Government plans to set legally in binding targets for cuts in emissions will be finalised by the end of the month according to Environment Minister Eamonn Ryan.
The first of two five year carbon budget will see targets set for all sectors including transport, energy, commercial buildings, public buildings and agriculture.
Ireland is committed to halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050 which will require significant change from current practices.
The plan is part of the global action to stop the worst impacts of climate change and to keep the earth’s temperature from rising above an average of 1.5 C
The Agriculture sector has been set a target of carbon cuts of 22 to 30% by the Climate Change Advisory Council – the exact target has yet to be agreed with the Department of Agriculture.
The changes may lead to a reduction in the number of livestock in Ireland – the Environment minister says farmer income will be maintained by alternative product development and CAP subsidies aimed at supporting biodiversity and protecting water quality.
