Press release
Government publishes new climate law which commits Ireland to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
Governance framework to set out how Ireland will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by, on average, at least 7% per annum for the next ten years
The Government has today published the draft text of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2020. The Bill will set the country on course to become climate neutral by 2050. The key features of the Bill are:
The Bill is a positive step forward for the climate agenda, but also for Ireland. The Climate Action Bill will make Ireland a leader when it comes to climate action. It provides a clear and important signal to the economy, to businesses, farmers and to our communities that climate action will drive investment, to allow us both reach our climate targets, stimulate job creation and provide a safer and healthier environment for all of society.
The Bill draws on recommendations of the cross section of Irish people who took part in the Citizens Assembly on Climate, as well as those of a Joint Oireachtas committee on Climate Action. It is also a cornerstone of the Programme for Government and was identified as a priority for legislation.
Speaking today at the publication, the Taoiseach, Mícheál Martin TD said:
"Climate action is a key priority for this government. I welcome the publication of this legislation, which reflects the commitment, ambition and targets set out in the Programme for Government on climate issues. This legislation is truly ground-breaking and will have a transformative impact on our society and economy into the future. Collectively as a people, we must embrace this agenda and work tirelessly to protect and save our plant for future generations to live in.”
The Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar TD said:
"This Bill will create a better, more sustainable future for all. Many of the actions would be good to do in any case, regardless of climate obligations, resulting in cleaner air, warmer homes, shorter commutes, greater energy security, more resilient communities and a better quality of life for all.
"I am confident that the decarbonisation of the economy will present significant opportunities for Irish business. Whether that be in the huge expansion of entire industries, such as retrofitting or offshore wind, or in the creation of innovative solutions to the adaptations that will need to be made, the early movers with the most ambition will see the greatest opportunities. Thousands of jobs will be created and we will need to ensure we have a strong pipeline of skills to respond. The annual Climate Action Plan, which started last year and is now being underpinned by this legislation, will provide clear actions which will give certainty to business and all sectors to know what is coming down the tracks."
Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD said:
"The Climate Action bill is a radical departure for Ireland and one that puts our country on a new course. It creates a new target to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, which will change our economy and society at every level. We will change how we heat our homes, generate power, move around our country, grow our food and run our businesses. It sends a clear signal to every sector that it must reshape its activities to reduce emissions. I believe it also creates great opportunities for Ireland to be a leader in renewable power, repair and retrofitting, sustainable agriculture and the circular economy. This is where the jobs of the future will come from. Our young people have told us it is time to act and today we are answering that challenge, by putting our commitments into law."
The Bill puts into law a commitment for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, through a ‘National 2050 Climate Objective’ – that the State will pursue the transition to a climate resilient and climate neutral economy by the end of the year 2050.
A climate neutral economy means a sustainable economy where greenhouse gas emissions are balanced or exceeded by their removal.
Setting a 2050 target into law provides a clear long term direction for our climate ambition and provides Ireland with opportunities to reimagine our economy and society.
The Bill also establishes a system of successive carbon budgets starting in 2021. Carbon budgets will include all greenhouse gases. Each five year carbon budget will allocate emissions ceilings to all relevant sectors (known as ‘decarbonisation target ranges’).
The first budgets will span 2021-2035.
A graduating carbon budgetary process, and sectoral decarbonisation target ranges will provide a clear signal and pathways to drive future investment, allowing us to both reach our climate targets and stimulate job creation in new sectors such as retrofitting and renewable energy, the circular economy, clean mobility, green and blue infrastructure, sustainable agriculture and the bio-economy.
The Bill also provides for annual revisions of the Climate Action Plan and the development of a National Long Term Climate Action Strategy at least once every ten years. This will ensure we remain on course to achieve our climate commitments and provide an opportunity to adapt and make corrective measures on the way if required.
The Bill will also ensure greater climate action at regional and local level, with local authorities required to develop five year Climate Action Plans with mitigation and adaptation measures included.
The Climate Change Advisory Council has a strengthened role to advise and propose carbon budgets to Government. The Bill also ensures that future Council membership will include greater gender balance and increased scientific expertise.
There will be greater accountability and oversight by the Oireachtas with all relevant ministers required to give account for their sectors annually.
ENDS
Key elements of this new strengthened statutory framework will include: