The latest review by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has raised significant concerns over the environmental situation in Ireland, with indications that it’s the most alarming since the agency began evaluations three decades ago. Policies which aren’t rigorous enough and poor execution are causing environmental degradation, posing threats to Irish prosperity. Further complications could arise from climate change, economic growth and population increase.
The report highlights the deteriorating state of the physical environment that not only threatens food security but also eliminates wilderness areas which are crucial habitats for important species worldwide. A stark revelation in the report is that the agricultural sector, even with numerous plans, programmes and activities at grassroots level, is failing to follow a sustainable path and contribute sufficiently towards a healthy ecological state.
The report’s fundamental proposition calls for a complete overhaul of Ireland’s energy, food and transport systems. It stresses the need for developing crucial infrastructure that facilitates ongoing economic growth while also incorporating stringent environmental safeguards.
Given the report’s findings, it becomes increasingly clear that impending climate issues could potentially cripple the economy in the ensuing decades. Moreover, measures to alleviate these issues, such as swiftly implementing renewable energy sources, are progressing too slowly and are obstructed by continuous setbacks.
The study also states that the “chronic failure” to implement significant practical measures to reduce carbon in all sectors will result in Ireland exceeding its first two carbon budgets. This will ultimately result in enormous fines and diminished capability to adjust; feasible solutions will likely carry a hefty price tag.
The report acknowledges that establishing top-notch infrastructure requires significant financial outlays and ample length of time from idea conception to physical implementation. However, the timetable to meet national and EU obligations continues to shorten.
The report emphasises that delaying this process further results in missed opportunities for social, economic and environmental benefits such as improved air quality, less congested cities, warmer homes, and flourishing rural communities brought about by innovative solutions linked to decarbonisation. The report states that efforts to build resilience against current and future climate impact need to be made as standard practice. The national attention should expand from cutting emissions to adaptation, especially when extreme weather conditions brought on by global warming increase.
In conclusion, the EPA recommends a national policy statement on the environment to steer this necessary transition. It also suggests that the upcoming land use review by the Government can be a key input. The process should commence with a common recognition that our quality of life hinges largely on the health of our environment.