IRELAND WILL exceed its Kyoto Protocol limit on greenhouse gas emissions "even if all projected reductions from existing and planned policies and measures are delivered", according to projections by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The overshoot is put at 5 million tonnes per annum on average from now until 2012. "Additional domestic policies and measures and/or additional Government purchases [of emissions credits from developing countries] will be required to bridge this gap," it says.
"In the longer term to 2020, Ireland's unique position within the EU as the country with the highest national proportion of agricultural emissions, together with further projected growth in transport emissions, will present this country with major challenges."
Under the EU's "Climate Action and Renewable Energy Package", adopted this year, Ireland would be required to reduce its emissions by 20 per cent (based on 2005 levels) - or by as much as 30 per cent if agreement is reached in UN negotiations at the end of 2009.
"The magnitude of the challenge facing Ireland in trying to achieve these new targets should not be underestimated," the EPA warns in its State of the Environment report, which describes climate change as "the most significant and challenging issue currently facing humanity".
It says "large reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will be required if dangerous and irreversible climate impacts are to be avoided". In Ireland's case, it will be "essential to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels" and develop other energy sources.
The report notes that our emissions "increased steadily" from 55.5 to 70.7 million tonnes between 1990 and 2001, and then "decreased slightly" to 69.8 million tonnes in 2006. "This represents just under 17 tonnes per capita, the second highest in the EU," it says.
"The agriculture, energy and transport sectors are the major sources of GHG emissions, with contributions of 27.7, 22.3 and 19.7 per cent respectively in 2006. The industrial and commercial sector accounted for 17.2 per cent, while the residential sector produced 10.4 per cent. CO2 emissions from transport sources, which are largely accounted for by road traffic in Ireland, increased by 170 per cent between 1990 and 2006, due to sustained growth in the numbers of cars and goods vehicles and in the associated consumption of automotive fuels."
Electricity demand rose steadily in the 1990s, increasing emissions in the energy sector by 53 per cent from 11.8 million tonnes in 1990 to 18.2 million in 2001, "reflecting the continued heavy reliance on carbon-intensive fuels for electricity generation in Ireland".
Significant gains were achieved since then through energy efficiency, replacement of peat-fired power plants and fuel switching as new electricity producers entered the market, with the result that CO2 emissions from the sector fell to 15.6 million tonnes in 2006.
The report notes that returns to date from the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, covering over 100 of Ireland's largest emitters (responsible for a third of national GHG total), show a reduction in the first three years - even though the EU total actually increased.
However, even with additional measures to reduce overall emissions, the EPA says the agriculture, energy and transport sectors are projected to be the major sources of national GHG emissions in 2020, with their contributions rising to 29, 27 and 22 per cent respectively.
"It is essential that Ireland reduces its dependence on fossil fuels while ensuring that very significant increases are achieved in the use of alternative energy sources (wind, ocean, biomass and others). Considerable improvements in energy efficiency will also be required." The report says the role of research "will be crucial, particularly with regard to examining all possible options to reduce GHG emissions from our current dependence on an agriculture sector which is extensively animal- based, but also in identifying new technology options."
Action will be needed nationally to prepare for "adverse impacts such as flooding, water management, sea-level rise and coastal erosion", along with efforts to "protect native species and manage changes in vulnerable natural and managed ecosystems".
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Showing posts with label kyoto protocol commitment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kyoto protocol commitment. Show all posts
Thursday, 9 October 2008
Wednesday, 16 January 2008
Ireland set to fail in greenhouse emissions obligations
IRELAND is on course to renege on its greenhouse gas obligations under the Kyoto Protocol, according to emissions figures released yesterday.
While our greenhouse gas emissions fell by 0.8% in 2006, we are still producing almost seven million tonnes more than our Kyoto Treaty limit.
Data released yesterday by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed that greenhouse gas emissions were 570,000 tonnes lower in 2006 than 2005, with decreases in the amount of gas released by agriculture and energy generation.
However, our total emissions of 69.77 million tonnes are now 25.5% above 1990 levels. Under the Kyoto Protocol, Ireland is only allowed a 13% increase.
EPA director-general Dr Mary Kelly said yesterday: “While the figures are encouraging, and the reduction of 0.8% is most welcome, the remaining distance to our Kyoto target is substantial and shows that we continue to face a major challenge. Reducing emissions in a growing economy will require a major effort on all our parts.”
Transport emissions were up by 5.2% in 2006, an increase of almost 680,000 tonnes. This trend was described as “particularly worrying” by Dr Kelly.
Transport emissions are now 165% higher than in 1990 and make up almost 20% of our greenhouse gas output. Road transport accounts for 97% of this figure, reflecting a trend towards purchasing larger vehicles, an increased reliance on private cars and more road freight transport.
Emissions from power generation were down by 4.6% in 2006, but this was partly because of a plant shut-down at Moneypoint in Co Clare while improvements were under way.
