The latest climate change predictions for Ireland – with temperatures no higher than 10 degrees in summer, and as low as -15 in winter – would have a disastrous impact on agriculture. A climate similar to Iceland’s would make it impossible to grow vegetables such as potatoes and carrots, which means that food prices will soar.
The latest research from Irish and international climate experts shows that Europe is warming twice as fast as the global average. The melting Arctic ice is causing sea levels to rise and this disrupts the main Atlantic current that makes Ireland’s climate temperate. Coastal communities are already feeling the impact of extreme weather patterns. Our vulnerability to climate disruption was evident in 2023, the warmest year on record, when a severe marine heatwave caused damaging flash floods.
Last week’s landslide in Papua New Guinea – caused by extraordinary rainfall – killed 2,000 people. Could such a catastrophe happen in Ireland? In February, Dublin was named as one of 36 major cities most at risk from rising sea levels and flooding.
Then there is worsening air turbulence. One person died and more than 70 people were injured recently on a Singapore Airlines flight because of severe air turbulence and just days later 12 people were injured after a flight from Doha to Dublin experienced turbulence. Studies have found that this problem increased by 55 per cent over the North Atlantic between 1979 and 2020.
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Our decarbonisation efforts need to be scaled up, and, with the predicted changes to our weather conditions, our adaptation plans. We must stop burning fossil fuels and make the transition to renewable energy sources. But there is one big problem: planning laws.
Minister for the Environment Eamon Ryan believes that Ireland can address climate challenges, but emphasises the need for significant changes in planning legislation to expedite wind energy development – the timelines for planning and delivering offshore and land-based wind farms are too long.
The State of the Climate in Europe report for 2023 highlights rising temperatures, unprecedented glacier melt, low precipitation and more wildfires. However, the report also stresses the potential for renewable energy development. Ireland’s Climate Action Plan 2021 outlines a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51 per cent by 2030, with a goal of generating five gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind power by that year. Achieving this target would significantly enhance our renewable energy supply, powering millions of homes and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. In May 2023, four projects were awarded contracts and are expected to provide 3GW once operational. However, this will not be enough to meet the target.
Farming and agriculture play a significant role in climate change, both by contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and being affected by climate shifts. Our beef and dairy herds release greenhouse gases, leading to global warming, which in turn alters weather patterns, growing seasons and crop productivity. Climate change impacts precipitation, causing water shortages, droughts and flooding, while unsustainable farming practices degrade soil health and diminish carbon storage. Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns threaten crop yields and food security. Additionally, climate change extends the range of pests and increases extreme weather events, damaging crops and infrastructure.
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Implementing sustainable practices such as crop rotation, conservation tillage, agroforestry and organic farming can help mitigate these impacts. Government support through incentives and research is essential for building a sustainable and resilient food system. Farmers have the power to drive the necessary changes to mitigate and adapt to climate change, ensuring a sustainable agricultural future in Ireland.
But is not just farmers that must prioritise climate change. A major challenge in tackling this crisis is persuading everyone that there is a direct link between their daily activities and climate change. We don’t have to be passive, or fatalistic – we can tackle the problem. But we need to believe what the scientists tell us. Climate denial is now out of the question – for leaders in politics, business and agriculture. And people at home. Better communication is a matter of urgency.
As citizens we need to recognise that our daily actions, consumption, behaviour has an impact not only on us, but on Ireland and the world. We can make small changes like choosing to buy local, use public transport, recycle, consume less and reduce food waste – which will have a massive impact if achieved at scale. Almost everything we do on a daily basis consumes precious energy. But we can lower energy use at home by taking shorter showers, reducing heat settings on boilers and using less water.
Climate innovation stimulates the economy. We need entrepreneurs with innovative technologies and business models to accelerate climate adaptation. Replacing fossil fuels and creating new sources – renewables – will revolutionise the economy. We must incentivise innovative smaller companies to develop solutions to transform how we provide energy, water, food and clothing to meet or even exceed climate targets. There are companies waiting to demonstrate their technologies to support climate adaptation and mitigation. However, there are few opportunities for demonstration and scaling, and planning difficulties can be a huge barrier.
This week’s alarming climate statistics are also bad news for big businesses. They too need to adapt to the accelerating problem, with 80 per cent globally seeing physical climate risks to their business. However, only 27 per cent rated adaptation as a “very high priority”, compared with more than double (60 per cent) for mitigation. Adaptation for the future is as important now as mitigating extreme weather in the present.
Climate change will change everybody’s life, everywhere, sooner or later, and we are in this together, whether we like it or not. Remember the Covid pandemic? We worked together remarkably then. We must do the same now. But we need to get our act together. Fast.
Prof Fiona Regan is Director of the DCU Water Institute.
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