Agriculture was found to be responsible for 31.4% of Northern Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2024, according to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).
In its latest report, DAERA stated that agriculture was the largest emitter during 2024, ranking above domestic transport, which accounted for 21% of overall emissions.
The report, which was published today (Tuesday, June 9), noted that the buildings and product uses sector contributed 15.5%, while the land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector emitted 11.7%.
Electrical supply was reported to be responsible for 10.8%, which marked a decrease of 8.3% from 2023.
Agriculture
In 2024, DAERA recorded a small increase in agriculture emissions compared to the previous year, rising by 0.9% or 0.1 MtCO2e – an estimated 100,000t equivalent of carbon dioxide
The department outlined that this rise was largely driven by an increase in emissions from manufactured fertilisers and agricultural non-road mobile machinery.
Overall, agriculture was responsible for 5.7MtCO2e of Northern Ireland’s net total for greenhouse gas emissions in 2024, which was calculated to be 18.4MtCO2e.
DAERA noted that agricultural emission levels have “remained largely consistent” since greenhouse gas inventory records began back in 1990, with a steady rise of 10% over the last 36 years.
According to the department, this upwards trend can be attributed to an increase in livestock numbers and agriculture combustion emissions, partly offset by a decrease in nitrogen fertiliser application.
Greenhouse gases
Carbon dioxide accounted for the largest portion (61.5%) of all greenhouse gases emissions in Northern Ireland during 2024, with domestic transport being the main sectoral source.
DAERA stated that the proportions of other greenhouse gases were methane with 29.5%, nitrous oxide with 8.0%, and hydrofluorocarbons with 0.9%.
The department highlighted that 2024 had a minor increase of 0.04% in overall greenhouse gas emission levels when compared to 2023.
Northern Ireland
Moving southwards, the Republic of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions were estimated to be 56.4MtCO2e in 2024.
This total is three times as much as Northern Ireland’s emission levels; however the Republic of Ireland recorded a superior decrease of 2.6% in greenhouse gases during the same time period.
Across the channel, the sum of all the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions stood at 373MtCO2e, with Northern Ireland contributing 4.9%.
Since 1990, Northern Ireland has decreased its emissions by 29.4%, according to DAERA.