Commenting on whether Ireland can reach its Kyoto target by 2012, Dr Kelly said that the target will be met by “a combination of domestic actions with some purchase of carbon credits” as allowed under the Kyoto protocol.
“Today’s figures show that the Government’s target of 3% annual reductions in emissions over the next five years will be extremely challenging and further emphasises that actions to reduce domestic emissions must be intensified and strengthened,” she said.
“Greenhouse gases emitted now will remain in the atmosphere for many decades and affect the climate for centuries to come. Policy makers must use the detailed breakdown of figures in each sector, provided today, to focus on all areas where reductions are possible and need to be achieved.”
In the post-Kyoto period to 2020, reductions of 20%-30% on 1990 emissions are being proposed to avoid “irreversible and damaging climate change”.
Europe is attempting to limit the inevitable global temperature increase to 2C above pre-industrial times.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
While our greenhouse gas emissions fell by 0.8% in 2006, we are still producing almost seven million tonnes more than our Kyoto Treaty limit.
Data released yesterday by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed that greenhouse gas emissions were 570,000 tonnes lower in 2006 than 2005, with decreases in the amount of gas released by agriculture and energy generation.
However, our total emissions of 69.77 million tonnes are now 25.5% above 1990 levels. Under the Kyoto Protocol, Ireland is only allowed a 13% increase.
EPA director-general Dr Mary Kelly said yesterday: “While the figures are encouraging, and the reduction of 0.8% is most welcome, the remaining distance to our Kyoto target is substantial and shows that we continue to face a major challenge. Reducing emissions in a growing economy will require a major effort on all our parts.”
Transport emissions were up by 5.2% in 2006, an increase of almost 680,000 tonnes. This trend was described as “particularly worrying” by Dr Kelly.
Transport emissions are now 165% higher than in 1990 and make up almost 20% of our greenhouse gas output. Road transport accounts for 97% of this figure, reflecting a trend towards purchasing larger vehicles, an increased reliance on private cars and more road freight transport.
Emissions from power generation were down by 4.6% in 2006, but this was partly because of a plant shut-down at Moneypoint in Co Clare while improvements were under way.
Commenting on whether Ireland can reach its Kyoto target by 2012, Dr Kelly said that the target will be met by “a combination of domestic actions with some purchase of carbon credits” as allowed under the Kyoto protocol.
“Today’s figures show that the Government’s target of 3% annual reductions in emissions over the next five years will be extremely challenging and further emphasises that actions to reduce domestic emissions must be intensified and strengthened,” she said.
“Greenhouse gases emitted now will remain in the atmosphere for many decades and affect the climate for centuries to come. Policy makers must use the detailed breakdown of figures in each sector, provided today, to focus on all areas where reductions are possible and need to be achieved.”
In the post-Kyoto period to 2020, reductions of 20%-30% on 1990 emissions are being proposed to avoid “irreversible and damaging climate change”.
Europe is attempting to limit the inevitable global temperature increase to 2C above pre-industrial times.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Sunday, 15 July 2007
EU gives final decision on Ireland's National Allocation Plan
The European Commission has announced a final decision on Ireland's National Allocation Plan for the Kyoto Protocol commitment period 2008-2012.
The Plan, which was prepared by the Environmental Protection Agency, provides the framework for participation by over 100 Irish installations in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. Under the Plan, each installation in the Scheme will have its carbon dioxide emissions capped for the five-year period.
In accordance with the Commission decision, the annual emissions for the trading sector are to be capped at 22.3 million tonnes - which is slightly lower than the 22.6 million tonnes originally proposed by Ireland.
"The Commission has now decided the share of national emission reductions that larger industries have to bear. The Government's priority, now, is to ensure that the necessary reductions are also made across the entire economy in all sectors - especially transport" - Minister Gormley said.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to reduce national greenhouse gas emissions by 3% per year, on average, through a range of measures including the introduction of a carbon tax and the establishment of a high-level Commission to oversee progress on Ireland's transition to a low-carbon society.
In progressing that transition, the commitment on implementation of all aspects of Transport 21 - so that the use of public transport becomes a real option for more and more people - is an absolute priority.
The Plan, which was prepared by the Environmental Protection Agency, provides the framework for participation by over 100 Irish installations in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. Under the Plan, each installation in the Scheme will have its carbon dioxide emissions capped for the five-year period.
In accordance with the Commission decision, the annual emissions for the trading sector are to be capped at 22.3 million tonnes - which is slightly lower than the 22.6 million tonnes originally proposed by Ireland.
"The Commission has now decided the share of national emission reductions that larger industries have to bear. The Government's priority, now, is to ensure that the necessary reductions are also made across the entire economy in all sectors - especially transport" - Minister Gormley said.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to reduce national greenhouse gas emissions by 3% per year, on average, through a range of measures including the introduction of a carbon tax and the establishment of a high-level Commission to oversee progress on Ireland's transition to a low-carbon society.
In progressing that transition, the commitment on implementation of all aspects of Transport 21 - so that the use of public transport becomes a real option for more and more people - is an absolute priority.
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