Paris Agreement and Ireland: Why Is It Still Important?

What Is the Paris Agreement?

The Paris Agreement was finalised on December 12, 2015, during the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. A total of 194 parties have since committed to measures aimed at halting global warming and reducing climate change effects.

This agreement succeeded the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, which set emission targets but failed to reverse rising greenhouse emissions. The key distinction is that the Paris Agreement is legally binding for all signatories, requiring each nation to plan and report on climate action efforts.

What Are the Aims of the Paris Agreement?

1. Temperature Control: Hold global temperature increases below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, preferably limiting it to 1.5 degrees
2. Climate Adaptability: Increase resilience to climate impacts while promoting low-emission development that protects food security
3. Financial Direction: Direct funding toward emissions reduction and climate-friendly economic development

Did Ireland Sign the Paris Agreement?

Yes, Ireland is among the 194 Parties to the agreement. As an EU member state, Ireland committed to these binding targets:

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 51% by 2030 (compared to a 2018 baseline), under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021
• Reduce emissions by at least 20% by 2020 (compared to 2005 levels)
• Ensure 16% of energy across all sectors derives from renewable sources by 2020
• Achieve 10% renewable energy in transportation by 2020

Is Ireland Meeting Its Targets?

Ireland's climate action record has been problematic. In 2018, Ireland ranked the worst out of all EU countries for climate action efforts. Despite its small size, Ireland produces some of the highest greenhouse emissions per person globally.

2020 Target Failure

Ireland missed both renewable energy and emissions reduction targets:

• Achieved only 13.5% renewable energy instead of 16%
• Reduced emissions by 18% rather than the required 20%

Ireland faced a fine of approximately €455 million for failing 2020 obligations. The government planned to purchase €150 million in carbon offsetting allowances to partially offset this penalty.

Contributing Factors

• Fossil Fuel Dependence: The government continues permitting fossil fuel boiler installation in new buildings
• Agricultural Emissions: The farming sector accounts for around 38% of Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions

How Can Ireland Meet the 2030 Targets?

Ireland's Climate Action Plan, first published in 2021 and updated annually since, establishes sector-specific objectives for 2030:

Energy Sector Goals

• Supply 80% of electricity demand through solar and wind energy
• Develop renewable heating solutions for homes and businesses
• Phase out fossil fuels from energy production

Transportation Targets

• Deploy 945,000 electric vehicles and low-emission vehicles (revised down from an earlier 1 million target)
• Operate 1,500 electric buses
• Expand public transportation accessibility and efficiency
• Promote car-sharing initiatives

Agricultural Adjustments

• Expand organic farming by 350,000 hectares
• Reduce chemical fertiliser usage to 300,000 tonnes (already achieved: usage fell to 280,569 tonnes in 2023)
• Implement improved cattle breeding strategies
• Reduce food waste by 50%

Public Sector Leadership

Reduce public sector gas emissions by 51%.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Paris Agreement and Ireland