NI is on track to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2032

Northern Ireland is on track to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with a new report predicting a 33% decline by 2032.

This change is primarily due to the move away from coal in the energy sector.

However, this falls well short of the “at least 48%” reduction required under the Climate Change Act 2022.

The data is based on the latest Northern Ireland Greenhouse Gas Inventory data (1990-2021).

Emissions in 2021 were 22 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e), a 23% reduction compared to the 29 MtCO2e emitted in 1990, the base year.

Switching from coal to gas and renewable energy

A report published by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) predicts that emissions will fall further to 20 MtCO2e by 2032.

This represents a 13% reduction on current levels as Northern Ireland continues its efforts towards a more sustainable future.

A key factor in the decline is the shift from coal to gas and renewable energy in the energy supply sector.

Energy-related emissions are expected to be reduced by 49% by 2032, contributing significantly to overall reductions.

However, not all sectors are seeing such progress.

Emissions from agriculture, Northern Ireland’s largest sector, are expected to fall by just 1%, leaving agriculture responsible for an even larger share of total emissions.

Meanwhile, transport emissions are expected to fall by just 7% despite the increase in electric vehicles and the use of biofuels.

The report also highlighted the Northern Ireland Climate Change Act, which commits the region to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

Interim targets have been set, including reducing emissions by 48% by 2030, although experts warn that additional policies will be needed to achieve these targets.

On Friday, Northern Ireland’s first Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) was approved by the Northern Ireland Authority.

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