Ireland’s Climate Change Crisis: What’s Really Happening in 2025?

Ireland climate change is accelerating at an alarming rate, with average temperatures having risen by approximately 1°C over the last century. This warming trend is undeniable—16 of our 20 warmest years have been recorded since 1990, with the last decade (2010-2019) standing as the warmest on record.

The effects of climate change across Ireland are already evident and increasingly severe. Rainfall patterns have shifted dramatically, with an increase of approximately 60mm (5%) in average annual precipitation compared to previous decades. Meanwhile, global sea levels have been rising at 3.6mm per year between 2006-2015—a rate 2.5 times faster than during the previous century. Furthermore, approximately 85% of Ireland’s EU-protected habitats now exist in an unfavourable state, highlighting the devastating impact on our natural environment.

Despite this troubling trajectory, Ireland’s response remains insufficient. While we’ve improved our ranking to 29th in the Climate Change Performance Index, our current policies may only achieve a 29% reduction in emissions by 2030—far short of our 42% target. Moreover, data centres now consume over 20% of our electricity, potentially reaching 30% by 2030, further threatening our carbon footprint. As we look ahead to future impacts, projections indicate our average temperatures will increase by 1-1.6°C by mid-century, depending on global emission trajectories.

What’s already changed: Ireland’s climate in 2025

As I walk through the Irish countryside today, the landscape tells a story of rapid environmental change. The Ireland climate change situation has intensified significantly in recent years, with tangible shifts that have reshaped our natural environment in alarming ways.

Temperature and rainfall trends

The data paints a troubling picture of Ireland’s changing climate. Annual mean temperatures have already risen by 0.9°C between 1900 and 2021, with 2023 marking the warmest year on record. Additionally, nights have grown notably warmer, with minimum temperatures increasing at a faster rate than daytime maximums.

These temperature changes have brought substantial shifts in our seasonal patterns. Spring now arrives approximately 10 days earlier than it did in the 1970s, disrupting agricultural cycles and natural ecosystems. The warming trend continues to accelerate, with Ireland experiencing a rise of 0.07°C per decade before 1993, jumping to 0.33°C per decade afterwards—a nearly fivefold increase.

Rainfall patterns have also transformed dramatically. Annual precipitation has increased by approximately 7% (60mm) across the country since 1990, with particularly heavy impacts on western regions. Consequently, the frequency of heavy rainfall events has risen by about 20%, contributing to devastating flooding events throughout the country.

Biodiversity and habitat loss

The ecological consequences of these climate shifts have been profound. Currently, 85% of Ireland’s EU-protected habitats are classified as being in “unfavourable” condition, highlighting the widespread degradation of our natural environment. Peatlands, which store enormous amounts of carbon, have been especially hard-hit, with nearly 80% damaged to some degree.

Bird populations tell a particularly worrying story:

• 63% of Ireland’s bird species are now on the conservation concern list
• 25% of breeding species face serious population declines
• Key species like curlews have plummeted to fewer than 150 breeding pairs nationwide

Our marine ecosystems face equally severe pressures, with Atlantic salmon populations having declined by over 70% in recent decades. Warming waters have driven cold-water species northward, fundamentally altering the composition of Ireland’s coastal waters.

Sea level rise and coastal threats

Ireland’s 7,500km coastline stands increasingly vulnerable as sea levels continue their relentless rise. Measurements show sea levels around Ireland have risen by 2-3mm annually since the 1990s, a rate that has accelerated in recent years. In particularly vulnerable areas like Dublin Bay, the increase reaches 6-7mm per year—almost twice the global average.

This rising tide has led to intensified coastal erosion, with some eastern coastlines retreating by up to 1.6 metres annually. The economic consequences are already substantial, with property damage from coastal flooding estimated at €58 million per year, projected to reach €1.15 billion annually by 2050 if current trends continue.

Particularly concerning are our coastal communities, where approximately 40% of Ireland’s population resides within 5km of the shore. Critical infrastructure, including transport networks, water treatment facilities, and power generation plants, face growing threats from storm surges and coastal flooding.

As we look at the Ireland climate change impact in 2025, these changes aren’t abstract projections—they represent measurable, observable shifts happening before our eyes. The evidence undeniably points to a climate system undergoing rapid transformation, with consequences that have already begun reshaping our landscapes, ecosystems, and communities.

