Beachgoers use a paddle boat on the coast in Loutraki, about 80km west of Athens, which has been experiencing a severe heatwave. Photo: AP
Caroline O’Doherty
Today at 03:30
A couple of years ago, Rough Guides, producer of handbooks for the independent traveller, published a list of places to visit before climate change did its worst.
Among the destinations featured was Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, a 2,500km coastal route that stretches from Donegal to Cork, taking in some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery along the way.
However, a new report from the Climate Coalition, a UK-based group of environmental organisations, warns that the Wild Atlantic Way is under threat from rising sea levels, increasingly powerful storms and coastal erosion.
The report, titled “The Long Read: The Wild Atlantic Way”, highlights the vulnerability of the route and the urgent need for action to protect it.
According to the report, the Wild Atlantic Way is already experiencing the effects of climate change, with increased erosion and storm damage in some areas.
In addition, rising sea levels are predicted to put large parts of the route at risk in the coming decades.
The report calls on the Irish government to take immediate action to address these threats, including investing in coastal defences, promoting sustainable tourism practices and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
It also urges visitors to the Wild Atlantic Way to consider the environmental impact of their travel choices and to support local businesses that are working to protect the area.
The report’s findings come as Ireland experiences its own heatwave, with temperatures soaring to record highs in recent weeks.
This extreme weather event is consistent with the predictions of climate scientists, who have long warned that global warming will lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves.
The heatwave has had a significant impact on Ireland’s agriculture sector, with farmers struggling to cope with drought conditions and water shortages.
The Irish government has declared a national emergency and introduced measures to support farmers and conserve water supplies.
However, environmentalists argue that these measures are not enough and that more needs to be done to address the root causes of climate change.
They are calling on the government to take stronger action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy.
The heatwave has also had a detrimental effect on Ireland’s wildlife, with reports of fish kills and marine species being pushed to the brink of extinction.
Conservation groups are warning that these events could have long-term consequences for the country’s biodiversity and are urging the government to implement stronger protections for vulnerable species and habitats.
The heatwave has also highlighted the need for better infrastructure and planning to cope with extreme weather events.
In recent weeks, there have been reports of power outages, water shortages and transport disruptions due to the heatwave.
Experts argue that these events are likely to become more frequent and severe in the future and that Ireland needs to invest in resilient infrastructure and develop adaptation strategies.
The government has acknowledged the need for action and has committed to developing a national climate action plan.
However, critics argue that the plan lacks ambition and urgency and that more needs to be done to meet Ireland’s international obligations to tackle climate change.
As the heatwave continues, it serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the impacts of climate change and transition to a more sustainable and resilient future.
The Wild Atlantic Way is just one example of the many places around the world that are under threat from rising temperatures and extreme weather events.
It is up to governments, businesses and individuals to take action to protect these precious places for future generations.
The time for action is now.