The most recent forecasts relating to climate change for Ireland suggest a maximum summer temperature of 10 degrees and a minimum winter temperature of -15 degrees, a situation that could catastrophically affect farming. A climate akin to that of Iceland would halt the growth of vegetables such as potatoes and carrots, causing food price inflation.
New investigations conducted by Irish and international climate experts indicate that Europe’s temperature is rising at twice the rate of the global average. Sea levels are elevating due to the melting Arctic ice, causing disruption to the key Atlantic current that gives Ireland its mild climate. The adverse effects of extreme weather patterns are already being experienced by coastal communities. The year 2023 was a manifestation of our susceptibility to climate disruption, being the hottest year on record and resulting in devastating flash floods due to an intense marine heatwave.
The recent torrential rainfall causing a landslide in Papua New Guinea resulting in the death of 2000 people prompts us to question whether Ireland could face such a catastrophe. In February, Dublin was listed as one of 36 cities most endangered by ascending sea levels and flooding.
Additionally, there’s an escalation in air turbulence. A recent Singapore Airlines flight saw the death of one person and over 70 others injured due to violent air turbulence. Days later, 12 passengers were injured onboard a flight from Doha to Dublin experiencing similar troubles. Research reveals a 55 per cent surge in this issue across the North Atlantic between 1979 and 2020.
We need to amplify our efforts towards decarbonisation and adjust our response plans in accordance with the forecasted weather alterations. The burning of fossil fuels should be ceased and a shift to renewable energy sources should be initiated. However, planning laws present a significant obstacle.
Eamon Ryan, the Minister for the Environment, insists that Ireland has the potential to effectively respond to climate challenges, but emphasises the imperative nature of enacting substantial modifications in planning legislation to hasten the development of wind energy. The time frames for planning and implementing offshore and onshore wind farms are excessively lengthy.
The 2023 State of the Climate in Europe report underscores the increasing temperatures, an alarming degree of glacier melting, insufficient rainfall, and augmented wildfires. Yet, it highlights the opportunity for growth in the renewable energy sector. Detailed within the Climate Action Plan 2021, Ireland is laying out a strategy that seeks to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 51% come 2030, with the vision to harness five gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind power by the same year. If this objective is met, it will dramatically bolster our renewable energy sources, power countless households, and reduce the dependency on fossil fuels. Four initiatives were given contracts in May 2023 and are set to yield 3GW once they begin operations, however, this won’t suffice to reach the set target.
Agriculture and farming are deeply rooted in the climate change issue, both as contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, and victims of climate swings. Our dairy and beef cattle produce greenhouse gases, fuelling global warming that subsequently modifies weather patterns, growing seasons, and the output of crops. The aftermath of climate change impacts precipitation patterns, leading to water scarcity, droughts, and flooding, while irresponsible farming methods impair soil health and lessen carbon storage. Mounting temperatures and shifting rainfall cycles pose a threat to crop production and food availability. Further, climate change expands the spread of pests and escalates extreme weather events, which harms crops and infrastructure.
The deployment of sustainable methods such as organic farming, crop rotation, agroforestry, and conservation tillage can help alleviate these effects. Government support through research and incentives is a prerequisite for constructing a durable and sustainable food system. Farmers wield the ability to instigate the required transformations to combat and adapt to climate change, guaranteeing a sustainable future for agriculture in Ireland.
However, it’s not solely down to farmers to prioritise the climate shift. A substantial hurdle in confronting this crisis is convincing the entire populace that their daily behaviours directly influence climate change. We don’t need to be inactive or resigned – we have the means to confront the problem. Accepting the science behind climate change is now non-negotiable – for leaders in the realms of politics, industry, agriculture, and the general public. Enhancing communication is an immediate necessity.
It is crucial for us to acknowledge that our individual day-to-day activities, purchasings and conduct greatly affect not only ourselves but also Ireland and the global community. By incorporating minor alterations into our lifestyle such as supporting local businesses, opting for public transportation, recycling, lessening our consumption, and minimising food wastage, we can create a significant difference when done collectively. Essentially, our everyday habits are energy-intensive, however, we can decrease our home energy consumption by embracing energy-saving measures like taking more efficient showers, adjusting our boilers to lower heat settings, and conserving water.
Climate-focused innovations serve as a boost to the economy. It is imperative for us to foster innovative entrepreneurs possessing progressive technologies and business strategies to hasten climate resilience. Transitioning from nonrenewable to renewable energy sources will instigate a major shift in our economy. It is our duty to offer incentives to pioneering smaller enterprises to devise solutions that will revolutionise energy, water, food and clothing provision to meet or even surpass our climate objectives. Several businesses are prepared to showcase their technologies aimed at supporting climate resilience and mitigation, yet few platforms exist for doing so and regulatory complications may prove obstructive.
Recent disturbing climate figures also pose a threat to large enterprises. These corporations too need to adjust to the quickening climate issue, with a staggering 80% worldwide recognising the existence of climate-related risks to their businesses. Conversely, a mere 27% consider adaptation to be a ‘critically important’ priority, compared to a much higher 60% for mitigation. It’s equally vital to plan for upcoming changes as well as minimising the impact of currently extreme weather events.
Climate change will inevitably impact us all, irrespective of our geographical location, either in the immediate future or eventually, and we are all collectively in this situation, willing or not. Just as we did during the Covid pandemic, we must unite and work collaboratively to combat this issue but it’s essential for us to act now and swiftly.
The above statement is by Professor Fiona Regan, the Director of the DCU Water Institute.