DEAR EDITOR,
Matt Dempsey’s recent article relating to methane emissions criticises the Green Party for having policies that are not consistent with the recommendations of Professor Myles Allen.
Prof Allen recommends reducing emissions and taking carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and putting it underground. This is very much in line with Green Party policies.
The EU policy aims for a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 50% by 2030. Nearly 38% of greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland are as a result of agriculture.
This is higher than most other EU countries due to our low population density and large farming sector.
This is why reducing emissions from agriculture is part of Government policy.
To achieve the 50% overall reduction, the Government aims to reduce agricultural emissions by 25% and all other emissions by 67%.
This will be challenging for agriculture but also for all sectors of society.
Feed additives and breeding have been shown to significantly decrease methane emissions from cattle.
Solar panels can be used by farmers to reduce their reliance on electricity from the grid, half of which is generated using fossil fuels. Some 29% of new heavy goods vehicles in China were powered by electricity last year.
Farm equipment powered by electricity which can be generated on farm will be available within a few years.
Reducing agricultural emissions by 25% is challenging but it is achievable as shown by the research being done by Carbery with its Farm Zero C research.
SHARING OPTIONS