Rainfall in Ireland will increase by 11 per cent over the next 45 years as a result of global warming, it was claimed today.
Chief Executive of Sustainable Energy Ireland David Taylor told a conference in Dublin this morning there was an need for action to avoid such a scenario.
Chief Executive of Sustainable Energy Ireland David Taylor
Mr Taylor is chairing the Weathering the Storm conference organised by SEI in Dublin today. This week is Energy Awareness Week.
According to research commissioned with SEI support, the impact of climate change on Ireland by 2050 will be sizeable, Mr Taylor said.
Ireland's winters will be wetter, with an increased risk of flooding as a result of more frequent storms and localised rainfall, he said.
Winter conditions in Northern Ireland and the north midlands will be similar to the south west coast today, but rainfall will increase by 11 per cent, he added.
"Climate Change is already starting to affect Ireland, as evidenced in recent years by the increase in extreme weather events such as floods and storms," Mr Tayor said.
"Already there has been a noticeable increase in flooding, particularly in the west of Ireland. Likewise we have experienced more summer droughts. If this continues the impacts will be substantial.
"The increasing reality of climate change means that acting alone is not an option - not for government, companies or individuals. The Kyoto protocol ensures that we all have a meaningful part to play and the theme of this year's energy awareness week has been to urge people to take action to combat climate change".