Unusually high sea surface temperatures are currently affecting the Mediterranean region, with many areas experiencing temperatures as high as 25C to 28C. This will worsen the impact of the heat on the surrounding land. Additionally, the jet stream’s southward shift has directed low pressure systems towards Ireland, leading to cooler and more unsettled weather compared to last month when the jet stream was further north.
The rapid warming of Europe cannot be attributed to a single factor as there are complex relationships between different elements that are still being studied. However, it is undeniable that carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels are a major driver behind this warming trend. If these emissions are not significantly reduced, extreme events like the current heatwave in Europe will become more common. The differences in warming extent globally and within European regions highlight the complexity of the climate system and the increased potential for unexpected events as temperatures rise.
To mitigate these risks, it is crucial to reduce emissions from fossil fuels and limit global warming. Unfortunately, Ireland’s emissions only decreased by 2% last year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. While most sectors contributed to the decline, the transport sector saw a 6% increase in emissions, although it was still 4.6% lower than the pre-pandemic level in 2019. The EPA has identified that increased transport activity from private cars and freight is undermining the benefits of electric vehicles.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has already recognized the substantial damage and irreversible losses caused by climate change to ecosystems in Ireland. The country has committed to national and international obligations to combat climate change, aiming to cut emissions in half by 2030 compared to 2018 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. However, despite some progress, Ireland is facing criticism for its slow pace in addressing climate change.
The ongoing heatwave in southern Europe, as well as in countries like the US and China, serves as a stark reminder of the impact of climate change. The facts surrounding climate change are widely known and acknowledged, but progress is not happening quickly enough to address this global issue.
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