effects identified to the proposed mitigation measures, monitoring programme and, where relevant, Strategy policies/measures.
State of the Environment Report Our State of Environment Report, Ireland’s Environment - An Integrated Assessment 2020 (SOER2020) identifies thirteen Key Mes sages for Ireland. Delivering Ireland’s long - term sustainable development and environmental protection goals will require a concerted effort by government departments to address these key actions. The report recognises the need for full implementation of existing environmental legislation and review of governance/coordination on environmental protection across public bodies. Chapter 12 of the SOER2020 relates to energy and describes that almost 90% of our total energy use is provided by combustion of, mostly imported, fossil fuels, which is unsustainable and we need to begin fast tracking measures within the Climate Action Plan and other necessary solutions. This will involve strategic planning to transform this situation by 2050. Transitioning to using clean energy is essential for the protection of human health, our climate and the wider environment and will help support sustainable development of our society and economy. Chapter 2 of the SOER2020 relates to Climate and highlights the clear need for systemic change in Ireland to ensure the country will become the climate neutral and climate resilient society it aspires to be. The report states that more urgency is needed to deliver actions on climate mitigation and adaptation and to ensure that Ireland meets its international obligations to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. While Ireland’s GHG emissions, with full implementation of the Climate Action Plan, are projected to decrease by an annual average reduction of 3% between 2021 and 2030, further measures are required to meet national and EU ambitions to keep the global temperature increase to 1.5°C (EPA, 2020). These measures will contribute to Ireland achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Chapter 11 of the SOE report relates to Environment and Transport. The transport sector has a significant impact on the environment, including being responsible for 20 per cent of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions. A sustainable mobility transformation is required, with the next decade crucial, whereby necessary journeys are made by sustainable modes such as walking, cycling and public transport, followed by using electric vehicles where unavoidable. For this transformation to happen the measures relating to transport in the National Climate Action Plan, and other necessary measures, must be fast tracked. Long-term, integrated spatial and transport planning can achieve compact development and move trips to other modes of transport, including cycling and should be supported in the Plan. Shifting to these modes is an essential part of a sustainable and climate-neutral transition for the transport sector. The SOER2020 messages are also linked to a number of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Climate Action, Life on Land, Life below Water and affordable and clean energy. Addressing and implementing these actions will be important in delivering environmental protection and promoting sustainable
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