European Union (EU). The EU continues to retain its leadership role on climate ambition and mobilising and supporting action of other Parties.
The European Green Deal commits to delivering net zero greenhouse gas emissions at EU level by 2050 and increasing the EU-wide emissions reduction target from 40% to up to at least 55% by 2030, to align with the goal of the Paris Agreement to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Legislative proposals to implement the new EU 2030 target will be presented by the European Commission this summer, and additional effort will be asked of all Member States, including Ireland. Ireland fully supports the enhanced ambition at EU level.
Ireland’s GHG emissions profile is unique among EU Member States, with the highest national proportion of agriculture emissions. This presents particular challenges for Ireland in meeting future GHG emissions reduction targets.
The following shows Ireland's total emissions (MtCO2eq.) for 2019 as compared to other comparable EU Member States, in addition to the emissions of the EU 27 for the same time period:
Ireland: 59.9
Denmark: 48.2
Austria: 79.0
Finland: 56.4
EU 27: 3,763.9
In line with EU ambition, Ireland has committed to achieve an average 7% per annum reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions from 2021 to 2030, and to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest. This objective will be set in law by the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021, which was published on 23 March 2021. The Bill will support Ireland’s transition to net zero and achieve a climate neutral economy by no later than 2050. It will establish a legally binding framework with clear targets and commitments set in law, and ensure the necessary structures and processes are embedded on a statutory basis to ensure we achieve our national, EU and international climate goals and obligations in the near and long term.
