Ireland’s government has approved legislation to reach net- Zero emissions no later than 2050 with an interim target of 51% reduction in emissions by the end of this decade. The Bill will also provide the framework for Ireland to meet its international and EU climate commitments and to become a leader rather than a laggard in addressing climate change.
The Interim Target to reach 51% reduction by end of the decade will be enshrined in law. The Bill provides that the first two five-year carbon budgets proposed by the Climate Change Advisory Council should equate to a total reduction of 51% over the period to 2030, relative to a baseline of 2018
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill will now progress through the Houses of the Oireachtas as priority legislation.
In the past two years emissions have fallen by 4 and 6%. However, emissions need to fall by at least 7% per year to ensure a 51% reduction by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050.
