Press release
2024 Climate Action Plan Report shows progress towards targets
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
The latest progress report on the 2024 Climate Action Plan (CAP24) shows continued progress towards Ireland’s climate targets with 20 out of 33 new actions completed on time.
It comes after the recent publication by the EPA of provisional greenhouse gas emissions for Ireland for 2023, showing a reduction of 6.8 per cent (excluding land emissions) compared to 2022, with emission reductions in almost all sectors.
CAP24 delivery rates recorded in the first half of the year show challenges within the system are impacting delivery of climate actions. Risks to meeting international, EU and national emissions reduction targets are also evident.
The Earth experienced its warmest year on record in 2023. In Europe, heat-related deaths are estimated to have increased in 94% of the European regions monitored. The surge in temperatures means that we are rapidly approaching the 1.5°C limit set by the international Paris climate agreement.
Global temperature trends and extreme weather events are mirrored in Ireland, with 2023 marking the warmest year on Irish record. The first climate change assessment for Ireland released in Quarter 1 indicates that recent changes in heat extremes and heavy precipitation can be linked to climate change caused by human activity.
Ireland has committed to playing its full part in achieving a rapid reduction in global emissions, without which our homes, lives and livelihoods will become increasingly at risk. It is important that we act now to achieve a more positive future for all. This action will require collaboration with each household, community, section of society and sector of the economy playing its part. We will do this in a manner that is fair, supporting each other and those most vulnerable to the changes ahead.
Climate Action Plan 2024 sets out the Government’s approach to tackling climate change and lists a series of actions to be completed throughout 2024.
High impact actions completed in the first half of the year include: delivering low-cost finance scheme for home retrofits; publishing a National Biomethane Strategy; publishing a national EV charging strategy; publishing a decarbonisation roadmap for industrial heat; updating the shadow price of carbon; adopting 31 Local Authority Climate Action Plans and developing a new National Adaptation Framework.
Speaking on the Progress Report, the Taoiseach Simon Harris said:
“We have already made really significant progress to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as a result of the Government’s ambitious programme on climate, but change is not happening at the scale required yet. I welcome this report as further evidence that Ireland must accelerate progress on climate action.
“The climate crisis should make us ambitious for what we can do together. Working together, we can help to create a better Ireland that is well positioned to thrive, economically, socially and environmentally, in the rapidly changing circumstances climate change is bringing. We can set an aspiration as a nation to become a Green Island – to realise our unique potential for energy independence, food security and biodiversity. Every decision must be approached as a climate decision.
“Ireland's transition to a low-carbon, climate resilient and sustainable future in which we take full advantage of the renewable energy potential we possess and move away from our dependence on fossil fuels requires major policy, regulatory, fiscal and sectoral initiatives across all of the economy, with implications for all communities and for every citizen.
“Transparent reporting on progress is essential to draw attention to risks, maintain accountability for delivery and allow us to identify solutions to barriers encountered.
“The Government will continue to collaborate with sectors, communities and households to ensure the transformation is achievable and fair. We will continue to provide the incentives, protections and supports that are required to help people adjust.”
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said:
“Extreme weather events around the world continue to bring home the realities of climate change. It is vital that we also realise the risk to our own nation posed by the rapidly changing climate. We must take the necessary steps to address this challenge. We are both morally and legally obliged to act at home and abroad.
“The Government is investing to ensure the transition is fair, ring-fencing funds raised through carbon tax and other initiatives to support those most vulnerable to the changes happening. Meanwhile, the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature fund will help us future-proof against the further measures that may be needed.
“Government is also helping people to develop new incomes. The biomethane strategy will offer opportunities for land use and income diversification, particularly for farmers who would like to generate energy. For others, the €1.3 billion investment in a new forestry programme will provide the way forward.”
Minister Roderic O’Gorman said:
“As a society, we are now cutting our emissions – the EPA’s recent report showed that emissions fell by 6.8% last year, which represents real progress. The steps this Government is taking are working. Nevertheless, we need to move even faster and intensify our efforts to drive emissions down further.
“Reaching the targets we have set is challenging, but we can do it, if we work together. The future must be zero-carbon. We can and will do that.
“Reducing emissions from travel remains a key focus for the year. Expanding public transport and focusing on transport-led development, where people live close to the amenities they need, is key to achieving that.
“We also have to deliver offshore wind projects, successfully use waste heat for district heating and continue the roll-out of the national retrofitting programme which is delivering warmer homes and lower heating bills. Continued quarterly progress reporting on our Climate Action Plans allows us to monitor these and other necessary developments, and work to improve delivery where necessary.”