‘Ireland is shrinking’ - Global warming expert details impact of climate change on Ireland
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‘Ireland is shrinking’ - Global warming expert details impact of climate change on Ireland

THE ISLAND of Ireland is getting smaller.

That’s according to Karin Dubsky, a marine ecologist and co-founder of Coastwatch Europe, an organisation which monitors the coastal and wetland environments of European countries.

According to Dubsky, an increase in the number of storms witnessed across Ireland is accelerating the damage done by coastal decay while rising water levels are putting homes and roads at further risk.

The eartern part of Ireland, in particular is at higher risk of coastal erosion.

“In some areas we have had massive losses of dunes like around the Kilmichael dunes and Brittas bay dunes,” she told the Irish Mirror.

Dubsky warned that the natural landscape homes in coastal and water bank areas are now at increased risk.

She warned that homes and farms across the Irish coastline are in danger of falling victim to the worsening situation and that prospective landowners need to be aware of the lay of the land, so to speak, before investing in coastal property and space.

Ireland is changing.

The marine ecologist is keen to shed light on the worsening situation noting that while many people living inland are not aware of the growing problem, those living on the coast are very much aware of the burgeoning issue.

Dubsky told the Irish Mirror: “In our coastal survey were asked people what do you see as the biggest threat to the coast and in Ireland the biggest threat from feedback is erosion.

“That has increased really significantly over the last few years.

“So people are seeing that land being lost and they are saying erosion – we really feel erosion”.

Those wishing to help the environment are being encouraged to use electric cars, improve the insulation in their home to cut down on heating bills and install things like solar panels on their homes.