Climate change in the Republic of Ireland

Last updated

Climate change is having a range of impacts in the Republic of Ireland. Increasing temperatures are changing weather patterns, with increasing heatwaves, rainfall and storm events. [1] These changes lead to ecosystem[ clarification needed ] on land and in Irish waters, altering the timing of species' life cycles and changing the composition of ecosystems. [2] Climate change is also impacting people through flooding [3] and by increasing the risk of health issues such as skin cancers and disease spread. [4] Climate change is considered to be the single biggest threat to Ireland according to the head of the Defence Forces of Ireland, Mark Mellett. [5]

Contents

Greenhouse gas emissions

Per-capita production-based greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland compared to the global average Ireland per capita greenhouse gas emissions versus world.svg
Per-capita production-based greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland compared to the global average

Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions increased between 1990 and 2001 when they peaked at 70.46 Mt carbon dioxide equivalent before decreasing each year up to 2014. [6] In 2015 the emissions increased 4.1%, and in 2016 increased by 3.4% before remaining stable in 2017 and 2018, before decreasing by 4.5% in 2019 from the 2018 levels. [6] Overall, the emissions have increased by 10.1 per cent from 1990 to 2019.

The Central Statistics Office also collate and publish data relating to emissions and the effects as recorded in Ireland. [7]

In 2017, Ireland had the third highest greenhouse gas emissions per capita in the European Union and 51% higher than the EU-28 average of 8.8 tonnes. [8] The world average in 2016 was 4.92 tonnes. [9]

Ireland greenhouse gas emissions by sector in 2016 Ireland greenhouse gas emissions by sector.svg
Ireland greenhouse gas emissions by sector in 2016

Sources

71.4% of the emissions in 2019 came from energy industries, transport and agriculture, with agriculture the single largest contributor at 35.3%. [10] In Irish agriculture, the two most important greenhouse gases are methane and nitrous oxide. [11] 60% of Irish agricultural emissions come directly from animal agriculture, primarily as a result of methane-producing enteric fermentation from cattle. [11] A further 30% derive from soils fertilised by manures, synthetic fertiliser or animal grazing on pasture. [11] [12]

Impacts on the natural environment

Temperature and weather changes

Between 1890 and 2008, the mean temperature recorded in Ireland measured an increase of 0.7 degrees Celsius, with an increase of 0.4 degrees Celsius between 1980 and 2008. [13] Other indicators of a warming climate identified by the Environmental Protection Agency are ten of the warmest recorded years occurring since 1990, a decrease in the number of days with frost and a shorter season in which frost occurs, and increased annual rainfall in the north and west of the country. An increase in the active growing season has been recorded, as well as an increase in animals arriving in Ireland and its surrounding waters which are adapted to warmer conditions. [14]

A 2020 study from the Irish Centre for High-End Computing indicated that Ireland's climate is likely to change drastically by 2050. [2] Annual average temperatures could climb to 1.6 °C above pre-industrial levels under RCP8.5, with the east of Ireland seeing the highest increase, resulting in a "direct impact" on public health and mortality. [2] [15] The study also predicted the number of frost days to decrease between 68 and 78 per cent, summer precipitation to decrease by up to 17%. [2]

Koppen-Geiger Map IRL present.svg
Current/past Köppen climate classification map for Ireland for 1980–2016
Koppen-Geiger Map IRL future.svg
Predicted Köppen climate classification map for Ireland for 2071–2100

In June 2023, there was a Category 4 (extreme) marine heatwave in Irish waters, with some regions experiencing a Category 5 (beyond extreme) increase in temperatures. [16] During this heatwave sea surface temperatures reached their highest ever recorded in Irish waters. [17]

Ecosystems

Temperature changes risk disrupting or changing the timing of the life cycle of plant and animal species across the country. [2] For example, the timing of leaf unfolding in Irish beech trees has become steadily earlier since the 1970s. [18] Changes to the timing of life cycle events (phenology) can result in temporal mismatches between species, as not all species and life history events are equally responsive to temperature. [19] Such changes may result in disruption of previously synchronised ecosystem function, resulting to changes in species composition and functioning of Irish ecosystems. [20]

