Ireland faces a climate “disaster” if the perfect storm of extreme weather, a change in rain levels, warmer weather and rising seas combine, an expert warned.
Dr Ina Kelly says these changes in isolation will challenge us, but added together will could pose “a potential climate disaster for many Irish people”.
The HSE consultant in public health medicine was speaking today at a seminar on climate change and its impact on public health, at the Irish Medical Organisation AGM in Killarney, Co Kerry.
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She said: “It is good to see more emphasis on the environment, but up to now that emphasis has been on mitigation which is essential, but not enough.
“We need to move to an adaptive approach to secure our environment. If we don’t, think about how many people will lose their houses and livelihoods, and the subsequent effect on their health. The effects could be monumental.”
Dr Kelly said the health service also needs to adapt in order to deal with the climate change threat.
She added: “Some of our hospital buildings are probably not fit for purpose even now, in terms of room temperature control and hygiene facilities.
“In the context of doctors leaving the country in their thousands, the future of healthcare is very concerning and greater focus is required on getting the basics right.”
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