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The Climate Change Advisory Council is an independent advisory body tasked with assessing and advising how Ireland can transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient, and environmentally sustainable economy. The Climate Change Advisory Council was established on 18th January 2016, under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015.

In its Annual Review 2020, the Climate Change Advisory Council stressed that a radical shift in gear is required if Ireland is to meet its 2030 climate targets, especially reductions in carbon emissions. Given that in Ireland, agriculture accounts for 33% of GHG emissions, it is inevitable that pressure will be put on the agricultural sector to tackle emissions immediately. This requires urgent action and commitment from farmers to implement on-farm measures.

The urgency of shifting from planning to action to reduce emissions, to meet our climate targets, and to put Ireland on track to achieve a net-zero emissions economy and society by 2050 is stressed in the review, which contains strong recommendations for additional policies and measures to ensure Ireland meets its existing targets.

Overall national emissions showed no significant change in 2018. There was a 10% reduction in the electricity sector, mainly due to reduced operating hours at Moneypoint. Other sectors have not delivered emissions reductions on the scale required, with increases seen in some sectors. The Review highlights that 2019 was the ninth consecutive year with temperatures above normal in Ireland, and the winter of 2018/2019 was the warmest winter on record in 119 years.

The Review states that to better prepare for current and future climate extremes, Ireland must implement identified priority measures at both national and local levels. “It is clear that Ireland will not meet its 2020 targets, and that a radical shift in gear is required to meet its 2030 targets. With limited resources, the policy focus must be on delivering cost-effective, socially sustainable, and environmentally compatible measures that achieve decarbonisation and climate resilience by 2050.” Professor FitzGerald said.

The Annual Review 2020 gives particular attention to the transport sector, identifying the potential for a substantial reduction in transport emissions through improved spatial planning, public transport investment, and widespread electric vehicle deployment. The Council has recommended setting a separate 2050 target for significant reductions in biogenic methane emissions, consistent with the objective of carbon neutrality and the Paris Agreement. The Council recommends that the Common Agricultural Policy income support payments should better support and encourage farmers to reduce emissions, including through reducing fertiliser use, reduced animal numbers and/or using their land more profitably, while providing additional positive environmental outcomes. The Council advises that government urgently focuses on eliminating the most carbon-intensive fuels, coal and peat, from space and water heating in homes and other buildings. It is also important to recognise the significant negative health impacts of these fuels. Government supports for retrofitting must be prioritised, first to vulnerable households and then to households and buildings where emissions are highest.

The Council emphasises that without public acceptance, ambitious climate action will fail. Citizen engagement is crucial to support increased ambition. A dialogue of blame for emissions is not useful.

The Council stresses that more innovation and research is needed to ensure that Ireland achieves a net-zero society and economy in 2050. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions can bring multiple social, environmental, and economic benefits, including opportunities for expanded employment. Zero carbon fuels such as biomethane and green hydrogen may also create economic opportunities for Ireland. “Done right, climate action can bring resilience, employment opportunities, improved air, and water quality, biodiversity, health benefits, and warmer homes.” Professor FitzGerald said.

Read the Climate Change Advisory Council Annual Review 2020.

Image Credit: NRN

Source: Climate Change Advisory Council & NRN

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