A recent UN report on climate change and rising sea levels have increased calls for action on the climate emergency.
A shocking report released by the UN has shown that much of Ireland’s coast could be underwater by 2030.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released the report last week. It showed that, in the best-case scenario, temperature rise would reach 1.5 C (34.7 F) by 2040.
As a small island nation, Ireland looks set to be among the worst affected areas with rising water levels.
Ireland Before You Die’s top facts about rising sea levels
- Rising sea levels is what refers to the long-term increase in the average level of the Earth’s ocean. Many experts say this is driven by global climate change.
- Two big factors in rising sea levels is the melting of glaciers and ice caps, particularly in the likes of Antarctica, and the thermal expansion of seawater as it heats.
- The rise of sea levels across the world, and not just Ireland, threaten coastal ecosystems. This will have dire consequences for different plant and animal species.
- Rising sea levels present a particular threat to low-lying areas. This would include nations and many coastal cities.
- The effects of rising sea levels, if unchecked, will affect millions of people and their biodiversity and infrastructure. It could lead to the displacement of these people and their relocation.
A shocking report – bad news for Ireland
The IPCC released a map showing the effects of climate change within the next decade to accompany the report.
The terrifying images show that much of Ireland’s coast could be underwater by 2030.
The IPCC predict that areas of Dublin, Belfast, Derry, and Limerick are under serious threat. They assert that rising sea levels could submerge these areas within the next nine years.
LEARN MORE from our article about Climate change Ireland: 5 ways we will be affected
Code red for Ireland – the time to act is now
In the best-case scenario, the IPCC predict that, even with the reduction of greenhouse gases, temperature rise would still reach a whopping 1.5 C (34.7 F) by 2040.
Taoiseach Michéal Martin has labelled the report a “code red” for Ireland. He has urged the world to “act fast” to have any chance of saving the planet.
The Taoiseach released a statement following the release of the shocking report showing that much of Ireland’s coast could be underwater by 2030.
He said, “For the first time, with the highest levels of confidence, scientists assert that human activity is responsible for the warming that we are seeing on our planet today and its related devastating impacts.”
The first-ever regional reports – breaking down the impact of climate change
The report shows that much of Ireland’s coast could be underwater by 2030. This marks the first time the IPCC has broken down the impact of climate change to a local level.
The report shows that the worst affected areas will be Dublin, Cork, Belfast, Derry, and Limerick. At the same time, areas of Kerry, Waterford, Galway, Mayo, Louth, and Donegal are also at increased risk.
The report shows that the coastal Dublin suburb of Howth will become an island. Meanwhile, rising water levels could submerge an area stretching from the city’s port to Trinity College in the city centre.
Further south, the IPCC predict that County Cork towns, including Cobh and Youghal, will be underwater by 2030. Rising water levels could submerge the city’s famous Marina Market, Páirc Ui Chaoimh, and half of University College Cork.
A terrifying prospect – the severity of climate change
In an official statement, Taoiseach Martin reiterated the severity of the report showing that much of Ireland could be underwater by 2030.
He highlighted the increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, floods, droughts, and wildfires, as some of the most terrifying things Ireland can expect to see in coming years.
He said, “Our ways of life – urban, coastal, and rural – will all be impacted by climate change.”
Martin explained that there will be “increasingly devastating consequences for lives, livelihoods, and nature unless immediate action is taken.”
He said we can no longer assign climatic changes to some distant future. “The devastating floods across Europe this summer, raging wildfires across the Mediterranean, and record-breaking heatwaves in the U.S. and Canada are testament to this.”
You can find the full map on the Climate Central website.
READ: 5 other ways Ireland could be affected by climate change
Your questions answered about Ireland’s coast being underwater by 2030
Still have some questions? Then you are in the right place! Here, we have outlined the most frequently asked questions from our readers and online about Ireland’s coast being underwater by 2030.
Is Ireland in danger of rising sea levels?
Yes. Ireland is an island and therefore susceptible to rising sea levels. Indeed, larger local sea level rise has been observed in Dublin and Cork as recently as June 2023.
What is the sea level rise prediction for 2030?
Sea level around the world could rise by between 3 and 4cm by 2030.
Will Ireland survive climate change?
Action needs to be taken to prevent this. Ireland is susceptible due to being an island, with its coastal areas in particular danger.
What will Ireland look like in 2100?
See our article on Sea level rise in Ireland: areas to be underwater by 2100.
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