The climate action elements in the programme for government are unprecedented in ambition. If implemented vigorously and backed by transparency on how each sector is performing, it will transform the economy and society for the good. The commitment to an average 7 per cent a year emissions reduction from 2021 to 2030 ranks us among leading EU states and matches the European Green Deal. Yet there are also worrying aspects: insufficient costings, lack of targets and policy elements which are aspirational. Fears agriculture would be exempted are allayed by reference to every sector contributing to meeting the overall target.

Source: The Irish Times June 19, 2020 00:01 UTC