Ocean acidification has been recorded in the waters off at Ireland since records began in 1990 by the Marine Institute. [21] This is caused by the uptake of atmospheric carbon dioxide into the ocean. In addition to acidification, Irish waters are becoming warmer and less salty, causing harm to marine life. [22] Harmful algae are becoming more abundant in Irish waters, not just in warmer months, potentially harming ocean creatures such as shellfish. [22]

Impacts on people

Sea level rise and flooding

One of the greatest threats is to coastal and low lying regions from sea level rise, alongside increased rainfall and storm events. 40% of the population live within 5 km of the coast, [23] and 70,000 Irish addresses are at risk of coastal flooding by 2050. [3] Sea levels have risen around by 40 cm around Cork since 1842, approximate 50% greater than previously expected. [24] The rate of sea level rise around Dublin is approximately twice the global rate. [25]

Storm surges also have an increased risk of occurring with rising temperature, with climatologists predicting that Ireland is overdue a 3m storm surge. [3] In addition to coastal flooding, flooding due to increased groundwater levels is also a risk. [26]

Drought

An increase in water shortages are expected due to periods of drought, and a decrease in water quality. [14]

Health impacts

Adverse health issues relating to climate change have also been identified by the Irish Health Service Executive, including increased risk of skin cancers, waterbourne, foodborne and respiratory diseases. [4]

Mitigation and adaptation

Policies and regulation

The previous governing policy on mitigation, the 2017 National Mitigation Plan, was quashed by the Irish Supreme Court in August 2020. The Court ruled that the plan was contrary to the 2015 Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act. [27]

Agencies, such as the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI), have formulated a number of projects aimed at providing alternatives to current energy sources and the movement away from the contributing factors of climate change. These include the GSI's research into geothermal technologies and carbon sequestration. [28]

Climate change Bill 2021

On 23 July, the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021 was signed into law by the President. The bill creates a legally binding path to net zero emissions by 2050. [29] Five-year carbon budgets produced by the Climate Change Advisory Council will dictate the path to carbon neutrality, with the aim of the first two budgets creating a 51% reduction by 2030. [30] The five-year budgets will not be legally binding. [31]

Despite being touted as "ambitious" by the Irish Government, the bill came under heavy criticism from Irish environmentalists and scientists. [32] Amendments passed by the Seanad on 9 July allow the Government, rather than the Climate Change Advisory Committee to determine how greenhouse gas emissions are calculated and taken into account. [32] Climate scientist and IPCC author John Sweeney argued that these amendments "depart from the scientifically established methodology and give discretion to the Government to decide what to measure, how to measure it, and what the removals will be and how they are counted". [32]

CityTrees

In an attempt to capture pollutants originating from smog, Cork City Council have installed 5 CityTrees in different locations across the city. This has resulted in controversy. [33]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Australia</span> Impacts of climate change on Australia and responses

Climate change has been a critical issue in Australia since the beginning of the 21st century. Australia is becoming hotter and more prone to extreme heat, bushfires, droughts, floods, and longer fire seasons because of climate change. Climate issues include wildfires, heatwaves, cyclones, rising sea levels, and erosion.

Climate change is an urgent and significant issue affecting Japan. In recent years, the country has observed notable changes in its climate patterns, with rising temperatures serving as a prominent indicator of this phenomenon. As an archipelago situated in northeastern Asia, Japan is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to its diverse geography and exposure to various weather systems. The nation experiences a broad range of climates, spanning from the frigid winters of Hokkaido to the subtropical climates of Okinawa. Changes in temperature patterns have the potential to disrupt ecosystems, impact agricultural productivity, modify water resources, and pose significant challenges to infrastructure and human settlements.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Russia</span> Emissions, impacts and responses of Russia related to climate change

Climate change has serious effects on Russia's climate, including average temperatures and precipitation, as well as permafrost melting, more frequent wildfires, flooding and heatwaves. Changes may affect inland flash floods, more frequent coastal flooding and increased erosion reduced snow cover and glacier melting, and may ultimately lead to species losses and changes in ecosystem functioning.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change and fisheries</span>

