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I’m watching @greenparty_ie debates raging on the #PfG with many arguing against because the deal lacks ambition and concrete decarbonisation measures. My thoughts:
The plan sets an ambition to *half* GHG emissions by 2030 - half! No country (as far as I know) has either achieved that or has concrete plans to achieve that level of decarbonisation.
The plan would set a legislated net-zero emissions limit for 2050 - not just a target or plan. This would make Ireland one of the handful of countries to do so. It sets out a concrete governance structure to ensure the delivery of this, similar to UK, NZ, DK.
The additional CO2 tax (going from FG plan of €80 to €100/tonne in 2030) includes progressive redistribution and strong focus on energy poverty, with energy poor HHs benefitting from retrofitting first.
As for ambiguity in the measures set forth to achieve emissions reduction, my opinion is mixed. For passenger transport, the reallocation of budget to active and public transport modes will be transformative. More measures for freight transport will be necessary.
There is more ambition on renewable electricity, but the Climate Action Plan already goes very far on electricity decarbonisation.
Renewable heat in all sectors will need to be examined further, and the potential for CCUS, to reach the 2030 target.
Renewable heat in all sectors will need to be examined further, and the potential for CCUS, to reach the 2030 target.
Securing an agreement of reducing emissions from biogenic methane is very significant and is necessary to reverse Ireland impact on warming. I believe (like NZ and CCAC) that CO2 and CH4 should be treated separately, though.
In summary: the deal very certainly doesn’t lack ambition. It may not set out all the concrete steps to decarbonisation but rigorous analysis and engagement is needed to do this; flexibility is also necessary. Most importantly, the governance mechanisms are in place.
Some links on analysis by @MaREIcentre colleagues and I on what the 7% annual GHG reduction would take (for energy): https://www.marei.ie/7-percent/
How to achieve more mitigation from the power sector:
https://www.marei.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Policy-Brief-Increasing-the-ambition-on-the-70-RES-E-target-June-2020.pdf
https://www.marei.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Policy-Brief-Increasing-the-ambition-on-the-70-RES-E-target-June-2020.pdf
