The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has today published its provisional greenhouse gas emissions for Ireland for 2021. The figures show an increase in emissions of 4.7 per cent in 2021 compared to 2020 – when Covid restrictions had led to a significant lowering of emissions.
- Emissions from the Energy Industries sector increased by 17.6 per cent in 2021, driven by a tripling of coal and oil use in electricity generation.
- Agriculture emissions increased by 3.0 per cent in 2021, driven by increased fertiliser use (up 5.2 per cent) and a 2.8 per cent increase in the number of dairy cows.
- Residential greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 4.9 per cent in 2021, driven by a combination of less time in the home, a milder winter and increased fuel prices.
- Transport emissions increased by 6.1 per cent as COVID-19 restrictions lifted, however emissions were 10.5 per cent below the pre-COVID 2019 level.
Further Information here.
