11% increase in rainfall predicted
An 11% increase in rainfall in Ireland is predicted by 2050 as a result of climate change, according to Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) boss David Taylor.
Many scientists now agree that fossil fuels, which provide the bulk of our energy, release carbon dioxide and are largely responsible for climate change.
According to research commissioned with SEI support, by 2050 Ireland’s winters will be wetter, with an increased risk of flooding as a result of more frequent storms and localised rainfall.
The temperature in January will have increased by 1.5 degrees celsius. Winter conditions in the North and the north midlands will be similar to the south west coast today. Rainfall will increase by 11%.
Mr Taylor said: "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.
"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."
