Ireland likely to miss greenhouse gas targets

Ireland is likely to miss its EU greenhouse gas reduction targets for 2020 — and faces "considerable challenges" in moving towards a low-carbon economy.

According to figures released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ireland faces a “significant risk” that, even under the best-case scenario, it will not meet its EU 2020 targets.

Ireland’s EU target is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport, agriculture, residential, waste and non-energy intensive industry by 20% by 2020.

However, the latest EPA projections show that:

* Under the best case scenario, greenhouse gas emissions will remain relatively static up to 2020;

* As a result, emissions in 2020 will be between 5% and 12% below 2005 levels and will not meet the 20% reduction target.

The EPA found that while greenhouse gas emissions in some sectors, such as residential, waste and services were projected to decrease between now and 202, the agriculture and transport sectors — even under the best case scenario — are projected to increase by 15% and 9% respectively.

The State could face prosecution and fines from the European Commission if it fails to meet its 2020 commitments. EPA director general Laura Burke said the State must invest in “structural and behavioural change” so the country can move towards becoming carbon neutral and climate resilient.

“These changes include the rapid decarbonisation of energy and transport and the adoption of sustainable food production, management and consumption systems,” she said.

The EPA said that, for the period 2020 to 2030, greenhouse gas emissions are projected to be 11% higher again than in 2020, unless further policies and measures are in place to curb the growth in carbon intensity.