Fisheries are affected by climate change in many ways: marine aquatic ecosystems are being affected by rising ocean temperatures, ocean acidification and ocean deoxygenation, while freshwater ecosystems are being impacted by changes in water temperature, water flow, and fish habitat loss. These effects vary in the context of each fishery. Climate change is modifying fish distributions and the productivity of marine and freshwater species. Climate change is expected to lead to significant changes in the availability and trade of fish products. The geopolitical and economic consequences will be significant, especially for the countries most dependent on the sector. The biggest decreases in maximum catch potential can be expected in the tropics, mostly in the South Pacific regions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in the United Kingdom</span> Emissions, impacts and responses of the United Kingdom related to climate change

Climate change is impacting the environment and human population of the United Kingdom (UK). The country's climate is becoming warmer, with drier summers and wetter winters. The frequency and intensity of storms, floods, droughts and heatwaves is increasing, and sea level rise is impacting coastal areas. The UK is also a contributor to climate change, having emitted more greenhouse gas per person than the world average. Climate change is having economic impacts on the UK and presents risks to human health and ecosystems.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Europe</span> Emissions, impacts and responses of Europe related to climate change

Climate change has resulted in an increase in temperature of 2.3 °C (2022) in Europe compared to pre-industrial levels. Europe is the fastest warming continent in the world. Europe's climate is getting warmer due to anthropogenic activity. According to international climate experts, global temperature rise should not exceed 2 °C to prevent the most dangerous consequences of climate change; without reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, this could happen before 2050. Climate change has implications for all regions of Europe, with the extent and nature of impacts varying across the continent.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in South Korea</span>

Climate change has led to extreme weather events in South Korea that affects: social, economy, industry, culture, and many other sectors. South Korea is experiencing changes in climate parameters. Such parameters include annual temperature, rainfall amounts, and precipitation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Pakistan</span> Emissions, impacts and responses of Pakistan related to climate change

Climate change in Pakistan is a major issue for the country. Pakistan is highly vulnerable to climate change. As with the changing climate in South Asia as a whole, the climate of Pakistan has changed over the past several decades, with significant impacts on the environment and people. In addition to increased heat, drought and extreme weather in parts of the country, the melting of glaciers in the Himalayas has impacted some of the important rivers of Pakistan. Between 1999 and 2018, Pakistan ranked 5th in the countries affected by extreme weather caused by climate change. Pakistan is prone to a range of natural disasters, including cyclones, floods, drought, intense rainfall, and earthquakes. According to scientific research, climate change played a substantial role in the devastating floods of 2022, which had a direct impact on over 30 million people in Pakistan, resulting in the loss of lives, damage to public infrastructure, and displacement from homes. Climate change poses a significant menace to Pakistan's economy and security.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Turkey</span> Impact of global warming on Turkey and adaptation to it

Droughts and heatwaves are the main hazards due to the climate of Turkey getting hotter. The temperature has risen by more than 1.5 °C (2.7 °F), and there is more extreme weather.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Germany</span> Emissions, impacts and responses of Germany related to climate change

Climate change is leading to long-term impacts on agriculture in Germany, more intense heatwaves and coldwaves, flash and coastal flooding, and reduced water availability. Debates over how to address these long-term challenges caused by climate change have also sparked changes in the energy sector and in mitigation strategies. Germany's energiewende has been a significant political issue in German politics that has made coalition talks difficult for Angela Merkel's CDU.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in France</span> Emissions, impacts and responses of France related to climate change

In France, climate change has caused some the greatest annual temperature increases registered in any country in Europe. The 2019 heat wave saw record temperatures of 46.0 °C. Heat waves and other extreme weather events are expected to increase with continued climate change. Other expected environmental impacts include increased floods due to both sea level rise and increased glacier melt. These environmental changes will lead to shifts in ecosystems and affect local organisms. Climate change will also cause economic losses in France, particularly in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Malaysia</span> Impact of global warming on the south-east Asian country and mitigating and adaptating to it

Climate change is having a considerable impact in Malaysia. Increasing temperatures are likely to greatly increase the number of heatwaves occurring annually. Variations in precipitation may increase the frequency of droughts and floods in various local areas. Sea level rise may inundate some coastal areas. These impacts are expected to have numerous environmental and socioeconomic effects, exacerbating existing environmental issues and reinforcing inequality.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Kenya</span> Emissions, impacts and responses of Kenya related to climate change

Climate change is posing an increasing threat to global socio-economic development and environmental sustainability. Developing countries with low adaptive capacity and high vulnerability to the phenomenon are disproportionately affected. Climate change in Kenya is increasingly impacting the lives of Kenya's citizens and the environment. Climate Change has led to more frequent extreme weather events like droughts which last longer than usual, irregular and unpredictable rainfall, flooding and increasing temperatures.

