1. Climate Change & Health
A Policy Perspective
John O’Neill
DCCAE
Irish Forum for Global Health
September 22nd 2017

2. Global Temp – /16
Source EEA

3. 2 Degree Challenge (1.5?)

4. EEA Report 2016
Observed changes in extreme weather events (heavy precipitation)
Observed impacts to climate change – disease outbreaks/invasive species etc.
Future increases of climatic hazards – heat waves, droughts etc.

5. Ecosystems – Birds/Butterflies
Trending Northwards
Cold Adapted losing out to warm adapted!
9490 Bird Communities - 37km on average
2130 butterfly communities – 114km on average

6. Forest Fires Crop yield
2080
2050

7. Flooding
Deaths from Flooding
Very Severe Floods

8. Spread of infectious diseases!

9. Impacts of extreme events – 1980-2015 (EEA)
Fatalities

10. The fear factor….

11. International ResponseUN
Paris Agreement 2 degrees (1.5) EU
Targets - 40% Reduction by 2030 compared to 1990 (non ETS)
Internal burden sharing of effort required to ensure targets are split equitably and efficiently – on-going!
New Effort Sharing Decision – 2017?

13. National Response… Publication of Policy 2014
Guided by a long-term vision of a low-carbon climate resilient transition
Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015
Climate Change Advisory Council
Role of DFA/Irish Aid

14. Climate Act… Preparation of National Mitigation Plan – 5 year
Final Plan Published in June
Preparation of National Adaptation Framework
2012 Framework
Public Consultation now open on new Draft Framework
Closes 27th October
Final Plan - Dec 10th
Role of Sectors/Local Authorities

15. Local Authority Response…
Low carbon transition
Climate resilience
Awareness – Dialogue at local/regional level
Leadership
Regional Approach?

16. Workshops/Guidelines/Resources

17. Research Climate Ireland Irelands Climate Futures
Adaptive responses to Climate Impacts – ARC
Critical Infrastructure Vulnerability to Climate Change
Irelands climate change risk assessment
UrbAdapt – Climate Change impacts within the Urban Environment
What will 2050 look like?

18. Climate & Air Quality Residential Transport Agriculture Energy
Industry
Aligned climate and air quality policy for a low carbon, high air quality future

20. Sustainable Development Goals

21. Policy Coherence…. “Environment and Wellbeing”?
National Mitigation Plan
National Adaptation Framework
Sustainable Development Goals
Clean Air Strategy
National Planning Framework
National Investment Plan
Natural Capital
Resource Efficient Economy
Sustainable Cities
“Environment and Wellbeing”?

22. A Dialogue on Climate Action!
Programme for Government 2016….
“It is clear that there is a need for much better engagement with citizens and communities about the energy policy decisions that affect them. We must ensure, as part of our transition to a low carbon society, that citizens and communities are active participants in the energy transition, with robust public and stakeholder engagement in energy policy, and effective community consultation on energy infrastructure developments.
We will establish a National Dialogue on Climate Change that will involve extensive public consultation. This will incorporate the key infrastructural, land use and economic issues to be considered in our long-term transition to a new low carbon future.”

23. A Dialogue on Climate Action?

24. A National Dialogue on Climate Action!
Create awareness, engagement and motivation to act
Create structures and information flows to facilitate engagement
Establish, on a long term basis, appropriate networks
Provide regular input, through the NDCA, into the prioritisation and implementation of climate and energy policy

25. Role of NDCA Advisory Group
Established by Minister in July 2017
To advise and make recommendations to the Minister in relation to the overall strategy, structure and operation of the NDCA
16 members representing diverse perspectives

26. Programmes already in place…
Green Schools National Climate Change Action and Awareness Programme incorporating:
Green Schools Climate Action Week in October
Green Schools Climate Action Expo
Climate Ambassador programme
Delivered by DCCAE in partnership with An Taisce Environmental Education Unit

27. Citizens Assembly… Sept 29/30th
What are the challenges facing communities and individuals?
How can individuals and communities best communicate their concerns?
At what level can action best be taken – Central, Local, Community, Individuals?

28. Thank you…..
Questions?