Ireland's State of the Environment Report 2024

99 Chapter 4: Climate Change In terms of projections for the With Existing Measures scenario, emissions from the LULUCF sector are projected to increase by 99% between 2022 and 2030. This almost doubling of emissions is projected largely because of the levels of forest harvesting projected for the ageing forest estate. In the With Additional Measures scenario, emissions are projected to increase by 23% between 2022 and 2030. The more ambitious With Additional Measure scenario assumes the full implementation of measures under the 2024 Climate Action Plan, including: ■ afforestation rates increasing to 8000 hectares per annum from 2026 to 2030 ■ water table management on 80,000 hectares of grassland on drained organic soils and improved management of 750,000 hectares grassland on mineral soils ■ the use of cover crops and straw incorporation on cropland ■ additional wetlands being rewetted, restored and rehabilitated over and above those included in the Bord na Móna Peatlands Climate Action Scheme. 5. Adaptation and resilience Adaptation is the process of adjusting to actual or expected climate change and its effects. It is not a one-time emergency response, but a series of measures that are taken to build the resilience of our economy and society to the impacts of climate change. This can ultimately help minimise the emergency response that is necessary when severe weather events occur. Adaptation can also ensure that slower onset impacts, such as sea level rise, biodiversity loss or water supply issues, are accounted for ahead of time, and that measures to minimise their future impacts are put in place. Resilience is the outcome of adaptation and refers to the ability to maintain existing societal functions and environmental quality in the face of climate change. This is achieved by implementing effective adaptation and sustainable development measures, to reduce negative climate impacts while also taking advantage of any opportunities. The wide-ranging impacts on Ireland’s environment, society and economic development, driven by continued increases in the frequency and magnitude of climate hazards, will lead to a range of direct, cascading, compound and transboundary risks, including an increase in the frequency of wildfires; an increase in invasive species; local and transboundary risks to food supplies; increases in flood and drought events including significant cascading and compound impacts on water supply, biodiversity, the built environment, heritage sites and health; and an increase in the frequency of coastal flooding and erosion. This will require us to think differently in terms of spatial and infrastructure planning and construction. This means that our roads, rail, energy, communications, food supply, water supply, health services and buildings will need to be constructed and situated in a way that makes them resilient to these changing future conditions (Figure 4.13). Figure 4.13  Clonakilty flood relief scheme – retention infrastructure Credit: Ward & Burke Ltd.