An Taisce welcomes the reduction of 6.8% in greenhouse gas emissions in 2023 (as reported by the EPA) as tentative evidence that policy initiatives and actions by the public are beginning to demonstrate that transitioning from a fossil fuel economy can be done without having the over-blown impacts touted by some anti-environment proponents and their political spokespeople. We look forward to this progress continuing and to the acceleration in the reductions necessary to achieve compliance with our legally binding carbon budget for 2021-2025.

While the reduction is positive, the EPA figures confirm that reaching our obligations both domestically and internationally remains hugely challenging. While the 2023 figures show we have now reached levels previously attained in 1990, this achievement should not be exaggerated. Over the same period, our European colleagues have achieved much more, with average reductions of over 32%. Germany has reduced its 1990 emissions level by 43%, UK by 52% and even Luxembourg (like Ireland one of the highest per capita emitters in Europe) has reduced its 1990 emissions by over 41%.

Ireland’s reduction figure of 6.8% is based on a partial count of emissions that does not include emissions from the Land Use sector. These emissions increased by 40% over the past year and have not yet been included in the sectoral emission ceilings some two years after the government established the limits for the other sectors of the economy.

An Taisce particularly welcomes the 4.6% reduction in agricultural emissions. In the interests of transparency, however, clarity is needed on the basis for the methane recalibration exercise which has been used to adjust agricultural emissions over the period. We also welcome the contribution made to the reduction in agricultural emissions by declining overall cattle numbers and reduced fertiliser usage. We urge further de-intensification of agriculture, particularly intensive dairy farming, to stimulate the overall reduction of 10% required by the 2021-2025 sectoral carbon budget.

The performance of the energy industries in achieving a 21.6% reduction is undoubtedly the main contributor to the overall reduction. However, this was achieved by importing 12 times as much electricity as in previous years, which cannot be sustained. That said, it does demonstrate the capability of the energy system to operate sustainably when renewable sources are not available This highlights the absence of a need for substantial developments of new gas fired power stations which would lock in the country to fossil fuel use for decades to come.

Transport emissions are proving to be the most intransigent to reduce. Further incentives to promote active travel, public transport and electrification of vehicles are clearly needed in the forthcoming budget. Measures to dissuade new vehicle purchases of heavy SUV-type vehicles as well as city centre car commuting are also needed. Although public transport in rural Ireland is acknowledged as a difficulty, electric cars and home charging incentives should be considered as capable of overcoming resistance to electrification in rural areas.

Ireland still faces huge fines from its failure to align our emissions with the EU Climate Law. Although the 2023 figures are welcome as a sign that concerted actions over all sectors are beginning to have an effect, more radical actions are now required if the taxpayer and the public are to avoid both the financial and environmental impacts of climate change.