Storm Éowyn made history for Ireland, bringing extreme winds and contributing to a staggering €300 million in insurance claims. It’s just one of many signs that climate change is hitting the country hard, according to a new report from the Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC).
Last year, wildfires surged by 40%, and a spring-summer drought left 15 counties restricted on water use. The transition from drought to intense rain was striking, further highlighting the changing climate. Many communities faced the devastating effects of storms and flooding, which damaged homes, businesses, and crucial infrastructure like energy and telecommunications.
In 2025, summer turned out to be the hottest on record, with nighttime lows not dropping below 19 degrees Celsius at times. This heightened the risk of issues such as algal blooms and diseases like avian flu and ash dieback. The rise of invasive species, including the Asian hornet, was also observed.
The CCAC stated, “Climate change, driven by greenhouse gases, is having measurable impacts in Ireland.” They pointed out the growing risks to communities and the economy due to rising temperatures and more frequent extreme weather.
The report highlighted that the Irish government is not adequately preparing for these risks, mentioning that a promised plan to address the aftermath of Storm Éowyn has yet to be released. The heavy rainfall later in 2025 left soil saturated, causing more floods when Storm Chandra hit in January.
While the costs from last year’s extreme weather are still uncertain, Storm Bram in December alone caused at least €60 million in damage, impacting the vital Great South Wall in Dublin Bay. In total, the CCAC reported that climate-related losses hit €4.1 billion in 2024.
Experts are increasingly stressing the need for change. Prof. Peter Thorne, who leads the CCAC’s adaptation committee, emphasized that climate change is already affecting daily life in Ireland. “We must shift from reacting to extreme weather to preparing for it,” he urged.
Despite some efforts to improve data collection and forecasting for weather and climate hazards, the CCAC pointed out that much more needs to be done. They call for stronger early warning systems and better coordination of information about the impacts of extreme weather. There’s a growing need for cohesive and timely data on aspects like health, social issues, and environmental effects.
As we face climate challenges, understanding and acting on this information could become crucial for safeguarding both the environment and the economy. The ongoing discussions around climate change are not just academic—they’re about real lives and communities, and the time to act is now.
For more insights on this topic, check out the Climate Change Advisory Council’s report.
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