Climate change must take priority in programme for Government

If allowed to continue unabated, climate change will have potentially catastrophic consequences across the world, writes Catherine Conlon

Catherine Conlon argues that the future of Irish climate has become increasingly uncertain with potentially huge impacts on all aspects of society and the economy. Picture: Karlis Dzjamko

The country ground is in the grip of a "multi-hazard" weather event involving snow, sleet, heavy rain, sub-zero temperatures, power outages, road closures, public transport cancellations, and school closures.

While a new Irish study from climate scientists last week predicts a lot less frost and snow between now and 2030 in Ireland, other climate scientists focus on the high probability (95%) that the Gulf Stream is in danger between 2025 and 2095 if carbon emissions are not reduced. This has the potential to push Irish winters into something akin to Iceland.