Challenges ahead as climate changes

UNLESS they’ve been abroad on skiing holidays, many young Irish people have never seen a real heavy fall of snow, or extended periods of winter frost.

These matters came up in conversations with members of the rising generation during Christmas — discussions that made yours truly seem very old, indeed.

It all arose during our reminiscence of the harsh winter of 1963 when a deep blanket of snow covered much of the Irish countryside for over a month. It was a great time for us children because many rural schools were closed. Mounds of drifting snow made some boreens virtually impassable and even dangerous for pupils who walked miles to school.

The country didn’t exactly grind to a halt, but transport was severely restricted. The memory of Volkswagen Beetles and Morris Minors with ropes and chains tied around the wheels in an effort to get a grip on the snow is still fresh. So too is a recollection of the frosty air to which we became so accustomed in the long days of play during the additional holidays. It was like having the Alps at home.

Nowadays, we don’t get anything like the same amount of snow or frost. The number of frost days in Ireland has halved in the past 30 years.

We’re about to move into 2008 and everyone accepts climate change is here. And it is not just about ice melting in the Arctic or the plight of the polar bear. Here, the effects are everywhere to be seen.

Even our traditional rainy weather is changing. Instead of drizzles and soft-falling rain, we’re seeing heavier downpours which are more tropical in nature.

More water can bucket down in 15 minutes than would in, say, what felt like days of never-ending drizzles in yesteryear.

Scientists, who should know what they’re talking about, confirm the 1990’s was the warmest decade in the past 100 years.

In Ireland, this is leading to milder winters and hotter summers. You might argue the dreadful summer of 2007 does not conform to that theory. Don’t forget, however, that, in complete contrast, we had a drought in the summer of 2006. All of which goes to show we’re experiencing weather conditions which are changing the face of the planet.

We’re also subject to more tropical storms coming in from the Atlantic. More landslides are occurring, with examples in Mayo, Galway and Kerry, because of changing weather patterns.

There are also long-lasting effects on crops, vegetables and plants that have been grown here for generations.

Even the humble spud is at risk and there are warnings that by 2050 it may be no longer possible to grow potatoes in parts of Ireland. The reason? Shortage of moisture during the summer growing period.

By the mid-century, it is predicted there will be 30% less rain in the south and east of the country, which could lead to droughts. Potato growers may be forced to store water and install irrigation systems if they are to remain in business.

We’re living at a time when there’s virtually all-year grass growth. Just look at all the freshly-mown lawns that were given a final cut in the weeks prior to Christmas.

The crop-growing season is reported to be two weeks longer — some people would say several weeks — and even this year, farmers had difficulty in harvesting some crops, such as potatoes, because of increasing rainfall in the autumn and early winter.

Studies are also being carried out to produce new berries that can be grown during our warmer winters. Vineyards may even spring up to satisfy the growing wine market. We could yet have vintages from Lee Valley, or Sliabh na mBan.

The big challenge meanwhile, is to reduce greenhouse gases and a major piece of research into how Ireland can do just that is being carried out by Comhar Sustainable Development Council.

The research will focus on how a “Cap and Share” mechanism can be used to cut greenhouse gases in those sectors which are excluded from the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, such as the transport and households.

Under Cap and Share, a limit is placed on national greenhouse emissions every year. Yet again, financial incentives are to be used, with those using more fossil fuels facing higher costs. Those who reduce their fossil fuel consumption will be better off.

This cap would correspond to the national target to reduce greenhouse gases by 20% below 1990 levels by 2020.

The Government has committed Ireland to reductions of, on average, 3% every year.

While welcoming our first carbon budget, including reforms of motor tax and vehicle registration, and a ban on incandescent light bulbs, comhar chairman Frank Convery emphasised a need for extra measures to reduce emissions.