Climate change a threat to a fifth of native plants

A fifth of Ireland’s native plant life are under threat from climate change, it was revealed today.

As the Government launched its latest campaign to highlight the impact of global warming, research showed 171 species of flora could be facing extinction by 2050.

Warmer summers, wetter winters and more frequent and harsher storms could combine to wipe out scores of plants.

The alarming study was carried out by director of the National Botanic Gardens Peter Wyse Jackson who warned of the threat from invasive species and pests and diseases.

The Government’s €15m campaign, launched by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Green Environment Minister John Gormley, aims to alert the public to the potentially devastating result of climate change but also promote change to lessen the effects.

“To those who have not yet engaged with the issue of Climate Change, I would say – look around you. Climate change is real and is not going away,” the Taoiseach said.

“Successfully tackling the issue is crucial to our future well-being and it will occupy our thoughts and actions for several decades.”

The ’Change Your World. Change the World’ campaign includes an advertising drive and a website www.changenow.ie, with tips for people to limit greenhouse gas emissions.

Mr Gormley said the initiative will tap into the enormous wealth of human, intellectual, innovative and common-sense resources in Ireland.

“We all have a vested interest in succeeding in this objective and we all have a responsibility to play our part,” the minister said.

“Doing nothing is not an option. Our only option is to change – Change how we think about climate change and change our behaviour to quickly embrace the reality that we are living in a world in which emissions of greenhouse gases are being progressively restricted.”

As well as the 171 plants under threat a further 74 species on the Irish endangered list may be pushed closer to extinction.

The Government’s campaign encourages local changes and will highlight the potential impacts on Irish society and business of climate change.

It will pay for extensive liaison with and training for the public sector, business and industry regarding green procurement and carbon management, as well as encouraging individuals, communities, schools and third level education campuses to make changes to the way they behave.