Ireland’s economy and society ‘must adapt to challenge of climate change’

MORE frequent flooding, warmer summers and severe storms are expected to present major challenges to Irish businesses over the coming years.

A Forfás report on the future of climate change found that in line with global patterns, Ireland’s climate has changed over the past 100 years and the impacts are expected to increase in the coming decades.

Ireland’s economy and society will have to adapt to the climate getting warmer by between one to four degrees celsius by the end of the century, with the south and east of the country predicted to be the warmest regions, the report said.

Also rainfall patterns are expected to change, with wetter winters in the west and drier summers in the south-east.

Flood events are likely to become more frequent too, according to the report. Sea levels are conservatively predicted to rise by 60cm by the year 2100.

These factors coupled with more frequent and severe stormy weather is expected to present significant challenges for firms.

Chief executive of Forfás, Martin Shanahan, said: “The key is to facilitate Irish businesses in planning ahead so they can minimise risks, reduce costs and realise opportunities arising from climate change adaptation.

“Building awareness and capacity among businesses through supports from business representative bodies, enterprise development agencies and other stakeholders will be central to ensuring successful business adaptation in Ireland.”

Forfás said changes in climate can also bring opportunities as well as risks to Irish businesses.

“Given that Ireland is expected to be relatively less affected by climate change than our key competitor countries, properly managed, Ireland can have competitive advantages through access to significant water resources and an ongoing temperate climate.

“This can present opportunities for indigenous companies to realise these competitive advantages and to promote Ireland as a relatively low risk location for business activity,” said Mr Shanahan.

Enterprise, Trade and Innovation Minister Batt O’Keeffe said the report uncovered strong business opportunities for Irish firms which the Government’s enterprise agencies should target.

“Making infrastructure more climate-resilient presents opportunities for the construction sector while increases in global food demand due to global climate challenges can boost our agri-food sector.”