Climate change has caused temperatures in the world to rise in the last few decades, and temperatures in Europe have risen twice as fast as the average change in the rest of the world. In Spain, which already has a hot and dry climate, extreme events such as heatwaves are becoming increasingly frequent. The country is also experiencing more episodes of drought and increased severity of these episodes. Water resources will be severely affected in various climate change scenarios.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Italy</span> Impact of climate change in Italy

In Italy, widespread impacts of climate change are currently being felt. With an increase in extreme events such as heatwaves, droughts and more frequent flooding, Italy faces many challenges adapting to climate change.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Indonesia</span> Emissions, impacts and responses of Indonesia

Due to its geographical and natural diversity, Indonesia is one of the countries most susceptible to the impacts of climate change. This is supported by the fact that Jakarta has been listed as the world's most vulnerable city, regarding climate change. It is also a major contributor as of the countries that has contributed most to greenhouse gas emissions due to its high rate of deforestation and reliance on coal power.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in India</span> Emissions, impacts and responses of India related to climate change

India is ranked fourth among the list of countries most affected by climate change in 2015. India emits about 3 gigatonnes (Gt) CO2eq of greenhouse gases each year; about two and a half tons per person, which is less than the world average. The country emits 7% of global emissions, despite having 17% of the world population. Temperature rises on the Tibetan Plateau are causing Himalayan glaciers to retreat, threatening the flow rate of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Yamuna and other major rivers. A 2007 World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) report states that the Indus River may run dry for the same reason. Heat waves' frequency and intensity are increasing in India because of climate change. Severe landslides and floods are projected to become increasingly common in such states as Assam. The climate change performance index of India ranks eighth among 63 countries which account for 92% of all GHG emissions in the year 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in the Middle East and North Africa</span> Emissions, impacts and responses of the MENA region related to climate change

Climate change in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) refers to changes in the climate of the MENA region and the subsequent response, adaption and mitigation strategies of countries in the region. In 2018, the MENA region emitted 3.2 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide and produced 8.7% of global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) despite making up only 6% of the global population. These emissions are mostly from the energy sector, an integral component of many Middle Eastern and North African economies due to the extensive oil and natural gas reserves that are found within the region. The region of Middle East is one of the most vulnerable to climate change. The impacts include increase in drought conditions, aridity, heatwaves and sea level rise.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in the Netherlands</span> Emissions, impacts and responses of the Netherlands related to climate change

The Netherlands is already affected by climate change. The average temperature in the Netherlands rose by more than 2 °C from 1901 to 2020. Climate change has resulted in increased frequency of droughts and heatwaves. Because significant portions of the Netherlands have been reclaimed from the sea or otherwise are very near sea level, the Netherlands is very vulnerable to sea level rise.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate change in Israel</span>

Israel, like many other countries in the Middle East and North Africa, experience adverse effects from climate change. Annual and mean temperatures are increasing in Israel, with mean temperature expected to increase between 1.6 and 1.8 °C by 2100. There is a reduction in annual precipitation and delayed winter rains. Israel is already experiencing droughts and water shortages. Heatwaves are other natural hazards expected to increase with climate change.

