The days of talking about climate change in the future tense are over. With record-breaking temperatures and unprecedented weather events sweeping the globe, it’s no longer something we can ignore. It’s here, it’s happening and it requires urgent action.
In Ireland, the impact of climate change is becoming increasingly apparent - the most evident effect being the rise in temperature. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the annual average surface air temperature in Ireland has increased by approximately 0.9°C over the last 120 years, with a rise in temperatures being observed across all seasons*. With temperatures projected to steadily increase, heat waves are set to become a more frequent occurrence.
Generally, we are seeing more extreme weather events across the board - specifically in terms of rainfall. According to the EPA, annual precipitation was 6% higher from 1989 to 2018 compared to the prior 30-year period, with the decade from 2006 to 2015 recorded as the wettest on record**.
Such extreme changes in weather have a serious knock on effect when it comes to wildlife and ecosystems, with species extinction rates unfortunately accelerating too. According to a global assessment carried out by the Intergovernmental Panel on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service (IPBES), the health of ecosystems on which we and all other species depend is deteriorating more rapidly than ever.
In Ireland, one in every third species of bee is threatened with extinction***.
Bees play a significant role in conserving our natural environment and their decline can be linked to the reduction of safe nesting sites in our landscapes. Not only do forests provide important animal habitats, they also have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of human populations. Worryingly, just 11% of Ireland is currently covered by woodland with less than 2% covered by native woodland****.
Ultimately, loss of biodiversity is not only an environmental issue - it also has a profound impact on economies, livelihoods, food, health and the overall quality of life for people around the world.
Coming together for action
Collectively, there are steps we can take to lessen the effects of climate change, but we must act now and we must do it together.
At AXA, we’re funding a range of initiatives that respond to the challenges of climate change by acting for progress by protecting what matters.
Given the growing urgency around climate change, we understand the need for coordinated action and are proud to work with a number of partners on a range of programmes that respond to climate-related challenges at both a local and global level.
Change powered by action
We believe that real change is only possible when we work together which is why we’re proud to be collaborating with staff, customers and partners to achieve our vision of a low carbon future where people and the planet can thrive:
Community:
- AXA Parks: Helping communities thrive
- Replenishing native woodlands
Research and Learning:
- AXA Research Fund
- AXA Climate Academy
Our Products and Services
- AXA EV Insurance (Hybrid, Phev and Fully Electric Vehicle insurance cover)
- AXA Carbon Calculator
Investments and Operational
- AXA Green Investments
- Carbon footprint reduction targets
Find out more about the diverse range of initiatives we are supporting as part of our climate action programme here.
Article Sources:
*https://www.epa.ie/publications/research/climate-change/research-386.php
**https://biodiversityireland.ie/ipbes-irelands-biodiversity-crisis/
*** https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/57d2a-forestry-facts-and-news/ and https://www.naturetrust.ie/