About the Project
Investigating National Policy Impacts on Atmospheric Climate Targets (INPACT)
INPACT is a multidisciplinary research project that examines how national climate and environmental policies have influenced greenhouse gas emissions, atmospheric composition, and climate outcomes in Ireland since the country’s initial engagement with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992.
As Ireland works towards legally binding climate targets—including a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050—there is an urgent need to understand which policies have been effective, where gaps remain, and how future policy can deliver meaningful climate action. INPACT provides the scientific evidence needed to support these decisions.
Our Mission
The mission of INPACT is to assess the real-world impact of national policy interventions on greenhouse gas emissions and atmospheric climate indicators, while identifying practical and evidence-based pathways that can help Ireland achieve its climate commitments.
By combining atmospheric science, economics, policy analysis, and data science, the project aims to answer a critical question:
Which policies have successfully reduced emissions and improved climate outcomes, and what lessons can be applied to future climate action?
What We Do
INPACT integrates multiple sources of environmental and policy data to create the first comprehensive assessment of how Irish climate policies have influenced atmospheric greenhouse gases and radiative forcing over time.
The project will:
- Develop a timeline of national climate and environmental policies since the 1990s.
- Compare bottom-up national emission inventories with top-down atmospheric observations and inverse modelling estimates.
- Analyse long-term trends in greenhouse gases, atmospheric composition, essential climate variables, and radiative fluxes.
- Apply advanced statistical and causal inference methods to evaluate policy effectiveness.
- Investigate potential unintended environmental, economic, and social consequences of policy interventions.
- Build an open digital platform and dashboard to visualise climate and policy data for policymakers, researchers, and the public.
- Facilitate public dialogue and stakeholder engagement to support inclusive climate action.
Why INPACT Matters
Climate policies are often evaluated using reported emissions data, yet the ultimate measure of success is their impact on the atmosphere itself. Despite significant investment in emissions reduction strategies, greenhouse gas concentrations continue to rise globally, and Ireland remains at risk of missing key climate targets.
INPACT bridges this gap by linking policy interventions directly to atmospheric observations and climate indicators. The project will generate robust evidence on the effectiveness of historical policies, identify barriers to successful implementation, and support the development of more effective and equitable climate solutions.
The project’s findings will help policymakers understand not only whether policies worked, but also:
Why did they work?
Understanding the mechanisms behind effective interventions.
For whom did they work?
Identifying which sectors and communities benefited.
Any unintended consequences?
Assessing effects across society and the economy.
Data, Science and Innovation
INPACT draws on some of the world’s leading climate and atmospheric observation systems, including:
Integrated Carbon Observation System (ICOS)
Copernicus Earth Observation Programme
Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS)
European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF)
National GHG inventories (UNFCCC frameworks)
Using advanced analytical methods, machine learning, geospatial analysis, and integrated data infrastructures, the project will create an open, interoperable framework for climate-policy evaluation.
A key legacy output will be a public-facing dashboard that visualises policy timelines alongside greenhouse gas measurements, emissions inventories, and climate indicators, making complex climate information accessible to decision-makers and communities.
Our Team
INPACT brings together experts in atmospheric science, climate policy, economics, environmental health, artificial intelligence, data science, and public engagement from the University of Galway and Insight – Research Ireland Centre for Data Analytics.
Dr. Liz ColemanPI
Principal InvestigatorUniversity of Galway
Dr. Coleman specialises in climate modelling, air quality forecasting, and the interactions between climate and atmospheric pollution. She has led several national research initiatives and is widely recognised for her work connecting scientific research, policy development, and public engagement.
Professor Karyn MorrisseyCo-PI
Co-Principal InvestigatorUniversity of Galway
Professor Morrissey is an environmental economist whose research focuses on climate change, public health, adaptation, and resilience. Her work supports evidence-based policymaking through advanced econometric analysis and interdisciplinary research on environmental and societal impacts.
Dr. Mehdi Gholamnia
Postdoctoral ResearcherUniversity of Galway
Dr. Gholamnia specialises in geospatial analytics, remote sensing, spatial modelling, and environmental data integration. His research focuses on combining atmospheric observations, Earth Observation data, and emissions inventories to assess climate policy effectiveness and support pathways towards net-zero emissions.
Andy Donald
Data Science & Applied InnovationInsight Research Ireland Centre for Data Analytics
Andy Donald leads the Applied Innovation Unit at Insight and brings expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning automation, explainable AI, linked data, and large-scale data ecosystems. His work supports the development of INPACT’s integrated data infrastructure and digital tools.
Dr. Darius Ceburnis
Atmospheric ScienceUniversity of Galway
Dr. Ceburnis is an atmospheric scientist and internationally recognised expert in atmospheric composition measurements and long-term climate observations. Through his leadership of the Centre for Climate and Air Pollution Studies (C-CAPS), he has contributed significantly to Ireland’s greenhouse gas monitoring infrastructure and atmospheric research programmes.
Dr. Damien Martin
Atmospheric Measurements & Emissions AnalysisUniversity of Galway
Dr. Martin manages the ICOS-Ireland network and has extensive experience in greenhouse gas monitoring, atmospheric observations, inverse modelling, and emissions verification. He supports the integration and interpretation of atmospheric datasets within the project.
David Nganga
PhD ResearcherUniversity of Galway
David Nganga researches the links between air quality, climate change, aerosols, and human health. He contributes expertise in atmospheric chemistry and public engagement, helping communicate climate and environmental research to diverse audiences.
Working Together for Climate Action
INPACT is founded on the principle that effective climate action requires collaboration across disciplines, sectors, and communities. By combining scientific evidence, economic analysis, advanced data systems, and meaningful public engagement, the project aims to provide the knowledge and tools needed to support Ireland’s transition to a sustainable, climate-resilient future.
