Ireland s transport emissions fall 17% but emissions from home heating rise Emissions still challenge for State despite 6% pandemic-linked drop
Thu, Jan 28, 2021, 23:55
Kevin O Sullivan Environment & Science Editor Listen now 2:29
The figures show how challenging it will be for Ireland to cut its emissions by 50% over the next decade as planned by the Government. File photograph: Getty
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Ireland’s carbon emissions declined by less than 6 per cent last year, despite large sections of the economy being shut down for extended periods due to Covid-19, according to official estimates.
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Irish greenhouse gas emissions estimated to be 6% lower in 2020
Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) are estimated to have fallen by 6% overall in 2020 due to the impact of Covid-19 restrictions, according to a new report.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) have jointly released an analysis of the impact of Covid-19 restrictions on GHG emissions in 2020.
The estimates show a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of almost 6% in 2020 compared to 2019.
However, agriculture emissions are expected to have risen slightly as a result of increased fuel and fertiliser use, the analysis says.
The estimates are based on monthly indicator data, allowing for earlier estimation – compared to the more comprehensive annual data used by the EPA to produce Ireland’s GHG Inventory, the authorities say.
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The country s greenhouse gas emissions have dropped by 6% due to the pandemic.
An Environmental Protection Agency and Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland report for 2020, shows emissions from the transport sector have fallen by almost 17%.
However, those from homes are up by around 9%, as many people are staying at home.
Commenting on the figures Laura Burke, Director General, EPA said:
“We are at a pivotal point for our economy, and the recovery steps we take now will shape Ireland for the next decade. While these early estimates show a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions for 2020 as a result of Covid restrictions, this level of emission reductions, at a minimum, will be required annually .
The agriculture sector will have to do more to meet the national ambition of reaching emissions goals by 2030 according to Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan.
The comments follow today’s (Friday, January 29) joint publication by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
It estimates an almost 6% reduction in Ireland’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2020, compared to 2019 levels.
Minister Ryan said: “It is clear that much of the decrease in emissions is as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and its effects on the economy and society, particularly in the transport area where emissions fell by almost 17%.”