Why Ireland is struggling to meet climate goals

Despite increasing climate awareness, Ireland continues to face significant hurdles in meeting its climate objectives. As of 2025, the gap between ambition and achievement remains substantial, with several interconnected factors hampering progress.

High emissions and fossil fuel reliance

The foundation of Ireland’s climate struggle lies in its extraordinary dependence on fossil fuels. Currently, 85.8% of Ireland’s primary energy comes from oil, natural gas, coal, and peat ^[1], making it one of Europe’s most fossil-fuel dependent countries. This reliance creates both environmental and economic vulnerabilities, with Ireland importing a staggering 81.6% of its total primary energy requirement ^[2].

In particular, transport remains tightly bound to fossil fuels, with 93.9% of road transport energy still derived from these sources ^[2]. Indeed, transport emissions have grown dramatically, increasing by 134% between 1990 and 2023 ^[1], creating one of the most challenging sectors for decarbonisation.

Nevertheless, there has been some progress. Energy-related emissions decreased by 6.8% in 2023 compared to 2022 ^[3]. However, this reduction pace remains insufficient for Ireland to meet its legally binding targets. To comply with the first Carbon Budget, Ireland must achieve an extremely challenging annual reduction of 8.3% for each year from 2024 to 2025 ^[3].

Slow progress on renewable energy

Although Ireland has made notable strides in renewable electricity—increasing from 5% to 39% since 2005 ^[4]—this progress falls considerably short of national ambitions. Under current targets, Ireland must increase its renewable energy share to 43% by 2030, yet in 2023, this figure stood at only 15%—even below the 16% benchmark level ^[5].

A primary obstacle is Ireland’s planning system, which has created significant bottlenecks for renewable projects. As evidence of this problem, only one wind farm successfully passed through the planning process in Ireland during a recent 12-month period, with decisions taking up to 90 weeks on average ^[4].

Simultaneously, Ireland’s electricity demand is growing faster than its renewable infrastructure can be built. Data centres alone have dramatically increased energy consumption, with demand in the ICT subsector rising by almost 18% in 2021 ^[4]. Consequently, meeting the 80% renewable electricity target by 2030 appears increasingly unattainable without substantial policy changes.

Policy gaps and weak enforcement

At the heart of Ireland’s climate challenges lies a governance framework that has proven inadequate for the task at hand. According to research, several critical barriers undermine implementation efforts:

• A perceived lack of urgency where climate change isn’t viewed as an immediate threat ^[6]
• Climate adaptation unsuccessfully competing with short-term political and economic priorities ^[6]
• Centralised governance structures and siloed thinking across departments ^[6]
• Weak coordination between national and local bodies ^[7]

Furthermore, the financial implications of policy failures are substantial. If Ireland fails to meet its EU targets, costs could range between €5 billion and €16 billion to purchase emissions allocations from other countries ^[5]. Unfortunately, this situation is complicated by the fact that “there will probably be a shortage of Emissions Allocations to go around” ^[5] as more EU countries miss their targets.

In addition, although Ireland’s 2025 Climate Action Plan maintains critical targets to reduce emissions by 51% by 2030 (compared to 2018), it “contains few additional policies measures” ^[8] beyond what had been previously proposed. Environmental groups have criticised the plan for “failing to address failures to meet legally binding emissions reductions” ^[8].

Despite these challenges, Ireland has complied with its EU Effort Sharing Regulation commitments for 2021-2023, albeit with the use of allowed flexibilities ^[3]. Yet without substantial course correction, Ireland will struggle to achieve its more ambitious future targets, as emissions in 2023 were only 10.1% below 2005 levels—far from the 42% reduction required by 2030 ^[3].

The human cost of climate inaction

_{Image Source: Environment Ireland}

Beyond political failures and missed targets, the true cost of climate inaction in Ireland is measured in human lives and livelihoods. The consequences of our warming climate are no longer theoretical concerns but present-day realities affecting Irish citizens in increasingly direct ways.

Effects of climate change on health and wellbeing

Climate change fundamentally threatens Irish public health through multiple interrelated pathways. Higher temperatures are directly linked to increased emergency hospital admissions ^[9], with heat-related health impacts becoming increasingly common. These include rising cases of melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancers, eye damage, asthma attacks, and COPD ^[10].

