Climate change is the defining issue of our time and we are at a defining moment. In October 2018, the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) produced a landmark report warning the governments of the world that greenhouse gas emissions had to be reduced by 50% within twelve years to prevent “catastrophic and irreversible climate change.” Scientists predict that catastrophic climate change will involve widespread destruction of property and infrastructure, major political unrest, mass migrations of climate refugees and the eventual breakdown of our food production systems. These realities are already unfolding in parts of Asia and Africa.

In February 2019 the Council of the European Union stated that “climate change is a direct and existential threat, which will spare no country”. According to Kristalina Georgieva, CEO of the World Bank, “We are clearly the last generation that can change the course of climate change, but we are also the first generation with its consequences.” Despite such warnings, global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise. We are currently on a trajectory towards the mass extinction of species, and the potential extinction of the human race. The challenges posed by climate change eclipse all others in human history.

The impact of Climate Change will affect us all and it is a problem which requires commitment from all parties involved, big and small. The All of Government Climate Action Plan commits all sectors to an integrated approach and through the proposed local government charter will commit to ensuring that resources are available for Local Authorities to carry out the required actions. We, as a Local Authority, will have to change and adapt to these new circumstances. The Climate Adaptation Strategy is the first step in building the foundations required to enhance resilience to climate hazards. The actions presented in this strategy will guide County Cork to address the challenges and develop innovative and sustainable solutions that address adaptation and enhance resilience to a changing climate.

Action Plan commits all sectors to an integrated approach and through the proposed local government charter will commit to ensuring that resources are available for Local Authorities to carry out the required actions. We, as a Local Authority, will have to change and adapt to these new circumstances. The Climate Adaptation Strategy is the first step in building the foundations required to enhance resilience to climate hazards. The actions presented in this strategy will guide County Cork to address the challenges and develop innovative and sustainable solutions that address adaptation and enhance resilience to a changing climate.

Cork County Council will play a pivotal role for the county in adapting to Climate Change. We will work through our services delivery and with the people of Cork to ensure we deliver a better future for all.

We will need the support of every sector and community across the county to make real change that will build our new low carbon resilient economy, while delivering on our hopes of creating opportunities for everyone. In particular, as we now provide services that are related to the business of almost all Government Departments, we will need considerable support, both in terms of active leadership and resource facilitation, in order to be able to deliver on our ambition for Cork County. Cork County Council is committed to mainstreaming Climate Change in the delivery of its services and affecting change in terms of climate adaptation.