How Global Warming Endangers Older Adults: Insights from the EPA on Communication, Transport, and Health Risks

Ireland faces serious climate risks, according to a new national assessment. It highlights 43 major dangers tied to global warming, affecting vital sectors like energy, transport, water, and food production. When one area suffers, others can feel the impact too, creating a ripple effect.

For example, recent storms like Éowyn and Darragh disrupted electricity, water supplies, and communications all at once. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published this assessment to help the government, businesses, and communities prepare for these challenges.

The report lists 115 climate-related risks and prioritizes them. Some of the most urgent threats involve damage to energy and communication systems due to extreme winds. In addition, there’s a growing concern about coastal erosion and flooding, which put buildings and transport networks at risk.

Laura Burke, the EPA director, emphasizes that climate change is already affecting Ireland. She stated, "This comprehensive assessment highlights the need for additional urgent action." Recent storms have shown how quickly critical infrastructure can be compromised, which, in turn, impacts public health and biodiversity.

The report calls for action within the next five years to strengthen Ireland’s resilience. Dr. Eimear Cotter, another EPA official, stressed the importance of planning across all sectors. “The risks with the most urgent ratings relate to extreme weather events,” she noted.

Interestingly, while this assessment focuses on specific climate risks, it doesn’t delve into other environmental pressures like pollution or habitat destruction. These issues, however, will become more serious as climate impacts grow.

In 2022, 61% of Irish citizens expressed concern over climate change in a survey conducted by Environmental Education. This shows a rising awareness and urgency among the public.

For more details, you can find the full report on the EPA website and the Climate Ireland adaptation portal.

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