Another day, another report. For policymakers, report fatigue is likely creeping in. No sooner do they digest one detailed analysis than another arrives, presenting a familiar picture of environmental challenges. The latest of these is Ireland’s EPA State of Environment Report, a comprehensive document that paints a vivid picture of the ongoing struggle to protect and improve Ireland’s natural resources.
Short-Lived: A Glimmer of Hope
When the report was published, there was hope that it might be a turning point. Perhaps this would be the report to inspire optimism with evidence of progress. However, that optimism quickly faded. The executive summary’s environmental scorecard presents a sobering reality, encapsulating the overall message:
“The summary scorecard analysis shown highlights that the scale of improvements that are being made across a variety of areas is insufficient to meet national long-term environmental objectives and targets, especially where they require coordinated action across thematic areas. In all cases, the outlook is not positive with substantial challenges to deliver on climate, air, nature, water and the circular economy.”
The report’s traffic light system – red for very poor and green for very good – illustrates the state of various environmental indicators. Unfortunately, not a single green light appears, either in the current assessment or the outlook.
Progress, But Not Fast Enough
Once again, the report reveals that progress is slow and inadequate. While some positive developments are taking place, they are not happening quickly enough to make a meaningful impact. Scientists, who have long warned of these environmental crises, are likely feeling the fatigue as well. Despite decades of research and advocacy, the indicators remain overwhelmingly negative. When climate change-related disasters inevitably strike, these experts will have every right to say “I told you so”.
Practical Steps Moving Forward
To accompany the report, the EPA wisely published a “Key Messages” document. This serves as a practical guide that outlines clear steps Ireland can take to address its environmental challenges. The document is straightforward and deserves to be displayed prominently in every business, school, community center, and home. More than that, it should paper the walls of government buildings.
The key messages are neither radical nor impossible but rather achievable. Key recommendations concerning natural capital and agriculture include:
- Soil Health: Continuous improvement in soil health, with mapping systems now essential for tracking progress.
- Agriculture: A shift in agriculture from pilot programs to large-scale implementation. While positive progress is noted at the farm level, these efforts need to be implemented nationally.
- Water Quality: Enhanced water quality measures, which are closely tied to soil health, with a focus on reducing nitrogen and phosphorus runoff into waterways.
- Nature recovery: Concern continues over trends for nature, but it is acknowledged that if given space, nature can flourish again.
Though the report underscores the significant work still needed to restore balance to the environment, it also highlights some green shoots of hope for the future. One such example is the slight recovery of the corncrake, a bird that has nearly disappeared from Ireland. Thanks to various habitat protection programs, the corncrake population has increased by 35% since 2019. Achieving this required a multi-million-euro investment, and there is still much more to do. Yet, this once-decimated bird, a familiar sound in the Irish countryside a generation ago, might again become part of the rural soundscape. While modest, this recovery shows that with sustained investment and effort, environmental restoration is possible.
Conclusion: A Long Road Ahead
The EPA’s State of the Environment report serves as a stark reminder that Ireland is far from meeting its environmental goals. Yet, there are small signs of progress that provide a glimmer of hope. If these lessons are heeded and if key recommendations are scaled up, Ireland could turn the tide on its environmental crisis. However, the road ahead is long, and urgent action is needed to ensure that future reports tell a more positive story.
Brendan Allen
Director of Business Development at Senus
