Ireland’s green meadows could “fade to brown”

A report by the Irish American Climate Project warns that climate change is likely to significantly affect Ireland’s environment and landscape.

The report says that Ireland’s “rich green scenery” could “fade to brown” if climate change isn’t halted. Average temperatures in Ireland have risen much faster than the global average over the past 20 years. Meanwhile, rainfall in Donegal has risen by 30% in the last 100 years.

One of the reports lead scientests, John Sweeney, said that “Climate change has the potential to change the face of Ireland and to transform its environment.

“Changes in temperature, rainfall and storm patterns can subtly yet irrevocably alter the Irish way of life.”

A key feature of climate change will be water shortages and an increased number of “bog bursts”.

Dr Rowan Fealy, another of the report’s authors, said: “Despite the fact that Ireland is renowned for its steady rains, it is deeply ironic that we may face significant seasonal water shortages as a consequence of climate change.”