July 4, 2025 View all news EPA provisional greenhouse gas emissions for 2024 show a reduction of only 2% (down from a reduction of 6.8% the previous year) and note climate obligations are now at risk despite emission reductions in most sectors.Friends of the Earth has described the latest EPA emissions data [1], showing only a 2% reduction in 2024, as “a loss of momentum when we can least afford it.”The EPA figures show climate policies are having an impact but overall Government action is falling far short of what is needed to put Ireland on track to meet its legally binding climate obligations. The figures are a clear step down from the 6.8% reduction reported by EPA last year. The figures, released today, show that, despite positive steps in certain sectors, progress is slowing and actions are nowhere near sufficient to ensure compliance with national and EU climate commitments. The EPA note that, if Ireland is to meet its first carbon budget, a further 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is needed in 2025. Seán McLoughlin, Climate Policy Campaigner in Friends of the Earth, said:“This data is a flashing red warning light. A 2% reduction, when we need to be making deep emissions cuts year-on-year, shows that Government is still stuck in climate go-slow mode. It’s a loss of momentum at the worst possible time. We are falling further and further behind on our climate commitments, while the world continues to warm at terrifying speed.”“People are already feeling the effects, from the extraordinary heatwave ravaging Europe as we speak, to the devastating floods in Midleton and the damage caused by the climate-supercharged Storm Éowyn. The onus is now on the Government to take actions that not only cut polluting emissions but also improve people’s everyday lives: insulating homes in vulnerable communities, rejecting energy-hungry data centres and rejecting fossil fuel infrastructure like LNG. These steps would mean cleaner air, warmer homes, and a better quality of life for everyone.”Jerry Mac Evilly, Campaigns Director in Friends of the Earth said:“ The climate crisis doesn’t wait and Ireland must do its fair share to reduce its polluting emissions. By dragging its feet, Government risks billions in EU fines rather than investing in solutions that will benefit people today and for generations to come.[2] ” “The Programme for Government is clear that this Government is committed to meeting its climate obligations and breaking Ireland’s dependency on fossil fuels. We now need leadership that doesn’t buckle under pressure from vested interests, but instead delivers the fair and fast climate action that the vast majority of people in this country support.”“It’s time for courage, not complacency. We must match our words with action. With so much at stake, Ireland cannot afford another year of delay. A better future is possible, but only if we stand up and demand it now.” ENDSNOTESThe latest EPA Emission data is available to download and read here: https://www.epa.ie/publications/monitoring--assessment/climate-change/air-emissions/irelands-provisional-greenhouse-gas-emissions-1990-2024.php It notes:• Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 2 per cent (-1.1 Mt CO2eq) in 2024.• All sectors, except heating of homes and buildings, saw reductions in 2024:o Energy industries emissions decreased by 8.9 per cent (-0.7 Mt CO2eq)o Agriculture emissions decreased by 1.7 per cent (-0.4 Mt CO2eq)o Transport emissions decreased by 1.2 per cent (-0.1 Mt CO2eq)o Industry emissions decreased by 4.6 per cent (-0.3 Mt CO2eq)o Heating of homes and buildings increased by 5.6 per cent (+0.4 Mt CO2eq)• Despite the overall reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, compliance with national commitments and EU targets will be extremely challenging:o Ireland’s national target is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51 per cent in 2030 compared to 2018 levels. In 2024, greenhouse gas emissions were 12 per cent below 2018 levels.o Ireland’s EU target is a 42% reduction in emissions from key sectors including agriculture, transport, and buildings by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. In 2024, greenhouse gas emissions were 11 per cent below 2005 levels. The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council and the Climate Change Advisory Council have warned Government that Ireland faces penalties of up to €26 billion if it fails to reduce pollution in line with limits agreed with EU partners. See https://www.friendsoftheearth.ie/news/invest-at-home-or-waste-money-overseas-advisory-bodies-tell/