The first Progress Report on the Climate Action Plan 2021 has been published by Government, detailing progress made on 423 climate action measures due for delivery in Q4 2021 and Q1 2022.
It highlights climate action progress achieved in both quarters, while also emphasising the need to address barriers to implementation.
A completion rate of 73% is reported overall, comprising of a delivery rate of 84% on 232 Q4 2021 measures and 59% on 191 Q1 2022 measures. A number of the measures delivered have significant potential for emissions reduction or for increasing Ireland’s resilience to climate change.
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act, signed in July 2021, established a legally binding framework with clear emissions reduction targets.
This includes a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030 (compared to 2018 levels) and to pursue and achieve no later than 2050, the transition to a climate resilient, biodiversity-rich, environmentally-sustainable and climate-neutral economy.
The Act aims to ensure the necessary structures and processes are embedded on a statutory basis to achieve Ireland’s national, EU and international climate goals and obligations. The development of annual Climate Action Plans, and reporting on their progress, represents essential architecture for delivery and transparency.
You can view the Progress Report on the Climate Action Plan 2021 here.