3. The Challenge

3.1       Climate Change

Our climate is changing is line with global trends. We are experiencing warmer temperatures with the past 8 years the hottest on record. June 2023 was recorded as being the hottest month on record in Ireland. As a result of higher average temperatures, we are also experiencing more intense weather events including droughts, storms, heavy rainfall, and stronger winds resulting in higher vulnerability and risk to the impacts of climate change within the local authority area.

To tackle climate change, the level of greenhouse gases entering and already in our atmosphere need to be reduced and removed. In addition, we must further increase our resilience to current and future climate change impacts. As part of global and national efforts, we must meet the National Climate Objective 2050.

Our Climate Action Plan will set out how the local authority aims to achieve its role within the National Climate Objective over the next 5 years and beyond toward 2050. It will act as a key instrument that strengthens the links between national and international climate policy and the delivery of effective climate action at local and community levels, through place-based climate action.

3.2       Local Climate Risks

In line with global trends, the frequency and intensity of some hazards (e.g., coastal, river and pluvial flooding, coastal erosion, heatwaves and drought) will increase while others will remain the same (e.g., severe windstorms). These changes are projected to continue and intensify with a wide range of impacts for all of County Sligo. Sligo will also change in terms of its population and developments which will potentially affect the exposure and vulnerability of people and assets within the County.

Figure 3.1: Observed Climate Changes for Ireland and Sligo

3.3       Local Emission Profile

Understanding where our GHG emissions are coming from at a local level provides an evidence base for developing our Climate Action Plan and appropriate actions that is meaningful for the local context.

We have prepared a Baseline Emission Inventory Report based on local and national data from 2019, on energy production and consumption and other GHG emissions in Sligo, including insights into Sligo County Council’s own emissions. The summary findings of the report are presented in the figure below with more detail available on the report which can be seen in the Baseline Emissions Inventory report.

Figure 3.2: Baseline Emission Inventory for Sligo