The Irish Government has “scraped” a B- grade for its climate commitments, according to Friends of the Earth. 

The annual ‘report card’ said the Government succeeded in fulfilling its own promises to address climate change – but these promises were not enough. 

“The commitments in their Programme for Government were not enough to achieve a truly sustainable society or meet our national and international climate targets,” the report said. 

“While we are relieved that Ireland has turned a corner away from our ‘climate laggard’ origins, this is just the start of a long and important journey for Irish society.” 

The B- grade is an improvement from last year when the country scored a C+. 

Climate change report

The report scored Ireland out of 10 in nine categories, including 8.5/10 for ‘Waste and Circular Economy’ - up from 7.5 last year. 

The Government scored highly in ‘Nature and Biodiversity’ with 7.5/10, a one-point increase. 

Ireland’s lowest score was 5/10 for ‘Agriculture and Forestry’ - up from four last year. 

The report identified six areas where the Government could improve in the future, including phasing out fossil fuel and sustainable agricultural policies. 

'Long way to go'

Report panel chair Dr Cara Augustenborg said it is a “relief” the Government has “taken its own promises seriously”. 

“We are turning a corner toward a more sustainable Ireland but still have a long way to go to address worrying trends in environmental health,” she said. 

“I hope this process shows the next Government that we are always watching, and civil society will continue to demand more ambition and faster implementation of environmental commitments.” 

The report also recommended the Government publish a National Planning Framework with regional energy targets.

It also urged politicians to "sufficiently train Ireland's workforce" to retrofit houses.

Commitment

DCU Law Professor Dr Diarmuid Torney said the increased grade shouldn’t make the Government “content” about its environmental policies. 

“The progress achieved needs to be sustained over the years ahead,” he said. 

“As we move into an election cycle and the formation of a new Government, it is important that all parties commit to continuing and strengthening action on climate and environment in the years ahead.” 

Climate action group Friends of the Earth commissioned the report but was not involved in deciding the results. 

More than 95 stakeholders across civil society organisations, sectoral interest groups, political parties, academic institutions, media organisations, and Government bodies were contacted to gather data. 

Main image: A man installing a rooftop solar panel array. Image: Radharc Images / Alamy