Ireland can meet the current EU target to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% by 2030 through the use of agricultural lands, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
On Wednesday it published its GHG emissions projections for the period 2019-2040.
In order to maintain this target, Ireland is required to make a 3% average annual emissions reductions from 2021 to 2030. The report states, this goal is achievable by maximising the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through the use of grasslands, wetlands and forestry.
Where land management is resulting in emissions of CO2, this source should be reduced or eliminated
Senior manager with the EPA Stephen Treacy said: “Where land is providing a store of carbon, this should be maintained or enhanced. Where land management is resulting in emissions of CO2, this source should be reduced or eliminated, and where land is degraded or has lost its ability to absorb or store carbon dioxide, it should be restored.”
The EPA projections show significant emission reductions across transport, the energy sector and households with emissions from agriculture also projected to decrease.
Target for agriculture
A reduction of at least 16.5Mt CO2 eq is required between 2021 and 2030 for the agricultural sector. This, the EPA claims, this will be achieved by implementing measures such as low-emission slurry spreading techniques and switching to stabilised urea fertilisers for crops and pasture.
We are now at a pivotal point for our economy
Commenting on the figures director general of the EPA Laura Burke said: “This is only the first step for Ireland to become the low-carbon and climate-resilient society. We are now at a pivotal point for our economy and the steps we take in our recovery will shape Ireland for the next decade.”
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Ireland can meet the current EU target to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% by 2030 through the use of agricultural lands, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
On Wednesday it published its GHG emissions projections for the period 2019-2040.
In order to maintain this target, Ireland is required to make a 3% average annual emissions reductions from 2021 to 2030. The report states, this goal is achievable by maximising the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through the use of grasslands, wetlands and forestry.
Where land management is resulting in emissions of CO2, this source should be reduced or eliminated
Senior manager with the EPA Stephen Treacy said: “Where land is providing a store of carbon, this should be maintained or enhanced. Where land management is resulting in emissions of CO2, this source should be reduced or eliminated, and where land is degraded or has lost its ability to absorb or store carbon dioxide, it should be restored.”
The EPA projections show significant emission reductions across transport, the energy sector and households with emissions from agriculture also projected to decrease.
Target for agriculture
A reduction of at least 16.5Mt CO2 eq is required between 2021 and 2030 for the agricultural sector. This, the EPA claims, this will be achieved by implementing measures such as low-emission slurry spreading techniques and switching to stabilised urea fertilisers for crops and pasture.
We are now at a pivotal point for our economy
Commenting on the figures director general of the EPA Laura Burke said: “This is only the first step for Ireland to become the low-carbon and climate-resilient society. We are now at a pivotal point for our economy and the steps we take in our recovery will shape Ireland for the next decade.”
Read more
Drop in water supplies breaching pesticide limits
Sustainability – costs and losses
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