Ophelia warns us to act on climate

HURRICANE Ophelia represents the latest severe weather warning in Ireland in recent times, the impacts of which have been quite devastating in large parts of the country, notably along the western seaboard and in the flood plains along the River Shannon. At this stage, meteorological experts are uncertain as to when and how Ophelia will hit, but there is strong evidence from weather forecast models that its remnants will track close to or even over parts of Ireland tomorrow and Tuesday. While it was not possible at the time of writing to quantify the exact timing, or the strength or intensity of the wind and rain, this latest weather warning nonetheless represents a further wake-up call on the issue of climate change, which remains the global challenge of our generation.

Ireland faces significant challenges in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, the profile of which reflects both the structure of our economy as well as the outcome of curtailed public and private investment capacity over the course of recent years.

The options available to reduce emissions here are neither straightforward nor cost-free, but there is one certainty — ignoring the issue of not an option.

The Citizens’ Assembly recently met to consider the topic of ‘Making Ireland a leader in tackling Climate Change’. The fact that the Assembly received 1,200 submissions in its public consultation phase indicates the strength of views within Irish society on the need for Ireland to address this challenge.

Irish per capita emissions remain among the highest in Europe, with agriculture the largest source, accounting for 33pc of total national emissions in 2015, although it must be acknowledged that agri-emissions are currently 5.7pc below 1990 levels and 12.8pc below the 1998 peak.

However, the level of emissions here are still far too high, and difficult decisions will have to be taken if, for example, Ireland is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions as envisaged by at least 80pc, compared to 1990 levels, by 2050.

That said, much work to meet this target is already under way. Ireland’s forests are a significant carbon dioxide sink and the use of forest-based biomass and wood products derived from Irish forests also contributes to climate change mitigation.

Sectors such as energy are showing decreases due to increased use of renewables and improving standards. In 2016, Ireland was more than halfway to meeting its Renewable Energy Directive target. The 2015 Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act will also help the transition to a low carbon economy.

However, further reductions, particularly in the agriculture and transport sectors. There is an urgent need for further policies and regulations in order to meet existing targets and achieve decarbonisation.

The possibility exists that Ophelia may not be a hurricane in meteorological terms when it reaches our part of the world, as she will have moved over the cooler waters of the mid-Atlantic and undergone what is known as extra-tropical transition.

But the threat of wind gusts reaching hurricane force or indeed heavy rainfall with this system, remains, even if the traditional attributes of a hurricane may not be present.

However, it would be advisable to keep safe while Ophelia passes, and also use the opportunity to give careful consideration to how each of us as responsible citizens can play our part in one of the most significant challenges for Ireland and for the international community.