Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2020
174. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Climate Action and Communication Networks the action he has taken to date or plans to take to accelerate compliance with emission-reduction targets while at the same time ensuring that the agri-food sector is not damaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25535/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe next ten years are critical if we are to address the climate and biodiversity crisis which threatens our safe future on this planet. The Programme for Government commits to an average 7% per annum reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions from 2021 to 2030 - a 51% reduction over the decade - and to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. It also recognises the special economic and social role of agriculture and the distinct characteristics of biogenic methane, as described by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, in terms of plans and strategies to achieve these targets. Specifically in relation to Ireland's existing 2030 EU target to reduce greenhouse gases in the non-ETS sector by 30%, the Climate Action Plan 2019 sets out the policies and measures to achieve this, including setting an emissions reduction range for agriculture. This is underpinned by actions aimed at: reducing emissions on our farms by vigorously adopting the abatement opportunities identified by Teagasc; promoting diversification of land use as part of a gradual transition; harnessing opportunities in the bioeconomy; realising the potential of sustainable bioenergy supply opportunities; better management of our peatlands and soils; and developing clusters of exemplar practice.
It is important to recognise that the European Commission has just presented its plan to increase its ambition to reduce EU greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, from its existing target of 40% to at least 55%, compared to 1990 levels. This level of ambition for the next decade will put the EU on a balanced pathway to reaching climate neutrality by 2050. It is intended that the 2030 target will be enshrined in the EU Climate Law. The European Parliament and the Council have been invited to confirm this 55% 2030 target as the EU's new Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement, and to submit this to the UNFCCC by the end of this year. Legislative proposals to implement the new EU 2030 target will be presented by June 2021, and additional effort will be asked of all Member States, including Ireland.
These developments at EU level, along with the step change in climate ambition set out in the Programme for Government, will need to be reflected appropriately in the next iteration of the Climate Action Plan. This will be challenging and will require fundamental changes in all parts of Irish life, but I believe Ireland can and will rise to the challenge. In doing so we will be able to improve the health, welfare and the security of all our people. In setting out on this transformation of our society, the Government is committed to working with communities and sectors in designing and delivering a pathway to decarbonisation that is fair.
Far reaching policy changes will de developed across every sector. For agriculture, these will include:
- Building on Ireland's relative carbon efficiency in food production and ensuring the delivery of the measures identified by Teagasc to the fullest extent possible.
- Delivering an incremental and ambitious reduction in the use of inorganic nitrogen fertiliser through to 2030.
- Transforming the scale of organic farming, with delivery of a fair price for farmers at its heart.
- Developing a new strategy to expand afforestation, particularly Close to Nature Forestry and agro-forestry.
- Rapidly evaluating the potential role of sustainable bioenergy.
- Introducing a transformational programme of research and development, to ensure Ireland is at the cutting edge of scientific and technological innovation, including in: the bioeconomy; marine sequestration; improving agriculture breeding programmes; feed additives to reduce biogenic methane; agroforestry, paludiculture; and nutrient management.
Land-use offers significant potential to sequester additional carbon and provide a new source of family farm income and rural economic benefit. While the achievement of such improvements is not addressed in current EU policy, the Programme for Government commits to seeking to incentivise land use in the European Green Deal and broader EU policy. It also commits to evaluating, within 24 months, the potential contributions towards our climate ambition from land-use improvements and set in train the development of a land-use plan, based on these findings.
It is important that the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) protects farm incomes and sectoral supports consistent these objectives, and the National Economic Plan frontloads investment that is directly aligned with our climate ambition. The Programme for Government has also committed to allocating €1.5 billion, of the hypothecated additional carbon tax revenue, to a REPS-2 programme to encourage and incentivise farmers to farm in a greener and more sustainable way. This funding will be additional to funding from the CAP. It will include incentives to plant native forestry and to enhance and support biodiversity.