The health threats extend well beyond heatwaves. Flooding and severe weather events—growing more frequent across Ireland—present clear dangers to physical safety while simultaneously disrupting essential healthcare services ^[10]. Furthermore, changing climate conditions are creating fertile ground for disease spread, with projected increases in:

• Food-borne infections through parasites and enteric viruses ^[10]
• Waterborne diseases like cholera ^[10]
• Respiratory diseases from elevated ozone levels and wildfire pollution ^[10]

Crucially, the mental health burden of climate change is substantial yet often overlooked. Research in climate-vulnerable regions reveals “extremely high levels of anxiety, depression, and climate change worry” ^[11], with many experiencing profound hopelessness about the future. As one study participant expressed, “I have no idea what I can do to be happy” ^[11]. Such climate anxiety affects both those directly impacted by extreme weather and those concerned about future threats ^[12].

Economic risks for agriculture and tourism

The financial toll of climate inaction threatens two pillars of Ireland’s economy: agriculture and tourism. Agricultural impacts are mixed but primarily negative. Though CO₂ fertilisation may moderately benefit crops like barley and wheat ^[9], this advantage is outweighed by increased flood damage, projected to cost an additional €1 billion annually in coming years ^[13].

For tourism—already struggling with sustainability challenges—climate change presents substantial risks. Transport, which generates 70% of Irish tourism emissions ^[14], faces growing disruption from extreme weather events ^[15]. Coastal attractions are particularly vulnerable, with rising seas threatening popular beaches and links golf courses facing accelerated erosion and water management challenges ^[16].

Water-based tourism activities confront dual threats: flooding making navigation dangerous during winter months, while summer water shortages affect everything from golf course maintenance to basic visitor services ^[16]. Fishing tourism—a significant revenue generator—is jeopardised as higher water temperatures make it difficult for salmon and trout to spawn ^[16].

Overall, unless Ireland accelerates climate action, these human and economic costs will only intensify. As the Climate Change Advisory Council warns, these impacts highlight “ever increasing threats to both lives and livelihoods” ^[17], with vulnerable populations bearing the greatest burden.

What’s working: Promising climate solutions in Ireland

Amid the challenges Ireland faces, several promising initiatives are creating hope in our fight against climate change. These solutions offer practical pathways toward meeting our ambitious climate goals, even as the broader struggle continues.

Peatland restoration and biodiversity projects

Ireland’s peatlands, when healthy, serve as crucial carbon sinks rather than sources. The groundbreaking LIFE Peatlands and Nature project represents a major step forward, with €20.6 million invested to restore 2,649 hectares of protected raised bog habitat across 7 sites. This restoration work is expected to prevent approximately 11,352 tonnes of carbon emissions annually—equivalent to removing 3,451 cars from Irish roads each year.

Throughout the country, community-led initiatives are reconnecting people with nature while restoring vital habitats. The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan has catalysed over 300 communities to protect declining bee populations through targeted interventions, creating essential ecological corridors in the process.

Growth in solar and offshore wind

On the energy front, Ireland’s renewable sector is steadily expanding. Solar capacity has grown substantially, with nearly 500MW of solar PV projects commissioned through the first Renewable Electricity Support Scheme auction. Even more promising, offshore wind development is accelerating, with potential to generate up to 30GW from our abundant coastal resources.

The ESB’s Green Atlantic project at Moneypoint symbolises this transition, transforming a coal-fired power station into a green energy hub focused on offshore wind production. This renewal will create hundreds of jobs while significantly boosting clean energy capacity.

EU funding and local innovation

EU support remains vital to Ireland’s climate response. The €10.8 billion EU Just Transition Fund is directing essential resources toward counties most affected by decarbonisation. This funding is enabling innovative projects like Kerry’s anaerobic digestion facilities that convert farm waste into renewable energy.

Local authorities are likewise stepping up, with Dublin City Council implementing a climate action plan featuring nature-based solutions for flood management and expanding cycling infrastructure. These community-level innovations demonstrate how Ireland is developing practical, effective responses to the climate crisis, even as significant challenges remain.

What needs to happen next

Standing at this critical juncture in 2025, Ireland must now take bold, systemic action to address the widening gap between climate ambitions and practical implementation.

Stronger climate laws and enforcement

First and foremost, Ireland requires more robust enforcement of existing environmental regulations. The EPA has identified 20 national environmental enforcement priorities covering air quality, water quality, waste management and noise ^[18]. Yet six local authorities failed to achieve required enforcement scores in 10 or more priority areas ^[18], highlighting inconsistent implementation. The Supreme Court’s striking down of the National Mitigation Plan underscores the importance of specificity in planned actions ^[19].

