Failing climate goals may cost more than €8bn

The latest report from the Climate Change Advisory Council highlights the need for urgent action to meet Ireland’s 2030 climate targets. Despite some progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the rate of change is not sufficient to meet national and EU obligations.

The Council emphasizes the potential cost of failing to meet these targets, estimated at over €8 billion, and calls for a shift away from fossil fuels towards cleaner energy sources. It recommends increased support for electric vehicles, heat pumps, and home insulation to incentivize this transition.

Furthermore, the Council urges the government to eliminate subsidies for fossil fuels, such as tax differentials on petrol and diesel, to accelerate the shift to renewable energy. It also stresses the importance of implementing the National Planning Framework and Land Use Review to support sustainable development and reduce emissions.

In the words of Council Chair Marie Donnelly, the time is now to invest in a greener future to avoid costly fines in the years to come. Let’s work together to create a climate-resilient, environmentally sustainable economy for future generations.