We Encourage the Public to Engage with Climate Action Plan Ahead of Deadline
Cork County Council has issued a final call for people to have their say on the first stage of a new Climate Action Plan for the county. The deadline for submissions from communities, businesses, the general public and stakeholders is this Sunday, June 11th.
All local authorities are required to prepare and adopt Climate Action Plans before the 24th of February 2024 to meet national emission reductions targets and to develop resilience to the impacts of climate change. The final Climate Action Plan, when published, will show how the local authority can work to influence, facilitate and coordinate the climate actions of communities and other stakeholders.
In April, Cork County Council published a Baseline Evidence Summary Report which shows how the climate in County Cork has changed in recent decades. Temperatures are rising, annual average rainfall has increased and sea levels in the Cork Harbour area have risen by approximately 40cm since 1842.
The report also shows the risks that further change may have including a predicted increase in the average temperature in County Cork of between 1.1 and 1.5 degrees by 2050. This could result in an increase in summer heatwaves and droughts as well as more frequent coastal flooding and erosion.
The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Danny Collins is reminding people to have their say,
Climate change and how we deal with the challenges it poses is one of the most important issues facing us. We want everyone to get involved as we prepare our Climate Action Plan and set out how we can all work together to reach County Cork’s climate ambitions. Now is the time for people to use their voice, share their views, ideas and be part of an ambitious plan to safeguard all of our futures.
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey added,
The Baseline Evidence Summary report is published online and is also available for viewing at Cork County Council offices and libraries. Submissions will be accepted until Sunday 11th June and can be made online by clicking the button above or below.