THE ENVIRONMENTAL Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking funding from the Government to establish a “climate information system” that would provide the most up-to-date information on how global warming will affect Ireland.
EPA director Laura Burke said yesterday's publication of its Summary of the State of Knowledge on Climate Change Impacts for Irelandwas a "key step" towards developing this "vital element in our strategy to adapt to climate change". It brings together for the first time all of the "known knowns" about the likely impacts of temperature increases, wetter winters and warmer seas on areas as diverse as agriculture, fishing, disease control and roads, electricity and telecommunications.
Changes include a rise of 0.7 degrees in air temperatures since 1890, of which 0.4 degrees occurred between 1980-2008 – equivalent to 0.14 degrees per decade. A further increase of one to three degrees is anticipated by 2100.
The report – prepared in association with Met Éireann, the Marine Institute and NUI Maynooth – notes there has been a significant increase in rainfall in the north and west, where wetter winters are expected, with drier summers in the southeast. Dealing with “extreme weather events”, the report notes there has been a decrease in the frequency of storms, although their intensity has increased. As a result, actions would need to be taken to adapt and avoid such adverse impacts.
It outlines the known and likely impacts on agriculture, biodiversity, forest and peatlands, as well as surface water, coastal and marine resources, settlement and society, human health and tourism, transport, communications, energy, industry and insurance.
“Greater understanding of these is needed in many areas so that appropriate adaptation options can be identified [and that these] actions are environmentally and economically sustainable.”
In agriculture, for example, warmer temperatures would have an impact on pest variety and control. Better conditions for plant growth may increase yields in spring and autumn, although summer droughts could reduce this potential.
The variety of fish species in Irish waters will change with higher temperatures, offering the potential for “exotic” fish farming.
Changes are also anticipated in the range and migration patterns of sea birds, while sea level rises would bring increased risk of flooding in coastal areas.
Offering a “strategic overview” for policymakers, planners and others, the report shows where information gaps exist, where further work is needed to reduce uncertainties or where uncertainties need to be factored into planning and investment choices.
Frank McGovern, senior manager with the EPA, said continued funding for climate change research was required to “advance our understanding of the issues, challenges and solutions”.
Copies of the report are available on the EPA website at www. epa.ie/downloads/pubs/research/ climate/ or from the EPA office at 01-2680100.