The Government has today approved the final text of legislation to set Ireland on the path to net- Zero emissions no later than 2050 , and to a 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 Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill, which is a key commitment in the Programme for Government, will now progress through the Houses of the Oireachtas as priority legislation.Interim Target to reach 51% reduction by end of the decade will be enshrined in law.Public urged to join the Climate Conversation and help create a new Climate Action Plan to begin the journey to Net Zero
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “This is a landmark day for Ireland. We all know that Climate Change is already happening, and the time to act is now. The bill we are publishing today affirms our ambition to be a global leader in this field. As we begin our journey towards net zero emissions, the government is committed to tackling the challenges, and embracing the opportunities, this transition can bring our economy, our society and our country. We must continue to act, across Government, as there is no time to waste when it comes to securing our future.”
The final version of the Climate Bill embeds the process of setting binding and ambitious emissions-reductions targets in law. The Bill provides for a national climate objective, which commits to pursue and achieve no later than 2050, the transition to a climate resilient, biodiversity-rich, environmentally-sustainable and climate-neutral economy. Local Authorities must prepare individual Climate Action Plans which will include both mitigation and adaptation measures and will be updated every five years. Local Authority Development Plans must be aligned with their Climate Action Plan.Public Bodies will be obliged to take account of Climate Action Plans in the performance of their functions.
The Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar TD said:“As we emerge from the pandemic, we must ensure that the road to recovery is a sustainable one. I am confident that the decarbonisation of the economy will present significant opportunities for Irish business, for trade and for new employment. Whether that be in the huge expansion of entire industries, such as retrofitting or offshore wind, by becoming an electricity exporter, or new jobs in cleantech, the early movers with the most ambition will see the greatest opportunities.”
The preparation of the 2021 Climate Action Plan will involve a major public consultation being launched today. The government is inviting everyone to join the Climate Conversation and help chart Ireland’s journey to Net Zero, because net zero equals a better future for us all.
Government need Climate scientists, experts and industry to share their data-based technical proposals to support development of the Plan. We also want to hear from households and communities about what Government can do to further support them as part of Ireland’s journey to net zero. In the past two years emissions have fallen by 4 and 6 per cent, but need to go further. Country need to reduce emissions by at least 7% per year to ensure a 51% reduction by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050.
There is no doubt that during the pandemic the capacity to deliver on a range of activities was challenged. Country continued to implement the 2019 Climate Action Plan across Government Departments and over the lifetime of the Plan, succeeded in delivering on 78% of the actions. The Interim Climate Actions 2021 will ensure continued delivery of climate action across Departments and their Agencies. The Interim Climate Actions 2021 can also be used as a basis for review – People can contribute to the consultation by highlighting where greater commitment is required and increased action necessary for the 2021 Climate Action Plan.