illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Irish Times or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The Irish government has adopted new measures to address a 26-million-tonne CO2 emissions gap to meet its 2026-2030 climate targets, avoiding potential fines of €3-8 billion
• These measures include expanding rail freight, deploying heat pumps, developing green hydrogen, and increasing grid investments

🔭 The context: The measures are part of the 2024 climate action plan, responding to public consultation since January
• Despite the plan, Ireland's emissions fell only 2% between 2021 and 2022. Additional taskforces and strategies are expected to close the emissions gap further

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Achieving these targets is crucial for Ireland to contribute to global climate goals, reduce environmental impacts, and prevent severe climate tipping points that pose regional and global risks

⏭️ What's next: Updated emissions projections from the EPA are forthcoming, along with Ireland's revised national climate plan
• These updates will inform further actions needed to achieve a 51% emissions reduction by 2030

💬 One quote: "This is the decade of climate action; the choice to remain as we are is not available," said Minister for Climate Eamon Ryan

📈 One stat: The projected compliance costs for failing to meet 2030 targets range between €3 billion and €8 billion

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