![]() to ensure that it does so within a framework of sustainability that also allows us to deal with future changes in our climate. The Department of Agriculture sets out its focus on this topic. element in addressing climate change but the process of building resilience and adapting to the changes we are expecting to see in our climate, termed `adaptation', is equally important. With increases in average annual temperatures, signifi cant decreases in spring and summer rainfall and heavier rainfall events in winter and autumn months projected towards 2050, it is essential we begin to take the necessary steps to build a strong and resilient sector. The latest EPA fi gures indicate that total annual national emissions are 60.51 Mt CO projections indicate that the total national emissions out to 2030 will increase by 6% unless we take steps to change the way we do things. The All-of-Government `Climate Action Plan to Tackle Climate Breakdown' seeks to address the gap between our projected emissions and role that various sectors, including agriculture and forestry can play in bridging this gap. It sets out over 180 actions to meet Ireland's EU targets for 2030 (i.e. 30% reduction on GHG emissions based on 2005 levels) and sets an ambition of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 while acknowledging the national policy position of an approach to carbon neutrality within the agriculture and land-use sector. For the agriculture, forestry and land use sector there are 34 key actions with over 120 sub-actions. The Plan sets ambitious targets for the agriculture, forestry and land use sector as follows: Emissions from the sector in 2030 to be between 17.5 19.0 Mt CO a 10-15% reduction. Achieve 26.8 Mt CO |