Project Description

The Loop Head Peninsula is one of the many places in Ireland prone to the effects of climate change, first and foremost a possible sea level rise and more frequent and violent storm activity. This project, which is a cooperation between the Loop Head communities and the University of Galway, facilitated by Loop Head Together and AstonECO, will explore how a rural coastal community experiences and reacts to climate change.

Part I of the project, which is currently underway, will gather historic climate and weather data. To complement this scientific data, interviews with members of the community will be conducted by Radio Corca Baiscinn to gather climate and weather related stories, memories and valuable knowledge passed down through the generations. These interviews will become a radio & podcast series for Radio Corca Baiscinn.

All data and information collected would be accumulated and presented on a dedicated website in the form of a "climate and weather timeline".

Part II of the project could see the installation of weather stations in key locations on the peninsula for ongoing monitoring. These data would then be combined with the data collected in Part I and added to the climate and weather timeline. Part II would also seek partnerships with local schools and input from Loop Head residents. Also envisaged are regular biodiversity surveys to record changes in species distribution and numbers which could be linked to climate change.

Part III could see the setting up of a local Climate Resilience Forum to discuss the findings of the project and develop a positive approach to deal with and take advantage of the changing weather and climate conditions.

Project Justification & Objectives

Remote coastal areas like Loop Head, where most main settlements and much of the infrastructure are located directly at the coast and at sea level could be impacted considerably by climate change and predicted subsequent rising sea levels. Instead of seeing this as a looming end to our current way of life this project will explore the experienced reality of these effects on the ground and develop opportunities to use these changes, should they occur at a significant level, as a chance for a better and sustainable future.

Project Stakeholders (so far)

• Radio Corca Baiscinn

• University of Galway

• AstonECO

• Crossbill Guides Foundation (not yet confirmed)