Radical changes in weather forecast

SUMMER temperatures soaring to close to Mediterranean levels in the Midlands, a drop in rainfall by up to 40% in parts of the country and the colder north experiencing similar weather to the present day sunnier south - radical climate change like that will happen in the lifetime of people living today, climate experts say.

While some might joke, the Midlands, with the summer temperature typically touching 24.5, will then be worth visiting, it’s no laughing matter to scientists. Expect rising sea levels and extreme weather events, such as storms, flooding and even prolonged droughts.

The Institute of Physics, which yesterday published a report on the scientific basis for the link between emissions and global warming, believes Ireland has little chance of meeting its target for reducing the amount of harmful carbon dioxide gases being pumped in to the atmosphere.

Under the international Kyoto Agreement, Ireland, between 2008 and 2012, must cut emissions to 13% above the amount in 1990. While work has been done and the increase has slowed, to 25% in 2003, the target will be reached only with a radical change in the way energy is produced and serious lifestyle switches by the general population, physicists argue.

The report is being published to counter sceptics on global warming and emissions.