We need to join the dots on climate

Your research is on climate change, what are you working on at the moment?

I am working on the first climate assessment report for Ireland, which is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency and is due to be released next year. My research focuses on global and regional climate change and trends, projections for Ireland and climate tipping points.

Other volumes in the report are exploring ways to mitigate and adapt to climate change and the social side of how we can implement change.

How did you develop an interest in climate?

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Growing up in Galway, I loved physics from the moment I started to learn it in secondary school. So I studied physics at NUI Galway, then I went on to do a PhD there working on biogenic emissions, or gases emitted by vegetation when the temperatures warm.

These emissions can affect air quality and climate, and we measured them using equipment at the Mace Head Atmospheric Research Station near Carna, Co Galway. That sparked my interest in climate change.

What would you like people to be aware of when it comes to climate?

That just because something is happening elsewhere, like a wildfire in Australia or ice melting in the Arctic, doesn't mean climate is not affecting where you live. Every piece of the jigsaw matters, and everything we do to address climate change matters, we need to join the dots.

I also think people may not be aware of how climate and pollution affect health. For example, a recent study found that more than eight million people around the world die each year from breathing polluted air, mainly due to fossil fuel particles.

There are so many steps we can take to tackle climate and air pollution that are also wins for our health, and the choices we make today will have effects for generations to come.

What would you like to see happen to address the climate emergency?

I would love to see more policies in Ireland to support the changes we need to make. Take cycle lanes, for example. Cycling is a great way to decarbonise transport, and we need to ensure that there are safe paths and cycle routes for the public.

It’s frustrating that we are not making more of this low-hanging fruit. So, just like we needed policy to ban smoking in places of work, we need more policies to support actions that will have a positive impact on climate and our environment, such as safe cycling infrastructure.

And how do you chill out?

It’s hard to take a break because everywhere you look there are links to climate. My three kids are very interested in climate action too, they love being involved in any outreach that I do, we have even made videos together and that’s been a lot of fun.

For me, getting away to the Dingle Peninsula or to the beaches in Connemara with the kids is a great way to unwind, we have so much natural beauty here in Ireland, so we do that whenever we get the chance.

Climate Action Video, Ireland's Future: https://youtu.be/qnCRxl5Cg_Y

Twitter: @clarenoone