As Ireland currently tracks toward only a 29% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030—far short of its 51% target ^[20]—strengthened governance frameworks are essential. Meeting these targets demands unprecedented levels of private and public investment in large-scale infrastructure ^[19]. In essence, Ireland must rapidly streamline consenting and permitting processes while evolving regulated market systems to facilitate renewables deployment ^[19].

Public engagement and education

Equally important, public acceptance of climate risks remains one of the biggest challenges to meaningful action ^[21]. Effective climate action requires both top-down policies and bottom-up citizen demand for change ^[21]. The Department of Transport’s Strategic Approach recognises that engagement must be a two-way process where the state not only leads but also listens and learns ^[22].

Specifically, the Citizens’ Assembly model demonstrates how deliberative engagement can effectively address complex climate challenges ^[23]. Given that profound societal transformation isn’t possible without citizen engagement at its core ^[23], Ireland must foster momentum across all age groups through educational initiatives and community-based programmes ^[21].

Ireland’s role in global climate leadership

Looking beyond domestic concerns, Ireland possesses a unique opportunity for international climate leadership. With its combination of accumulated wealth, social solidarity, and commitment to fairness ^[24], Ireland is positioned to demonstrate bold leadership in climate justice.

Importantly, avoiding the financial penalties of climate inaction—potentially €8.1 billion to €20 billion ^[25]—requires immediate, decisive action rather than incremental change ^[26]. By reorienting economic systems toward regenerative investments in communities ^[24] and creating a collaborative approach between government, industry and academia ^[26], Ireland can transform itself into a leading destination for green investment while securing its position as a global climate leader ^[26].

Conclusion

A critical moment for Ireland’s climate future

As we’ve seen throughout this examination of Ireland’s climate crisis, the evidence presents an undeniable truth: climate change has already transformed our landscape, threatening both our natural heritage and economic stability. The warming trend continues at an alarming pace, with sea levels rising, biodiversity declining, and extreme weather events becoming increasingly common across our island nation.

Despite our improved ranking on the Climate Change Performance Index, Ireland still falls significantly short of its targets. Our continued reliance on fossil fuels, sluggish renewable energy development, and inadequate policy enforcement have created a substantial gap between climate ambitions and actual progress. Therefore, the path forward requires immediate, decisive action rather than gradual adjustments.

Though the challenges appear daunting, promising solutions have emerged. Peatland restoration projects, expanding solar and offshore wind capacity, and community-led biodiversity initiatives demonstrate that effective climate action is possible. Nevertheless, these efforts must be dramatically scaled up if we hope to achieve our 51% emissions reduction target by 2030.

The human cost of inaction cannot be overstated. From increasing health risks and mental health burdens to significant economic threats facing our agricultural and tourism sectors, climate change affects every aspect of Irish life. Accordingly, our response must be comprehensive, involving strengthened laws, consistent enforcement, and genuine public engagement.

The coming years will undoubtedly define Ireland’s climate legacy. While we face substantial obstacles, we also possess unique opportunities to lead on the global stage through our commitment to climate justice and community-centred solutions. Whether we succeed depends on our willingness to transform ambitious targets into concrete actions—starting now, not tomorrow.

FAQs

Q1. How is climate change affecting Ireland in 2025?
Ireland is experiencing rising temperatures, increased rainfall, and sea level rise. Average temperatures have increased by about 1°C over the last century, with 16 of the 20 warmest years recorded since 1990. Annual precipitation has increased by approximately 60mm (5%) compared to previous decades, and sea levels are rising at an accelerated rate of 3.6mm per year.

Q2. What are the main challenges Ireland faces in meeting its climate goals?
Ireland struggles with high emissions due to fossil fuel dependence, slow progress in renewable energy development, and weak policy enforcement. The country is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with 85.8% of its primary energy coming from oil, natural gas, coal, and peat. Additionally, the planning system has created bottlenecks for renewable projects, and there are gaps in policy implementation and coordination between national and local bodies.

Q3. How is climate change impacting Ireland’s economy?
Climate change poses significant risks to key sectors of Ireland’s economy, particularly agriculture and tourism. Agriculture faces increased flood damage, projected to cost an additional €1 billion annually in coming years. Tourism is threatened by extreme weather events, rising seas affecting coastal attractions, and changes in water availability impacting various activities. These impacts could result in substantial economic losses if not addressed.

