By Conor Humphries

DUBLIN, (Reuters) – Ireland will make drastic cuts in agricultural carbon output, although warnings that it could lead to tens or thousands of job losses are overstating the opportunities the green agenda can create, Eamon Ry, Environment Minister told Reuters Thursday.

An economically divisive plan on climate will be released by the government. It will identify which economic sector will shoulder the most responsibility for reducing greenhouse gases emissions by 51% between 2030 and 2025.

Ryan stated that news reports about cuts to agriculture of between 21-30% and a reduction in livestock production were not far from the truth, ahead of United Nations COP26 climate conference next week.

He disputed a report on economic impacts that was commissioned by Irish Farmers Journal. It stated that a 30 percent reduction in emissions would lead to 56,000 job loss and 25-31% decrease in farm income.

This does not include new funding sources for farmers that encourage them to retain carbon in the soil and to shift towards organic production, which can be more expensive.

The result will be a greater premium and natural diversification. “I believe that is the only way it will work,” said the leader of the Green Party in a interview at his Dublin office.

It is important to consider how it works in Ireland for agriculture.

Others sectors will face much higher reductions, including transport which is expected to see a drop of approximately 50%.

Ryan stated that the carbon output from electricity production and heavy industries will remain in “the kind of range” as reported last week by Sunday Business Post at 70-80%, 40-50% and respectively 50-50%.

The major shift toward wind energy is expected to improve the electricity production. 35 gigawatts are planned for offshore wind. This compares to slightly more than 4 gigawatts in total wind capacity. He said that offshore floating wind should be available on Ireland’s Atlantic Coast later in the decade.

Ryan also owns the transportation portfolio. He said that it wasn’t clear if Irish aviation will shrink by 2030. Ryan stated that the main focus of the sector would be to increase the use sustainable aviation fuel.

In Ireland, the issue of data centre electricity usage has become politically contentious. Proponents of foreign direct investment claim that they are essential to maintaining U.S. headquarters in Europe.

Ryan stated that data centers are important for strengthening the nation, and Ryan also said that current growth rates will mean data centres will use 23% of the country’s electricity by 2030.