Introduction

Climate change has been identified as one of the key challenges facing humanity in the 21st Century. National Governments and International organisations have set it as a key priority. A range of National and International studies have been completed to determine the impact of climate change and to propose solutions and measures.

The Mid-West Regional Authority took the decision in November 2006 to complete an assessment of energy related CO2 emissions in the region which in turn lead to the completion of a Climate Change Strategy in February 2008. The Strategy is a collaborative effort with the 4 local authorities in the Mid-West region and the Energy Agencies, namely Tipperary Energy Agency and Limerick/Clare Energy Agency.  Support was also received from the Tipperary Leader Group.

The Energy and Emissions Balance for the Mid West Region used a top down approach in terms of estimating Total Final Consumption and CO2 emissions by fuel and by sector in the Region. The Climate Change Strategy is generally based on a bottom up approach which involves analysis of the existing work, actions and projects within the region in relation to energy efficiency and renewable energy and estimating the CO2 emission reduction impacts these will have.

The aim of the Climate Change Strategy for the Mid West Region is to clearly identify the solutions to the challenge of reducing energy related emissions and to outline the actions to be taken to meet the requirements under the Kyoto Protocol. Estimates of the impact of these actions in terms of CO2 reductions have been made and areas for future work identified. Within each study the following sections have been addressed
• Energy Production and Supply
• Transport
• Built Environment
• Industry and Commercial Services
• Agriculture and Forestry
• Waste

For more information on the Mid-West Energy Agenices please visit their individual websites: