Coalition forced to adopt new measures to close emissions gap and avoid fine costing billions

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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