Dublin: Environment Minister Eamon Ryan has issued a stark warning that climate change could force people in Ireland to migrate due to increasingly extreme weather conditions. Speaking at the Kennedy Summer School in Wexford, Ryan, a former leader of the Green Party, highlighted the growing concerns among scientists regarding the potential disruption of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). This crucial oceanic system, which regulates the exchange of water between the world’s oceans, is at risk due to global temperature variations driven by climate change, posing a significant threat to humanity.
The minister warned that if these dire predictions materialise, temperatures in northern European countries, including Ireland, could plummet by as much as 15 degrees. Although this dramatic decline may not occur within the next year or two, it could happen in the near future, leading to alarmingly low temperatures. In addition to the cold, other severe climate impacts are expected, such as the cessation of the Amazonian wet seasons and a rapid rise in sea levels—potentially tens of thousands of centimetres faster than currently anticipated—threatening coastal cities worldwide.
Ireland is expected to be one of the countries most affected by these climatic changes. Ryan pointed out that the country has already begun to experience unusually cold weather in recent years, which could be an early indicator of what is to come. He emphasised the need for Ireland to adopt a proactive and humane approach to climate migration, asserting that the nation must play a leading role in global efforts to combat climate change and support those displaced by its effects.
While much of the attention has been focused on international climate migration, Minister Ryan did not rule out the possibility of internal migration within Ireland as a result of climate change. For instance, rising sea levels and worsening storm conditions could compel coastal communities to move inland. Additionally, changes in climate patterns could negatively impact agriculture, leading to economic hardship in rural areas and forcing residents to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Minister Ryan called on the Irish people to unite in the fight against climate change by embracing climate action, including transitioning to renewable energy, expanding public transport, and promoting sustainable agriculture. He underscored the importance of these measures in mitigating the impacts of climate change and preventing future migration crises.
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