Ireland's approach to climate action is erratic

Ireland’s climate policy has been on the wrong track for far too long. Course-correction is the only way forward

Ireland is significantly off-course on meeting its reduction targets and faces potentially billions in related fines. Picture Dan Linehan

It’s that time of year again, when a UN climate change conference, or COP, encourages us to reflect on Ireland’s somewhat erratic approach to climate action.

Despite some reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from the 2001 peak, they remain stubbornly high, the highest per capita in the EU in net terms.