"Human Activity Implicated in Ireland's Changing Climate: A Call for Climate Adaptation"
A comprehensive study conducted by experts at Maynooth University reveals that Ireland's climate is undergoing significant alterations, with a noticeable increase in rainfall and elevated temperatures. This research, spanning historical weather records dating back to the 1850s, underscores the undeniable impact of human activities on Ireland's climate.
The Icarus Climate Research Centre's findings emphasize the pressing need for climate adaptation measures, particularly in flood protection. As Prof Conor Murphy, the lead researcher of the study, points out, "Many weather stations across the country are experiencing substantial increases in winter rainfall per degree of global warming, indicating considerable increases in flood risk." The intensification of rainfall, which often leads to surface flooding, has been observed at one-third of the 30 rainfall stations analyzed. On average, rainfall intensity is rising at a rate of 8.2 percent per degree of global warming.
Prof Murphy emphasizes the urgency of addressing the impacts of climate change in both national and local climate policy, stating that "Climate change is here and it is evident in our weather observations."
Perhaps the most concerning revelation from this study is the impact on Ireland's annual average temperature. The research identifies it as "the strongest indicator of human-induced climate change." Currently, the island of Ireland is warming at a rate of 0.88 degrees per 1-degree increase in global temperature, leading to annual temperatures that are vastly different from its "early industrial climate" some 200 years ago.
Reflecting on these findings, President Michael D Higgins spoke in Rome and drew attention to the recent floods in Cork, which have laid bare Ireland's vulnerability to climate change. He stressed the need for enhanced protection against the consequences of climate change and emphasized the importance of government policies addressing this issue.
President Higgins also spoke at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, urging global cooperation to build a world resilient to ongoing climate change. He noted that climate change is causing food insecurity and migration, highlighting the inadequacy of responses from the world's wealthiest nations. While acknowledging Ireland's steps towards addressing climate change, he called for further improvements in performance.
In the midst of fresh weather alerts and warnings, President Higgins extended his support to those affected by the floods in Cork and expressed the desire for their communities to receive every necessary assistance.
The study's findings and President Higgins' remarks underscore the need for immediate action to address the ongoing shifts in Ireland's climate, emphasizing the importance of proactive climate adaptation measures and stronger global cooperation to combat climate change.
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