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2024 National Adaptation Framework for Climate Change
| On June 5, 2024, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications published the second National Adaptation Framework (NAF), in line with the requirements of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act, 2015 to 2021. It incorporates feedback from a public consultation held earlier in 2024 and aims to enhance resilience across government and society. This framework outlines the national strategy for adapting to climate change, focusing on key sectors such as Agriculture, Forestry, Biodiversity, Transport, Flood Risk Management, and Tourism. Government departments, infrastructure providers, and local authorities must develop new Adaptation Plans. The framework aims to address both current and future climate impacts, with a focus on resilience and nature-based solutions. The new National Adaptation Framework (NAF) sets out Ireland’s strategy to adapt to climate change, requiring action across various sectors to build resilience against climate impacts. Key changes: New adaptation plans: Government departments, infrastructure providers, and local authorities must develop new Adaptation Plans for key sectors, including Agriculture, Forestry, Biodiversity, Transport, Flood Risk Management, and Tourism. Local Authority responsibilities: Local authorities must consider future climate impacts in zoning and development plans. Current climateimpacts: The framework highlights recent climate impacts such as heavy rainfall, flooding, storm damage, and rising sea levels, emphasizing the urgent need for adaptation. Cost implications: Extreme weather events could cost Ireland approximately €3 billion by 2030. This includes clean-up costs and investment in resilient infrastructure. New challenges: The framework addresses emerging issues like marine heatwaves, rising sea levels, and non-native pests, impacting agriculture and biodiversity. Investment requirements: An assessment of investment needs for adaptation will help quantify what is necessary to make Ireland resilient by 2050 and beyond. Nature-based solutions: Emphasis on using nature-based solutions, such as greening cities and planting trees, to mitigate flooding and improve air quality. Support resources: Several resources, including Climate Ireland and Sectoral Guidelines for Climate Change Adaptation, are available to assist in planning and implementation. Implementation and Timeline: Immediate actions: Local authorities and sectors must start developing new Adaptation Plans immediately. Resource availability: Preliminary results from Ireland’s first National Climate Change Risk Assessment will be available to key sectors in 2024, with the final report due in early 2025. Why the changes are needed: Unprecedented challenges: The scale and potential impacts of climate change require significant transformation and preparation. Ongoing impacts: Recent weather patterns and climate data indicate the necessity of immediate and long-term adaptation measures. Economic and social risks: The high costs of inaction, including damage to infrastructure and agricultural production, necessitate proactive adaptation strategies. How to comply: Access resources: Utilize available tools and resources such as Climate Ireland and Sectoral Guidelines to develop effective adaptation plans. Focus on resilience: Prioritize nature-based solutions and resilient infrastructure in planning processes. |