Ireland: Reductions in national herd drove down GHG emissions

A new report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests that agriculture recorded one of the “largest sectoral decreases in emissions” by the the end of quarter two, 2024 compared with emissions at the end of quarter two, 2023. The latest Quarterly Greenhouse Gas Emissions Indicator Report from the EPA shows overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in quarter two 2024 were down by 4.1% on the same quarter last year. The agency’s research suggests that “the largest sectoral decreases” in emissions were recorded in electricity – down 19.1% and agriculture, which was down 4.6% According to the EPA there were a number of factors behind the reduction in GHG emissions from the agriculture sector. In its latest report it stated that the fall in emissions specifically in quarter two 2024 compared to quarter two 2023 was “driven by reductions in the national herd” – down 1.9% – milk production – down 4.4% – and inorganic nitrogen fertiliser and limestone sales – down 13.6% ...