RPO 94
Decarbonisation in the Agricultural Sector
It is an objective to support initiatives that advance an approach to achieve carbon neutrality for agriculture and land-use that does not compromise sustainable food production through: i. Programmes including the Green Low- Carbon Agri-environment Scheme (GLAS) and the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) under Ireland’s Rural Development Programme 2014-20 and future iterations; ii. Support for the Departments of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Communications Climate Action and Environment to enhance the competitiveness of the agriculture sector with an urgent need for mitigation to reduce GHGs as well as adaptation measures. The All-of-Government Climate Action Plan and Ag-Climatise will guide action in this area.
Resource Efficiency A determined focus on resource efficiency means using the Earth's limited resources in a sustainable manner while minimising impacts on the environment. In the following part of Section 1 the strategy for renewable energy , energy efficiency and the circular economy is outlined. Section 2 follows on to address resource efficiency in ecosystem services and water resources . The 2030 EU Climate and Energy Framework sets specific targets for the year 2030 of at least 40% reduction in GHG emissions with at least 32% of all energy generated from renewable energy sources (Climate Action Plan Target for Ireland 70% by 2030) and at least 32.5% improvement in energy efficiency. The Climate Action Plan 2019 and other Government policy including the National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP) , the Offshore Renewable Energy Plan and the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) have adopted the EU targets and set out a detailed approach within each area of energy generation and use. There is significant potential for action to ensure we meet these targets through development of wind, wave and tidal, solar, hydro, bio-energy, combined heat and power systems. Support for further initiatives will be advanced by the Regional Renewable Energy Strategy and the ongoing work of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment to address access to the Grid system.
Decarbonising Agriculture requires a focus onmeasures to develop low carbon farming and land management with the support of schemes such as GLAS (Green Low Carbon Agri Environmental Scheme). Decarbonising Waste The circular economy and waste minimisation is the focus of the Waste Management Strategy for The Southern Region, 2015 - 2021, which seeks to promote waste prevention and reduce dependency on landfill in line with EU and national policy. Decarbonising waste will also require a change in mind-set, including corporate social responsibility in the use of resources, design, and packaging.
Southern Regional Assembly | RSES
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