Ireland must dramatically slash its greenhouse gas emissions and phase out fossil fuels by 2039 to avoid catastrophic climate impacts, according to a landmark report from the Climate Change Advisory Council released today.
The country faces a critical challenge: reducing emissions by an average of at least 6.3% annually to achieve a 67% reduction by 2040 compared to 2018 levels. This ambitious goal comes after Ireland recorded its lowest emissions in three decades last year, signaling the first meaningful progress in climate action.
Marie Donnelly, chairperson of the Council, emphasized that while the proposed carbon budgets are challenging, they are necessary for Ireland to become carbon-neutral before 2050. “This transition will bring significant political and social challenges,” Donnelly said, “but it also presents an opportunity to create a more sustainable society with improved health and well-being for all citizens.”
The proposed fourth carbon budget, covering 2036-2040, would limit Ireland to 120 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent—a dramatic reduction from the 295 megatonnes allocated for 2021-2025. The Council warns that failing to meet these targets could result in hefty fines and continued dependence on costly fossil fuels.
Professor Peter Thorne of Maynooth University cautioned that any emissions overshoot before 2030 would make the 2040 target even more difficult to achieve. The report stresses the need for immediate action, including rapid investment in clean energy and support for communities most affected by the transition.
Key priorities include decarbonizing the energy sector, which still heavily relies on gas and oil, and providing financial support and retraining for impacted industries and workers.
The incoming government will play a crucial role in implementing these challenging but necessary climate targets, with the ultimate goal of protecting Ireland from the most severe impacts of climate change.
According to The Journal, this represents one of the most aggressive climate action plans proposed for Ireland to date, signaling a potentially transformative approach to environmental policy.