No More Surprises: Cork Needs to Mitigate as well as Adapt to Climate Change
Recent rainfall and flooding are set to only become more common, driven by man made climate change.
Over 55 millimetres of rainfall fell on Sunday at Cork Airport, putting it in the Top 15 days for most recorded rainfall in the city, and equal to approximately 40% of the monthly average for October.
And Cork MEP Grace O’Sullivan says that torrential rainfall in Cork City over the weekend and subsequent localised flooding is just a sign of what is to come if we don’t take immediate action. Cork City and the surrounding areas are in need of better drainage systems, greening of public areas, as well as reducing the dependence on road systems that worsen flooding across the city.
“At COP26 in Glasgow last year, speakers noted that certain parts of Cork would be underwater within decades. Less than a year later, we’re seeing another – somewhat unexpected – day turn into an “out-of-nowhere” disaster, with floods spilling over the quays and creating havoc for those living and moving around the city” the MEP said.
O’Sullivan spoke from Strasbourg as the European Parliament plans its own input to COP27, taking place in November in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. “Local events like this need international action, and that is why we are calling for a windfall tax on energy companies who have fueled the climate crisis and over $100bn in financing for mitigation measures worldwide.”
“This would enable countries who may not have the financial resources now to transition more smoothly. Ireland can be a leader in this area and do our own work at home on mitigating the effects of climate change at home and abroad.” O’Sullivan stated.
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