Following a bitter political battle between farmers, business groups, and environmentalists, Ireland has committed to a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 2030. The coalition government announced binding sectoral targets to reduce overall carbon emissions by 51% by 2030, a daunting challenge for a country that has consistently missed climate targets, making it one of the world's highest emitters per capita.
The announcement was described as "hugely significant" by Eamon Ryan, the environment minister and leader of the Irish Green Party. Agriculture was the most contentious industry.
It accounts for approximately 37% of Ireland's emissions, but farm groups lobbied hard for preferential treatment, citing its historical role in society and food security.
The 25% target was a compromise between farmers who wanted 22 percent and environmentalists and representatives from other sectors who wanted agriculture to cut emissions by 30%. Agriculture cuts will be voluntary and incentivized rather than mandated, but cattle farmers will face pressure to cull cattle.
The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association called the agreement a "sellout" that would put many farms out of business. Other sectors, however, face higher targets, partly to compensate for agriculture's exemption. Transportation must reduce emissions by 50%, commercial and public buildings by 40%, and industry by 35%.
The Irish government admits that they are climate laggards. Instead of falling, emissions increased by 4.7 percent last year, exceeding pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Ireland also failed to meet its legally binding commitment to reduce emissions by 20% by 2020 and has struggled to reduce peat cutting.
Skeptics question whether efforts to encourage more people to use public transportation, put 1 million electric cars on the road, and retrofit homes will be successful.
Even if all sectors meet their targets, Ireland will fall short of the legally mandated 51 percent reduction. 26 million tonnes of carbon reductions are "unallocated" pending further land use studies. Authorities are hoping that technological advances will help bridge the gap.
