Ireland must adapt to unavoidable climate change

This is the conclusion of a major report published by the Environmental Protection Agency this week.

A Summary of the State of Knowledge on Climate Change Impacts for Ireland brings together current knowledge on climate change and predicted impacts for Ireland.

It also highlights gaps in existing knowledge and puts forward options of how to best deal with the changes.

“Climate Change is happening in Ireland.” Said EPA director Laura Burke.

“This report sets out the likely impacts of temperature rises, wetter winters and warmer seas on areas as diverse as agriculture, fishing, disease control and infrastructural networks – roads, electricity and telecommunications.

“We need to adapt to climate change and to ensure that adaptation actions are environmentally and economically sustainable.”

Changes identified in the report include:

The report outlines how these changes may impact key sectors such as agriculture, biodiversity, surface water, human health, transport, energy, industry and insurance.

Frank McGovern, senior manager with the EPA said: “Continued funding for climate change research is required to advance our understanding of the issues, challenges and solutions.

“Strategic investment in such research can provide the necessary scientific understanding which is required to inform efficient and cost effective actions on climate change across government and for wider decision-making and planning.”

Sam Bond