UCC experts answer your climate questions

By Senior Lecturer Paul Deane

Ireland’s plans for reducing greenhouse gas pollution and increasing renewable energy are set out in the Climate Action Plan.

Here the Government have plans to increase the amount of clean electricity generated by renewables such as solar, onshore, and offshore wind to meet approximately 80% of our electricity needs in 2030.

Today renewable electricity meets approximately 40% of our electricity needs across the year.

By Paul Deane

Hydrogen is best used as a solution to problems electricity can’t solve.

Electricity is a more efficient and cost-effective form of clean transport, except for very heavy transport like big trucks or heavy machinery.

By Researcher Dr Róisín Moriarty

Farming and food systems will move from the sidelines to the main agenda at COP28.

Food systems are an important area for discussion as they;

1) contribute to climate change

2) are vulnerable to climate change impacts but also as they;

3) offer potential solutions to the climate crisis.

Alongside strong, rapid and sustained reductions of carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels, deep reductions of methane from agriculture and land-use change, will be necessary to stay within 1.5°C.

During COP28 the Food and Agriculture Organisation will outline the transformation of farming and food systems that is needed to ensure that they become resilient, sustainable and equitable.

The benefits of a shift towards healthy, sustainable diets for people and climate action and the links between energy, climate, water and food systems will also be highlighted.

By Paul Deane

About 4,500 turbines in total with a mix of onshore and offshore. Here is a report that is easy to read on this.

By Dr Róisín Moriarty

There are futures where people can live healthier and safer lives within the limits of nature.

Things that are required to achieve these potential futures include strong, rapid and sustained reductions in human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and urgent and ambitious adaptation actions.

Action is needed and action this decade is key.

Individuals acting alone can lead by example and make change happen, but it is the transformation of the energy, transport and food systems, for example, that can enable people to live low-carbon lifestyles.

Fundamental changes across the economy, society and environment will be necessary.

Such change can be brought around by collective action and social movements that signal to policymakers that people want urgent and strong action on climate change.

Working together to ensure ambitious climate action this decade is a key element of achieving a better future for all.

By Researcher Fiona Devoy McAuliffe

Ireland has just completed its first auction to support the development of around 3GW of offshore wind projects in the Irish Sea and one in the Atlantic Ocean.

These projects will now apply for planning and are expected to be built by 2030.

The next auction will focus on providing 900MW of projects on the south coast in the Celtic Sea and then further projects on the east coast to meet Ireland’s targets of 5GW (and an additional 2GW of offshore wind for the development of green hydrogen) by 2030.

By Chris Phillips

Since 2015, Ireland has made significant strides in responding to climate change.

The Government enacted the National Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015.

This legislation, supplemented the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021, setting ambitious targets for achieving a competitive, low-carbon, climate-resilient economy by 2050.

The Climate Change Advisory Council was established to provide guidance on the transition to a sustainable economy.

The National Adaptation Framework was established in 2018 and underwent review in 2022, with a draft expected soon.

Concurrently, the Climate Action Plan 2023 details a roadmap for achieving a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, aligning with the commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.

While local authorities are updating climate strategies and developing Climate Action Roadmaps to ensure alignment with national climate goals.

These comprehensive measures contribute expertise, evidence, analysis and investment needed to guide and drive climate action across Ireland.

By Paul Leahy, UCC H-Wind Project

Hydrogen engines are at an early stage of development.

Hydrogen fuel cells are more likely to be used in vehicles – they directly convert hydrogen into electricity.

These could be used for heavy vehicles or over long distances where batteries don’t have enough storage capacity.

By Chris Phillips

Local authorities in Ireland are taking decisive steps toward climate action by establishing dedicated climate action teams.

Aligned with both national climate action plans and local authority-specific strategies, these teams are set to implement targeted actions.

Ireland has also joined the Beyond Oil & Gas Alliance, signalling an end to new exploration activities for oil and gas, in line with global efforts to transition away from fossil fuels.

Local authorities have proactively drafted climate action plans, outlining commitments and roadmaps aimed at achieving a substantial 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

These plans are crucial in meeting the overarching national goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Additionally, significant sectoral efforts are underway to align with and contribute to Ireland’s ambitious climate targets.

The introduction of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) will further enhance carbon reporting requirements for qualifying companies, ensuring greater transparency and accountability in sustainability efforts.

By Fiona Devoy McAuliffe

For offshore wind there has been a lot of uncertainty and a lack of clarity in the planning and development process.

These are being streamlined to improve and speed up deployment.