DUBLIN (Reuters) – The Irish government on Thursday set out climate targets for key sectors of the economy, ordering cuts of greenhouse gas emissions of at least 62% in the energy sector and at least 42% in transport by 2030.
The targets are designed to meet a government commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 and to achieve ‘net-zero’ carbon emissions by 2050.
Under the climate budget, the agriculture sector must cut its emissions by between 22-30% from 2018 levels. Housing must cut its greenhouse gas output by 44-56% while other industrial sectors must cut theirs by 29-41%.
The energy sector has been given a range of 62-81% while transport’s range is 42-50%.
The ranges will be replaced by specific targets next year, and government ministers will have to answer to a parliamentary committee every year on progress in reaching the goals.
(Reporting by Conor Humphries; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
