How Will Climate Change Affect Ireland?

According to the EPA, the changes Ireland can expect include: wind speed variations, increased river and coastal flooding, altered plant distribution, and drinking water shortages. Recent summer heatwaves have demonstrated how rainfall deficits can impact agriculture and daily life across the country.

The agency states that “human activity is responsible for a 1-degree change” in global temperatures. Failure to curb emissions prevents achieving the Paris Agreement target of “1.5 or 2 degrees Celsius maximum” — representing an irreversible damage threshold.

What Is a Heatwave?

Met Éireann defines Irish heatwaves as “five days or more in which the average daytime temperature exceeds 25°C.” Dublin’s Phoenix Park recorded 33.1°C — the hottest day in Ireland in 135 years — nearly matching 1987’s 33.3°C record. A yellow alert was issued, advising preventative measures without classifying conditions as direct danger.

What Causes a Heatwave?

Heatwaves result from summer high-pressure areas. The “Azores High” system — typically positioned around northern Spain — shifted northward, bringing unusual warmth. Greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane) from fossil fuels, industrial practices, and non-eco materials trap atmospheric heat, causing global warming and climate change.

Emission rates accelerated drastically in the last century due to population growth, deforestation, and harmful resource development like plastics. Both pressure system movement and global warming contributed to recent Irish heatwaves.

What Warning Levels Are There?

Met Éireann weather warning levels
Level Description
Yellow Preventative action advised; weather not yet classified as danger
Orange Preventative actions strongly advised; expect disruptions to industry, transport, and day-to-day activities
Red Extreme disruptions expected; weather poses direct health risk

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What Are Ireland’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions?

Global warming stems from significant fossil fuel burning increases since the mid-18th century industrial revolution. Since 2005, Ireland has reduced annual emissions by 18% — from 67,712 to 55,791 kilotons of CO2 (2020). However, achieving “net-zero by 2050” requires accelerated progress.

Ireland’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Kilo Tons CO2)

Source: EPA Ireland — National Emissions Inventories

The SEAI divides emissions into four categories:

  1. Large Industry — Cement factories, aviation companies, major energy consumers
  2. Residential and Small Businesses — Home carbon footprints, private vehicles, small business energy consumption
  3. Agriculture Industry — Farm animal methane releases (significant compared to other European nations)
  4. Other — Landfills, refrigeration needs, etc.

Ireland’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Sector (2020)

Source: EPA Ireland — Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Sector 2020

What Is Ireland Doing About Climate Change?

Ireland’s response divides into two categories:

1. Mitigation

Incentives and actions aimed at changing behaviours:

2. Adaptation

Steps protecting communities from forthcoming weather events:

  • Latest National Adaptation Framework (NAF)
  • Land use policies (water and agriculture protection)
  • Improved Building Development Guidelines (to withstand severe winds and rainfall)

Met Éireann monitors weather patterns, providing estimates that help policymakers, farmers, and institutions take climate action today.

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What Can I Do to Prevent Climate Change in Ireland?

While preventing climate change entirely is no longer possible, individuals can reduce gas emissions and help Ireland meet its carbon targets.

1. Use 100% Green Energy

Six of Ireland’s eleven energy providers offer 100% renewable electricity (solar, wind, hydro, biomass). Switching providers is easy and can also lower your monthly bills per CRU guidance.

2. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

Address plastic waste, reduce energy use, and find cost-of-living solutions that also benefit the environment.

3. Buy Local

Support local businesses, reducing transportation costs and emissions while encouraging planet-conscious enterprises.

4. Use Public Transport

Eliminate private vehicle fumes by using public transit, bicycles, or hybrid/electric vehicles. Charging stations are increasingly accessible across Ireland.

5. Upgrade Your Home

Actions for both renters and homeowners:

All Environment & Renewable Energy Guides

Electric Cars in Ireland

A complete guide to electric cars, including costs, SEAI grants, and charging options.

EV Charging Stations

How to charge your electric vehicle, including home chargers and public charging networks.

Hybrid Cars in Ireland

How hybrid cars work, types available, and whether they are worth the investment.

Microgeneration in Ireland

How microgeneration works, including selling excess electricity back to the grid.

Passive Houses

What passive houses are, how they work, and whether they are a worthwhile investment.

Renewable Energy in Ireland

How much of Ireland's energy is renewable and the country's targets for 2030.

Wind Energy in Ireland

How wind energy works in Ireland, onshore and offshore developments, and capacity.

Solar Panels in Ireland

Complete guide to solar panel costs, SEAI grants, savings, and installation in Ireland.

Solar Energy in Ireland

How solar energy works and its potential for Irish homes and businesses.

Carbon Footprint & Offsetting

How to measure and reduce your carbon footprint, including offsetting options.

Paris Agreement & Ireland

Ireland's commitments under the Paris Agreement and progress towards climate targets.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Climate Change and Energy in Ireland

According to the EPA, Ireland can expect wind speed variations, increased river and coastal flooding, altered plant distribution, and drinking water shortages. Recent heatwaves have already demonstrated how changing weather patterns impact agriculture and daily life.

Since 2005, Ireland has reduced annual emissions by 18% — from 67,712 to 55,791 kilotons of CO2 (2020). The main sectors are residential (38.9%), agriculture (37.3%), industry (20.4%), and other (3.4%). Achieving net-zero by 2050 requires accelerated progress.

Mitigation involves incentives and actions that change behaviours to reduce emissions — such as promoting electric vehicles and renewable energy. Adaptation involves steps to protect communities from climate impacts, such as improved building guidelines and land use policies.

The top actions include: switching to a 100% green energy provider, reducing waste (reduce, reuse, recycle), buying local, using public transport or electric vehicles, and upgrading your home with SEAI-funded insulation, heat pumps, or solar panels.

Met Éireann defines an Irish heatwave as five or more consecutive days where the average daytime temperature exceeds 25°C. Dublin’s Phoenix Park recorded 33.1°C — the hottest day in 135 years. Warning levels range from Yellow (preventative action) through Orange (disruptions expected) to Red (direct health risk).

Further Reading