The Kyoto protocol imposes very challenging targets on Ireland. Based on current “business as usual” forecasts, emissions will grow in excess of 25% between 1990 and 2010 (the bandwidth commitment period is 2008–2012) compared to the 13% limit allocated to us within the EU. This limit has already been reached in 2000 which provides a measure of the task involved.
Ireland’s allotted limit is just over 60MT of CO₂ equivalent within the EU basket, as a result of which we need to reduce our emissions by over 13 MT. The National Climate Change Strategy has adopted a slightly more stringent working target of some 15MT in the interests of prudence.
Ireland’s exceptionally rapid growth in recent times has contributed a corresponding increase in energy consumption and associated CO₂ emissions. If future growth is to be successfully managed it will be vital to develop policies and measures that have a sound economic footing and effectively meet our international obligations to reduce greenhouse gas production. All OECD/IEA countries are grappling with this challenge.
Early action is essential. By 2005 Ireland, like all developed countries, must have made “demonstrable progress” in achieving its commitments under Kyoto. The protocol represents but one step towards combating climate change. The real challenge facing Ireland is that of positioning the economy to deal with the tougher targets which will be agreed for the post Kyoto period.