Q4. What positive steps is Ireland taking to combat climate change?
Ireland is making progress in several areas, including peatland restoration, biodiversity conservation, and renewable energy development. The LIFE Peatlands and Nature project is restoring protected bog habitats, preventing significant carbon emissions. Solar and offshore wind capacity is expanding, with projects like the Green Atlantic initiative at Moneypoint. Additionally, EU funding is supporting innovative local projects in renewable energy and climate adaptation.

Q5. What actions does Ireland need to take to improve its climate response?
Ireland needs to strengthen its climate laws and enforcement mechanisms, ensuring consistent implementation of environmental regulations across all local authorities. Public engagement and education on climate issues must be prioritised to build support for necessary changes. Furthermore, Ireland should aim to take a leadership role in global climate action, leveraging its unique position to demonstrate bold initiatives in climate justice and community-centred solutions.

References

[1] – https://www.epa.ie/publications/monitoring–assessment/assessment/state-of-the-environment/EPA-SOER-2024-Chapter-12-EnvironmentEnergy.pdf
[2] – https://www.seai.ie/sites/default/files/publications/Energy-in-Ireland-2023.pdf
[3] – https://www.epa.ie/news-releases/news-releases-2024/irelands-greenhouse-gas-emissions-in-2023-lowest-in-three-decades-.php
[4] – https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2023/10/26/hitting-2030-renewable-energy-target-a-big-challenge-for-ireland/
[5] – https://www.climatecouncil.ie/councilpublications/otherpublications/Ireland’s climate action and the potential costs of missing targets FINAL.pdf
[6] – https://www.epa.ie/publications/research/climate-change/research-481-addressing-the-political-economic-barriers-to-climate-adaptation-in-ireland.php
[7] – https://dcuwater.ie/2025/04/09/overcoming-barriers-to-climate-adaptation-in-ireland/
[8] – https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/climate-crisis/2025/04/15/measures-in-2025-climate-plan-will-be-at-centre-of-social-and-economic-development-government-says/
[9] – https://esri.ie/publications/climate-change-impacts-and-associated-economic-costs-in-ireland
[10] – https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/healthbusinessservices/national-health-sustainability-office/climate-change-and-health/
[11] – https://www.tcd.ie/news_events/articles/2025/climate-change-fuelling-mental-health-crisis-in-areas-most-affected-by-climate-crisis/
[12] – https://spunout.ie/life/climate/how-does-climate-change-affect-ireland/
[13] – https://www.epa.ie/publications/research/climate-change/Research_Report_402.pdf
[14] – https://www.storyatu.ie/site/uploads/Documents/CLIMATE-CHANGE-AND-TOURISM-THE-CARBON-FOOTPRINT-OF-IRISH-TOURISM.pdf
[15] – https://www.fiscalcouncil.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/What-climate-change-means-for-Irelands-public-finances-Casey-and-Carroll-2023-Irish-Fiscal-Advisory-Council.pdf
[16] – https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/content/files/climate_change_heritage_tourism_summary_2009_1mb.pdf
[17] – https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/climate-crisis/2024/09/10/ireland-facing-ever-increasing-threats-to-lives-and-livelihoods-due-to-lack-of-climate-change-resilience/
[18] – https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2024/1203/1484355-epa-report-local-authorities/
[19] – https://www.arthurcox.com/knowledge/ireland-enacts-ambitious-climate-law/
[20] – https://kpmg.com/ie/en/home/insights/2024/06/irelands-climate-action-plan-2024-esg.html
[21] – https://www.dublincity.ie/climate-change-action-plan-2019-2024/milestone-2-research/public-awareness
[22] – https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/e3134-public-engagement-strategy/
[23] – https://www.epa.ie/publications/research/climate-change/research-314-deepening-public-engagement-on-climate-change-lessons-from-the-citizens-assembly.php
[24] – https://www.environmentireland.ie/leveraging-irelands-climate-justice-leadership-time-to-abandon-organised-hypocrisy/
[25] – https://www.williamfry.com/knowledge/government-approves-climate-action-plan-2025/
[26] – https://www.friendsoftheearth.ie/assets/files/pdf/first_communiqufor_web.pdf