Ireland's State of the Environment Report 2024

31 Chapter 1: Introduction 5. Content of the report This is the eighth State of the Environment Report published by the EPA since the first report in 1996, 28 years ago. The report provides thematic assessments in Part 1, focusing on key trends in and challenges and actions for air, climate change, noise, water, marine, nature, land use and soil. Part 2 provides detailed integrated assessments of key economic sectors: transport, energy, agriculture, industry and the circular economy and the interactions between human health and the environment. Finally, Part 3 provides an in-depth assessment of how Ireland is performing in the area of environmental policy implementation. The report also provides mid-term commentary on the many plans and programmes in place that have 2030 in their sights (e.g. Climate Action Plan, SDGs). Most of the key environmental issues that concern us have developed over lengthy time frames and are unlikely to be remedied in the short term. Our understanding of Ireland’s environment is constantly changing as a result of evidence from ongoing monitoring programmes and supplementary novel research efforts. In this complex context, we will continue to be guided by science that helps us understand the pressures on the environment and can provide the foundation for evidence-based decision-making. There are many examples throughout the report describing how we now have substantially developed national capability for monitoring air, radiation, waste water and the impacts of pollutants on ecosystems which are vital to characterise and describe the state of the environment. Recognition of the importance of research and innovation (R&I) in informing and underpinning the green transition was prominent in the first R&I Strategy published by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC, 2024). An important key action of the strategy is a commitment to support the EPA, Inland Fisheries Ireland and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland in performing their R&I functions and delivering policy-relevant research evidence. The continued strong investment in environmental research is crucial, as today’s environmental research will become tomorrow’s environmental protection (EPA, 2021). Examples of national research are included throughout this report that highlight the valuable role research plays in environmental protection and in moving towards a sustainable future for Ireland.