Government seeks public views on how best to decarbonise by 2050

(Irish Times, 26 Nov 2019) The Government is seeking the public views on how best to decarbonise Ireland beyond 2030 that are in line with its commitment to have net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The process asks key questions on how best to transform the economy, and retrofit almost all buildings in the country to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) and to make them energy efficient within three decades.

It also seeks views on new technologies, including how carbon might be captured, preventing its release into the atmosphere.

The strategies deployed have to be in line with the critical requirement in the Paris Agreement that global temperature rise be kept to less than 2 degrees, and preferably 1.5 degrees by mid century.

The consultation process is required under Ireland’s National Energy and Climate Panel, a final version of which must be submitted to the European Commission by January 1st and must set out pathways to reduce CO2 from all key sectors of the economy in coming decades.

The Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment has sought views on “decarbonisation pathways beyond 2030” in energy, buildings, transport, enterprise, waste, agriculture and land use.

It has also sought views on socio-economic factors that will influence public attitudes and behaviours — and wishes to evaluate likel

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Irish Times, 26 Nov 2019: Government seeks public views on how best to decarbonise by 2050