Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, today said the European Commission’s proposed new 2030 Member State greenhouse gas reduction targets appear more balanced than the 2020 targets and take some account for Ireland’s unique emissions profile. The group welcomed new flexibility measures and the proposed integration of the land use sector into the EU 2030 Climate and Energy Framework.
Ibec’s Senior Energy Policy Executive Conor Minogue said: “In 2014 the EU agreed to collectively reduce greenhouse gases by 40% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Today’s proposal is clearly the product of months of negotiation between Member States on how this target could be shared in a way that is fair, cost-effective and achievable for all involved.
“While the headline figure of a 30% reduction by 2030 on 2005 levels will be a challenge and is higher than expected, Ireland will have access to new flexibility measures that have the potential to reduce the financial burden of reaching the targets. The proposal to allow some Member States including Ireland to use carbon sequestration through land use change to help meet the 2030 targets is welcome. This presents a great opportunity for Ireland and should further incentivise sustainable farming, afforestation and good land use practices throughout the country.”