Ireland needs prepare for more extreme weather events
Summary
Climate Change Advisory Council chair Peter Thorne joins Anton Savage to discuss Ireland’s inadequate preparation for increasingly severe weather. Thorne criticizes the slow progress on flood defenses and the decision to build housing in known flood-prone areas, calling it unforgivable. He urges the government to prioritize mitigation and renewable energy over fossil fuels, warning that the upcoming budget may lack sufficient climate focus. The segment concludes with a weather update on autumn wind warnings.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Climate Change Advisory Council and Peter Thorne
Shifting from reacting to storms to systematic preparation
Delays in flood protection projects since Storm Dara
Budget concerns and the need for mitigation over adaptation
Building in flood-prone areas and housing safety
The cost of ignoring flood risks and future insurance gaps
Weather update: Wind warnings and autumn forecast
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