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Chapter 13: Environmental Challenges and Emerging Issues for Ireland
Environmental Challenges for Ireland
Introduction
There are many positive aspects associated with Ireland’s
environment. Air quality is generally classified as good
(EPA, 2015a). We still have good-quality water in many
rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters, which support
important habitats and species (EPA, 2015b). Excellent
progress has been made in meeting EU waste recycling,
recovery and diversion targets (EPA, 2016a).
The critical role that our environment plays in delivering
health benefits and significant economic advantages
for our society is now beginning to be appreciated. This
appreciation must be further realised through coherent
and integrated national social and economic policies.
Ireland is at a crossroads as to how it addresses the global
environmental challenge of climate change. In the longer
term national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have
increased when measured against 1990 levels; this is at
odds with the overall achievements of the EU, where
GHG emissions have decreased (EEA, 2016). In recent
years national GHG emissions have decreased. However,
projections of future emissions suggest that this trend
will be reversed in the near future and Ireland may fail to
meet the 2020 emissions targets and not be on track for
necessary decarbonisation (EPA, 2016b).
Our national values system has evolved to a stage that
sees conspicuous consumption as socially desirable.
Moreover, the rise of individualism is dictating
behaviours that are not always in the best interests of
society or the environment. This is not a sustainable
pathway for any nation. Recent national actions to
engage communities in environmental protection and
sustainable development are seen as central to delivering
the future we need. This strengthening is also being led
by some of our more enlightened businesses through
corporate social engagement.
There are also significant water pollution risks specific to
Ireland that will remain a challenge unless underinvestment
in water services is reversed and measures are
implemented to ensure that the intensification of the
agriculture, fisheries and food sectors under Food Wise
2025 does not have a negative effect on the environment
and biodiversity (EPA, 2015a,b,c).