Calls to introduce a carbon budget to Irish aviation
Summary
This episode examines Ireland’s aviation carbon budget, revealing that Dublin Airport ranks among Europe’s worst emitters and will likely exceed its 1.7°C-aligned limit by 2034. Guests discuss the tension between removing passenger caps to boost tourism and the urgent need for demand management, noting that sustainable aviation fuels are not yet a viable short-term solution. The debate highlights Ireland’s unique island status, where aviation is critical for the €5.5 billion tourism economy, yet experts argue for rigorous economic evaluations that account for climate impacts and housing pre…
Topics discussed
Opportunity Green research on airport carbon budgets
Dublin Airport's emissions and removal of passenger cap
Impact of aviation on Ireland's total carbon budget
Technological solutions and the island nation challenge
Economic reliance on tourism vs. environmental costs
Demand management and broader economic impacts
Balancing growth, housing, and domestic tourism
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