Policies and Legislation
The Climate Action Plan 2024 - 2029 is based on policies and commitments at multiple levels.
International: The Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide overarching goals for climate actions.
European Union: The EU Climate Energy Framework and EU Adaptation Strategy set specific climate targets for member states.
National: Ireland's Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 sets leally binding targets, including a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (compared to 2019 levels) and carbon neutrality by 2050.
Local: The Galway County Development Plan 2022 to 2028 sets out the overall strategy for the proper planiing and sustainable development of the County over a 6- year period.
Sustainable Development Goals
Galway County Council is working to advance the SDGs, through the incorporation of them into our plans and policies, participation in local and international partnerships and the provision of training and information events both internally and externally.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted by UN Member States in 2015. At the Agenda's core are 17 SDGs. These goals aim to "end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere." The SDGs contain 169 targets to be achieved by 2030.
The actions in the Climate Action Plan were aligned to the SDGs to maximise on co-benefits including benefits to livelihoods, economic growth, gender equity, and health and well-being.
More information on the Sustainable Development Goals is available on the United Nations Webpage.