The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Acts 2015 to 2021 provide for the establishment of carbon budgets to support the delivery of our legally binding emission reduction targets, setting Ireland on a pathway consistent with a sustainable economy and society where we reach climate neutrality no later than 2050.
In accordance with the legislation, the Climate Change Advisory Council adopted, and submitted to me, a Technical Report setting out its recommendations for the carbon budget programme on 25 October 2021.
Following a consultation and review process provided for under the legislation, Ireland's first carbon budget programme came into effect on 6 April 2022, following approval from the Government and both Houses of the Oireachtas.
Section 6A(5) of the Act provides: “The first two carbon budgets proposed by the Advisory Council shall provide for a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions such that the total amount of annual greenhouse gas emissions in the year ending on 31 December 2030 is 51 per cent less than the annual greenhouse gas emissions reported for the year ending on 31 December 2018, as set out in the national greenhouse gas emissions inventory prepared by the Agency.”
The obligations under Section 6A(5) are fully met and the first two carbon budgets proposed by the Advisory Council and adopted by the Government and both Houses of the Oireachtas, provide for the reduction of 51% by the end of 2030 from the annual greenhouse gas emissions reported for the year ending 31 December 2018.
