Climate Change:
Challenges and Opportunities
Dr Frank McGovern
EPA roles on Climate Change
 The provision of annual reports of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions by
sector and removals by sinks;
 National projections of emissions based on national and European policies
and measures;
 Implementation of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme and other market
mechanisms;
 The co-ordination and development of climate change research;
 Provision of scientific and technical input and advice to the Department of
Environment, Community and Local Government, other Government
Departments and State agencies;
 Informing policymakers, stakeholders and the public on environmental issues
and solutions, and promoting good environmental practices;
 Engagement with EU and UN bodies dealing with climate change;
Key messages on climate change
• Climate change is real and poses a global and local threat for social, cultural
and economic development and it will radically change Ireland’s environment
and economy
• Global actions are need to address the drivers of climate change and Ireland
has to play its part
• A transition to a low carbon, climate resilient economy is essential for Ireland
and there are many benefits and opportunities in doing this
• The policy development process needs to act now to address the challenge of
meeting our 2020 emissions targets
•
A positive, environmentally sustainable Vision for Ireland is needed, that is
underpinned by effective policies and measures, a dynamic implementation
process, and robust monitoring, reporting and verification systems
The Science

1850s Carlow born scientist John Tyndall worked out why the Earth is not a
cold barren rock like Mars or the Moon

The reasons include gases like carbon dioxide which trap energy and keep the
Earth warm, these are now called greenhouse gases (GHG)

The more GHGs in the atmosphere, the more energy is trapped and this
potentially changes everything we have taken for granted about our
environment and our climate

Ice melts, oceans warm up, sea level rises, and weather patterns change,
coastal land floods, storms and rainfall become more intense, drought are
prolonged, heat wave are hotter and ecosystems change or disappear

But it’s a complex world and Ireland need to be prepared to meet the
adaptation challenges including dealing with extremes
Global temperature records
show that long term trend
Ranked data show the 1st
decade of the 21st Century
has been warmest on record.
Source: WMO statement on the status of
the Global climate in 2012
The Challenge
Excess Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere is recognised as the main driver of
climate change but there are other important players.
 Carbon Dioxide
There are two main sources of excess carbon dioxide
1.
Fossil fuel use
2.
Land use change and poor management of land and biomass
The other players include

Methane, Nitrous Oxide and Industrial gases are also important

Their sources include, food production and a range of industrial processes
The challenge is to

Break the link between energy and fossil carbon

Ensure that food production and land use sustainable

Don’t allow the release powerful industrial GHGs into the atmosphere
Observed GHG Emissions and Emission Scenarios
Globally Emissions are heading
to a “likely” 4.0-6.1ºC increase
in temperature
Large and sustained mitigation
is required to keep below 2ºC
Source: Peters et al. 2012a; Global Carbon Project 2012;
The Immediate Challenge for Ireland
Additional measures are urgently required for Ireland to
achieve its 2020 emissions targets
The Opportunities
There are major win-wins for society, the environment and the economy
High GHG emissions are an indicator of poor management and sub-optimal
performance,
The more GHGs you produce the less efficient and less profitable you are in
your business, your farm, or your home
Globally non-fossil energy sources can address energy needs
Ireland has major renewable potentials including wind, solar, and biomass
Ireland’s agricultural system is efficient but can be better
Good management of land, live-stock and resources is essential
Sustainable management and improved resource use can increase returns
Targeted innovation, learning and research is essential at all levels and across
Government to enable the required low carbon transition
Vision: Ireland can be a global leader in sustainability.
Conclusion
 Climate change is real and poses a global and local threat for social, cultural and
economic development and it will radically change Ireland’s environment and economy
 Global actions are need to address the drivers of climate change and Ireland has to play
its part
 A transition to a low carbon, climate resilient economy is essential for Ireland and there
are many benefits and opportunities in doing this
 The policy development process needs to act now to address the challenge of meeting
our 2020 emissions targets
 A positive, environmentally sustainable Vision for Ireland is needed, that is underpinned
by effective policies and measures, a dynamic implementation process, and robust
monitoring, reporting and verification systems