Minister Roche Publishes National Climate Change Strategy
Minister Dempsey has launched the National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012 on 2nd April
2007. The strategy points to a number of key actions that
must be taken if Ireland is to meet its legally binding Kyoto commitments, by
2012. A copy of the National Climate change Strategy is available from the
Government web site:- www.environ.ie
Our Kyoto Commitment was to limit our green house gas emission to 1990 levels
plus 13%. This commitment is measured in Million Tonnes of CO2 equivalent (MT
CO2e) Some key figures from the National Climate change Strategy are shown
below: -
| Kyoto Target 1990 + 13% MT CO2e |
Kyoto Target 2020;EU - 20% MT CO2e |
Kyoto Target 2020;EU - 30% MT CO2e |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Targets | 63.032 | 54.70 | 48.0 |
| Ireland Emissions(2012) | |||
| Ireland Emissions without taking action | 79.829 | - | - |
| Excess Emissions | 16.797 | - | - |
| Reductions | |||
| Existing measures(NCCS) | 8.660 | - | - |
| Additional measures(NCCS) | 4.953 | - | - |
| Flexible measures(Carbon credit | 3.607 | - | - |
| Subtotal - 2012 | 17.22 | - | - |
| Additional measures required to meet new EU targets(not specified) | - | 9.131 | 16.013 |
From the table it can be seen that Ireland can meet its commitments with a variety of measures including the payment of carbon credits of €54.1 million per year (2008 - 2012), at €15 / T CO2e. The cost of carbon is expected to rise by 2012 as countries seek to meet their legal commitments under Kyoto. By 2020 the cost of carbon could be twice the price today (€30 / T CO2e). If the US agrees with EU on the need for aggressive measures and a 30% savings target, then Ireland must make a dramatic increase in our technologies and infrastructure to deliver our share of this new burden. If Ireland doesn't invest now, the cost of paying for carbon credits in 2020 could be €480.4 million per year, or more!
The Limerick Clare Climate Change Strategy (published in May 2006), shows the work that must be done locally in support of the national targets. On an individual basis every person needs to reduce their CO2 emissions by 4.7 tonnes a year. Look up the Top Ten Tips on the publications page to see how you can do your share.
