Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 June 2021
75. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he is taking to secure EU agreement to secure a split national target by 2050 for greenhouse gases with a separate, longer target for biogenic methane as outlined by the Climate Change Advisory Council Annual Review 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30206/21]
View answerIn their Annual Review 2020, the Climate Change Advisory Council recommends that the Government should support efforts to ensure consistency between reporting and accounting rules and the objectives of the Paris Agreement and to engage constructively in the negotiations on the proposed revision of the EU’s 2030 effort-sharing targets. In addition, the review recommended that in the longer term, the Government should seek to engage with its EU partners on the validity of a separate target for biogenic methane.
With the 2030 Climate Target Plan and EU Climate Law, the EU will raise its ambition on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to at least 55% below 1990 levels by 2030. This is a substantial increase compared to the existing 40% emissions reduction target. The Commission is preparing to present, by July 2021, an overhaul of all relevant climate legislation as part of a “Fit for 55 Package” to align with the newly proposed target.
Ireland fully supports the enhanced ambition at EU level. It is consistent with the national approach, as the Programme for Government commits to achieve net zero emissions by no later than 2050 and a 51% emissions reduction by 2030.
Ireland has agreed with other Member States that the Commission should swiftly put forward its legislative package, together with an in-depth examination of the environmental, economic and social impact at Member State level. It will be important that the updated EU 2030 target of at least 55% is delivered collectively by the EU in the most cost-effective manner possible, balancing considerations of fairness, cost effectiveness and solidarity, and ensuring that no one is left behind.
With respect to the longer term, the new EU Climate Law lists a number of considerations the Commission must take into account when proposing the Unions 2040 Climate Target. In doing so, the Commission must consider, amongst other matters “the best available and most recent scientific evidence, including the latest reports of the IPCC and the Advisory Board”. This process will commence at the latest within six months of the first global stocktake referred to in the Paris Agreement, which will take place in 2023. Ireland will engage with the Commission as appropriate.
