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Project title

Scoping least resistance pathways to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from land use

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University College Dublin (UCD)

Lead Applicant

Tamara Hochstrasser

Project Abstract

Ireland is obliged to reduce its non-ETS greenhouse gas emissions (which include emissions from agriculture and transport) 20% by 2020. Land-use change will be needed to reach this mitigation target, but other rural development targets need to be considered. A better understanding of the optimal land-use configuration and of policy interventions that help reach this optimal spatial configuration is needed. Spatially explicit analysis tools as available in the LUMASS modelling platform can help identify both � the optimal spatial configuration of land-use as well as projected land-use change under different policy scenarios. In this project, we are developing the conceptual, technical and data foundation for a dynamic understanding of the socio-ecological system within which policy interventions with regard to land-use are made. Key policy makers will be consulted to establish a common framework for analytical tools that can help with evidence-based policy evaluation. A Baseline Indicative Strategy for land use optimization will be produced and recommendations for further development of analytical tools will be made. The output of this project will be reviewed at a national workshop and lay the foundation for identifying pathways for a transition to a low-carbon climate-resilient environment, society and economy.

Grant Approved

�60,779.68

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

Climate Solutions, Transition Management and Opportunities

Start Date

15/01/2015

Initial Projected Completion Date

15/07/2016