Latest news with #BusinessPlus
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Local farmers scramble to save what's left after catastrophic crop collapse: 'We urgently need help'
In January, Storm Éowyn hit Ireland, leaving a path of destruction and flooding. The record-breaking extratropical cyclone was the most powerful storm to hit Ireland since Hurricane Debbie in 1961. Now, the full extent of the damage may be coming to light. According to The Irish Times, Storm Éowyn caused over €500 million (around $540 million) in damages to forests. It also damaged winter crops such as cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, and leeks, per Business Plus, which detailed the devastating effects of the storm. One farmer was deeply concerned about the destroyed winter crop and future summer crop, saying, "We urgently need help on this one." In addition to affecting existing crops, Storm Éowyn could hamper future crops. As Business Plus explained, farmers worry that the ground could be too wet for sowing new crops, leading to shortages later in the year and food price increases. Michael Kilcoyne, chief of Consumers' Association of Ireland, said, "There's a fear that prices in the shops will go up," adding, "It could be that the ground is so wet and has damaged the fields, it'll make sowing crops for later this year difficult." Ireland is rarely hit by hurricanes or cyclones. However, extreme weather events are growing more intense as global temperatures rise, and areas not previously impacted are feeling the effects. Pete Falloon of the University of Bristol shared his concerns regarding crop vulnerability and the current state of our climate, saying, "Crops are often vulnerable to extreme weather, and we can expect to witness ongoing shocks to global agricultural production and supply chains, which ultimately feed into food security concerns." In short, destroyed crops mean less food. Less food leads to higher grocery prices. There's no magic wand to make severe storms disappear. However, it may be possible to reduce their intensity and impact. Strengthening infrastructure with climate-resilient buildings, improving emergency preparedness, planning evacuations, and fortifying homes can enhance safety now. At the same time, reducing pollution from dirty fuels — the primary cause of our overheated planet — could bring an angry planet back into balance. You can contribute to a cooler future by upgrading to energy-efficient appliances known to provide significant savings on utility bills. Should grocery stores donate food that's past its sell-by date? Yes — as long as it's not bad Yes — but only certain foods Only if it doesn't cost the store No — it could lead to problems Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
New study reveals surprising insight for electric vehicle drivers: 'The latest data is really positive'
An analysis by Geotab on the availability of electric vehicle chargers in Ireland found that County Kerry wins out with the most public options. According to the analysis, Kerry has an EV charger for every six EVs. Other counties, such as Mayo and Longford, have similar ratios, making charging infrastructure the best it's ever been in Ireland. The country, like others, has been slow in transitioning to EVs in part because of charging anxiety. Charging anxiety is common for people who make the switch from gas-powered vehicles; while many prefer to recharge their vehicles at home, they want to know that if they're out and about, enough charging stations are available. The Geotab analysis and the government's plan to install charging stations every 60 kilometers should help alleviate the issue. According to the Irish Electric Vehicle Association, there are also over 80 applications for planned fast charger sites across Ireland, and it predicts that by the end of 2025, the scale of infrastructure will be nearly triple what it was in previous years. "The latest data is really positive as it illustrates how quickly the charging network is expanding and catching up with the amount of service stations available for traditional vehicles," Phil Barnes, Geotab business development manager for the United Kingdom and Ireland said, per Business Plus. With more charging stations, more people may be encouraged to switch to electric vehicles, saving them money on the cost of gas and routine maintenance. More EVs on the road will also reduce air pollution as well as noise pollution since these vehicles are quieter than regular cars. "The ambition and measures set out in the Programme for Government to substantially increase the number of public charging points, putting us ahead of the European average, and reduce the average distance between EV recharging points will help increase the momentum behind the adoption of zero emission vehicles in Ireland," Barnes explained. When you think about owning an EV, what concerns you most about public charging stations? Chargers not working Chargers not being available Charging being too expensive Charging taking too long Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
