Ireland has finally applied limits on its carbon pollution. Getting a deal on agriculture was problematic for obvious reasons; we are a major food exporter and farming is at the heart of rural life. It is an important milestone, though deeper analysis indicates it falls short of the 51 per cent emissions cut by 2030 in the Climate Act endorsed by the Oireachtas. Delay in nailing down targets will heap pressure on every sector to decarbonise in a narrower timeframe. Compounding matters is an energy cost crisis linked to the Ukraine war, as Ireland continues to import fossil fuels at a cost of €1 million an hour. Ensuring security of energy supply through development of renewable resources, demand reduction and energy efficiency is now of paramount importance.
The Climate Change Advisory Council has outlined the gaps and called for an ending of reliance on fossil fuels. Targets are at the higher end of its recommendations, the notable exception being agriculture and land use. It adds up to a 43 per cent cut on 2018 emissions, yet land use is not included yet – it is a source of greenhouse gases when it should be a massive carbon store.
Targets will need to be revised upwards and monitored closely in light of experience, the council has underlined. The 2023 climate action plan will need to set out the precise steps required. Ag Climatise, the main strategy for reducing agricultural emissions, must be strengthened in line with the new 25 per cent target agreed by Coalition leaders. This should include “a clear roadmap and supports for family farms... recognising the role they will play in the generation of renewable energy for Ireland”.
The challenge is made more difficult because the world has a methane problem due to its insidious warming properties. Ireland can no longer afford to emit almost 40 per cent of its emissions from farming, most of which is methane, and expect to sell premium beef and dairy products internationally. This cannot be sugar-coated by the leaders of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael in trying to assuage anxiety among rural backbenchers.
Farm leaders insist they face an impossible task, but the agrifood sector can continue to be innovative, provided it acknowledges transformational change is required and the ending of business-as-usual. The Government has recognised a substantial and sustained funding package for farmers is essential within that dynamic. This reflects a great deal of pragmatism and is not “a sell-out of our family farm model”.
The world is decarbonising at pace. The UK has cut emissions by 45 per cent since 1990, the EU by 25 per cent. Ireland still has the same level of emissions. As a consequence we are now at the phase of difficult choices, and that includes all sectors – not just agriculture. Relentless focus on delivery will do much to ease the pain of necessary transition.