Carbon Emissions Ireland

Ireland’s carbon emissions landscape is poised for significant transformation in the coming years. As of 2023, the country’s greenhouse gas emissions stand at approximately 57 million tonnes CO2 equivalent annually, placing Ireland among the higher per capita emitters in the European Union. However, future projections paint a more optimistic picture, with Ireland aiming to reduce emissions by 51% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. This ambitious target aligns with the EU’s broader climate goals and positions Ireland as a potential leader in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

The path to achieving these emission reductions will require concerted efforts across multiple sectors of the Irish economy. Agriculture, currently responsible for over 37% of Ireland’s emissions, faces the challenge of balancing food production with sustainability. The transportation sector, accounting for about 20% of emissions, is set for a revolution with the government’s plan to have 945,000 electric vehicles on the roads by 2030. In the industrial sector, which contributes around 15% of emissions, innovative technologies and renewable energy initiatives are expected to play a crucial role. Ireland’s commitment to increasing its renewable energy capacity, particularly in offshore wind, is projected to not only reduce emissions but also position the country as a net exporter of clean energy to its EU neighbors, potentially transforming Ireland’s economic and environmental landscape in the decades to come.