04/11/2004
Coastal NI under threat from melting Arctic
Rising sea levels could put many of Northern Ireland’s most vulnerable coastal areas under threat if carbon dioxide emissions are not cut immediately, a new report has claimed.
The Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA), which was produced by more than 250 scientists for arctic governments, revealed that by the end of the century, sea levels could rise by nearly one meter and that a warmer Arctic will contribute up to 15% of this rise.
Malachy Campbell, policy officer at WWF Northern Ireland, said: “The big melt has begun, and that is bad news for all of us. Increasing melting of glaciers and the Greenland ice sheet could weaken or even stop the warm flow of the Gulf Stream.
“This would have catastrophic consequences for Britain and Ireland which would then experience severe freezing winters, like those in Canada. This report should act as a real wake up call for us. We need to act.
"Life on earth would change beyond recognition with the loss of the ice sheet at the north pole and higher sea levels threatening cities such as London, New York and closer to home Derry and Belfast as well as other coastal communities."
Mr Campbell said the report showed that climate change was happening now and would have serious impacts for everyone on the planet.
“It is imperative that Northern Ireland develops a long-term energy strategy, which incorporates reducing energy consumption and a 'switch' from fossil fuels to increasing use of renewable resources,” he concluded.
(MB)
The Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA), which was produced by more than 250 scientists for arctic governments, revealed that by the end of the century, sea levels could rise by nearly one meter and that a warmer Arctic will contribute up to 15% of this rise.
Malachy Campbell, policy officer at WWF Northern Ireland, said: “The big melt has begun, and that is bad news for all of us. Increasing melting of glaciers and the Greenland ice sheet could weaken or even stop the warm flow of the Gulf Stream.
“This would have catastrophic consequences for Britain and Ireland which would then experience severe freezing winters, like those in Canada. This report should act as a real wake up call for us. We need to act.
"Life on earth would change beyond recognition with the loss of the ice sheet at the north pole and higher sea levels threatening cities such as London, New York and closer to home Derry and Belfast as well as other coastal communities."
Mr Campbell said the report showed that climate change was happening now and would have serious impacts for everyone on the planet.
“It is imperative that Northern Ireland develops a long-term energy strategy, which incorporates reducing energy consumption and a 'switch' from fossil fuels to increasing use of renewable resources,” he concluded.
(MB)
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21 December 2010
Winter's Grip Shows Little Sign Of Loosening
NI's deep freeze weather is showing little sign of a thaw as even suburban Glengormley recorded -13C at 8am this morning. Temperatures plummeted to minus double digits across Northern Ireland overnight, with the severe weather continuing to grip with temperatures plummeting to as low as -17C at Katesbridge, Co Down.
Winter's Grip Shows Little Sign Of Loosening
NI's deep freeze weather is showing little sign of a thaw as even suburban Glengormley recorded -13C at 8am this morning. Temperatures plummeted to minus double digits across Northern Ireland overnight, with the severe weather continuing to grip with temperatures plummeting to as low as -17C at Katesbridge, Co Down.
10 October 2006
Hygiene levels below standard in two of Northern Ireland's hospitals
A report carried out by consultants KPMG has found that standards of cleanliness in two of Northern Ireland's 18 hospital trusts are unsatisfactory. Facilities at Altnagelvin and South and East Belfast Trusts fell into the fourth band of cleanliness standards which is below 70 percent.
Hygiene levels below standard in two of Northern Ireland's hospitals
A report carried out by consultants KPMG has found that standards of cleanliness in two of Northern Ireland's 18 hospital trusts are unsatisfactory. Facilities at Altnagelvin and South and East Belfast Trusts fell into the fourth band of cleanliness standards which is below 70 percent.
05 February 2018
Warning For Snow And Ice Issued In NI
A yellow weather warning for snow and ice has been issued across Northern Ireland. The warning has been put in place from 8pm on Monday, 05 February, until 3pm on Tuesday, 06 February. A Met Office spokesperson said: "Snow is likely to be confined to hills above 100 metres over Northern Ireland, but to low levels elsewhere.
Warning For Snow And Ice Issued In NI
A yellow weather warning for snow and ice has been issued across Northern Ireland. The warning has been put in place from 8pm on Monday, 05 February, until 3pm on Tuesday, 06 February. A Met Office spokesperson said: "Snow is likely to be confined to hills above 100 metres over Northern Ireland, but to low levels elsewhere.
09 November 2010
Builders To Lose Out As House Prices Drop
Northern Ireland's construction sector is facing further problems as NI house prices continue to fall over the next three months. They are expected to drop to their lowest levels since the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) started an authorative survey four years ago.
Builders To Lose Out As House Prices Drop
Northern Ireland's construction sector is facing further problems as NI house prices continue to fall over the next three months. They are expected to drop to their lowest levels since the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) started an authorative survey four years ago.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.