Climate targets already in doubt as emissions set to increase this year

The figures will heap pressure on the government as it sets out measures to halve emissions by 2030

Road transport emissions were already up 3 per cent in the first six months of this year, as economic activity increased. Road traffic volumes as well as aviation traffic are likely to be up significantly in the second half of 2021 compared to the first half. Picture: Rollingnews.ie

Ireland is on track to increase its greenhouse gas emissions in 2021, the Business Post can reveal.

The stark prediction is due to heap pressure on the government as it is about to set out radical measures to halve emissions by 2030.

Two five-year carbon budgets, from 2021 to 2025 and 2025 to 2030, are due to be announced this week. The government has committed to reducing emissions by an average of 7 per cent ...