Climate change impacts are projected to increase in the coming decades – 3CEA working with strategic partners to reduce the negative effects
In the picture from left: Sean Finan – CEO of IRBEA; Hildegarde Naughton TD – Chair of the JOCCAE; Paddy Phelan – CEO 3CEA; Pat Smith – Former CEO of the IFA
The committee of Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment shadows the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and considers general policy matters relating to the functions of the Department.
3CEA are working hard in partnership with key stakeholders to reduce the negative effects of climate change and to avail of positive impacts.
The Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment has a very broad remit over policy areas which impinge on the lives of citizens in every corner of the country. It has an oversight role regarding a number of regulatory bodies such as the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) and the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).
Ireland’s climate in the future
Warming of the climate is happening and it is extremely likely that man has been the main cause of global warming since the mid-20th century. Observations show that global average temperatures have increased by 0.85˚C since 1850 (IPCC, 2013). The atmosphere and oceans are warming and sea levels are rising while the amount of snow and ice is falling. The impacts can be seen on all continents.
Research at national level has shown that changes in Ireland’s climate are in line with global trends.Even if GHG emissions fall to levels required to stop the worst impacts of climate change some changes are still likely to occur. This is because the climate system is slow to react and some changes are already locked in.
The direct impacts of climate change include:
- sea level rise;
- more intense storms and rainfall events;
- increased likelihood and magnitude of river and coastal flooding;
- water shortages in summer ;
- increased risk of new pests and diseases
- adverse impacts on water quality; and
- changes in distribution and phenology (the timing of lifecycle events) of plant and animal species on land and in the oceans.
These will have resulting impacts on our environment, society and economy.
(Reference: https://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/climate-action/topics/adapting-to-climate-change/ireland’s-climate-in-the-future/Pages/default.aspx)