References

  1. ↑ Taggart, Emma (24 July 2021). "'Irish temperature records will be broken in the coming years because we're in a climate crisis'". TheJournal.ie. The Journal. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 "Ireland's climate likely to drastically change by 2050". Green News Ireland. 18 September 2020. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  3. 1 2 3 O'Sullivan, Kevin (21 May 2020). "Over 70,000 Irish addresses at risk of coastal flooding by 2050". The Irish Times . Retrieved 22 July 2021.
  4. 1 2 "Climate change and health". HSE.ie. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  5. ↑ O'Connor, Niall. "Head of Defence Forces says climate change is single biggest threat to Ireland". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 31 July 2021.
  6. 1 2 "Current trends climate". www.epa.ie. Environmental Protection Agency . Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  7. ↑ "Environmental Indicators Ireland 2018". Central Statistics Office. August 2018. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  8. ↑ "Greenhouse Gases and Climate Change - CSO - Central Statistics Office". www.cso.ie. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  9. ↑ Ritchie, Hannah; Roser, Max. "Per capita greenhouse gas emissions". Our World in Data . Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  10. ↑ "Climate". Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  11. 1 2 3 "2020 - Agricultural Emissions - greenhouse gases and ammonia - Teagasc | Agriculture and Food Development Authority". www.teagasc.ie. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  12. ↑ Thompson, Sylvia (17 June 2021). "Can Irish farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions?". The Irish Times . Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  13. ↑ "Effects in Ireland". www.gsi.ie. Geological Survey of Ireland . Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  14. 1 2 "What Impact will climate change have for Ireland?". Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  15. ↑ Flanagan, Jason; Nolan, Paul. Research 339: High-resolution Climate Projections for Ireland – A Multi-model Ensemble Approach. p. 33. ISBN   978-1-84095-934-5 . Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  16. ↑ "Record-breaking North Atlantic Ocean temperatures contribute to extreme marine heatwaves | Copernicus". climate.copernicus.eu. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  17. ↑ "Marine Heat Wave 2023 – A Warning for the Future - Met Éireann - The Irish Meteorological Service". www.met.ie. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  18. ↑ Donnelly, Alison; Salamin, Nicolas; Jones, Mike B. (2006). "Changes in Tree Phenology: An Indicator of Spring Warming in Ireland?". Biology and Environment: Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy. 106B (1): 49–56. doi:10.1353/bae.2006.0014. ISSN   0791-7945. JSTOR   20728577 . Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  19. ↑ Ockendon, Nancy; Baker, David J.; Carr, Jamie A. (July 2014). "Mechanisms underpinning climatic impacts on natural populations: altered species interactions are more important than direct effects". Global Change Biology . 20 (7): 2221–2229. Bibcode:2014GCBio..20.2221O. doi:10.1111/gcb.12559. PMID   24677405. S2CID   39877152.
  20. ↑ "Ireland's Biodiversity Sectoral Climate Change Adaptation Plan" (PDF). www.npws.ie. National Parks & Wildlife Service . Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  21. ↑ "Nutrients and Ocean Acidification (OA)". Marine Institute. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  22. 1 2 Hoare, Pádraig (7 March 2021). "Climate change already impacting Irish waters". Irish Examiner . Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  23. ↑ "Population Distribution - CSO - Central Statistics Office". www.cso.ie. Retrieved 2 May 2022.
  24. ↑ Pugh, David T.; Bridge, Edmund; Edwards, Robin; Hogarth, Peter; Westbrook, Guy; Woodworth, Philip L.; McCarthy, Gerard D. (11 November 2021). "Mean sea level and tidal change in Ireland since 1842: a case study of Cork". Ocean Science. 17 (6): 1623–1637. Bibcode:2021OcSci..17.1623P. doi: 10.5194/os-17-1623-2021 . ISSN   1812-0784.
  25. ↑ "Why sea levels are rising higher than expected in Dublin and Cork". 28 April 2022. Retrieved 2 May 2022.
  26. ↑ "Climate Action at Geological Survey Ireland". www.gsi.ie. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  27. ↑ "Climate change: 'Huge' implications to Irish climate case across Europe". BBC News. 1 August 2020. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  28. ↑ "Climate Research at Geological Survey Ireland". www.gsi.ie. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  29. ↑ "Ireland's ambitious Climate Act signed into law". www.gov.ie. 23 July 2021. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  30. ↑ McDermott, Stephen. "Carbon neutral by 2050: Ireland's green targets to be legally binding for the first time". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  31. ↑ Crosson, Kayle (26 March 2021). "A deep dive: the revised Climate Bill". Green News Ireland. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  32. 1 2 3 "Recent amendments have "gutted" Climate Bill". Green News Ireland. 12 July 2021. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  33. ↑ English, Eoin (8 November 2023). "Cork City's €400k 'robotrees' like using 'bathroom sponges in Midleton' to combat flooding". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.