Temperatures rising faster in Ireland than rest of planet

TEMPERATURES in Ireland are increasing twice as fast as the rest of the planet and the country is facing wetter winters, drier summers and more flooding over the coming decades.

Overall, Ireland’s mean temperature went up by 0.7C between 1890 and 2004, with one of the consequences being higher-than-ever rainfall in the west, south-west and north of the country.

Six of Ireland’s warmest years on record have occurred since 1995, with 1997 the hottest, while the period from 1980 to 2004 showed an increase in temperature of 0.42C per decade, compared with an increase of 0.23C per decade between 1910 and 1949.

That’s according to a report on climate change published yesterday by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and launched by Environment Minister John Gormley.

EPA director general Dr Mary Kelly predicted the effects of climate change would increase over the coming years, regardless of current actions taken by government under international agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol.

"It is therefore necessary to consider and develop actions which will allow us adapt to future climate conditions in order to avoid adverse impacts. Adaptation is now part of the EU and national agenda on climate change," she said.

The EU launched a green paper on adaptation on July 3 to encourage public debate on the issue of adapting policies to combat climate change.

A Cabinet subcommittee on climate change, which includes the Taoiseach, is to meet in the next fortnight while a special climate change commission is to be established.

Mr Gormley said the EPA’s report showed "the absolute need" for the people of Ireland to play their part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and tackling climate change.

Meanwhile, a scientific statement by the Royal Irish Academy’s Irish Committee on Climate Change (ICCC) also released yesterday warned higher temperatures will lead to more heavy rainfall in Ireland, with a greater risk of local flooding.

The report also warns of a threat to groundwater reserves because of below-average spring and winter rainfall.

Conor Kane

(c) Irish Examiner