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I am lucky enough to have had a few weeks in a warm climate of about 30°C and the sea temperature not too far behind. There is a downside to these high sea temperatures however, as coral starts to die off when the water temperature hovers around 30°C. This was the case on my recent trip.
In Ireland, this global warming has already led to extreme weather conditions and most farmers understand this.
What can farmers do to help the environment? Actually plenty and some of us are already doing so. Those in GLAS are obliged to and others want to in any case.
We can start with forestry on a small or larger scale. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Growers benefit from establishment grants, annual premiums and eventual plant sales.
Hedges
Then we can plant wildflower meadows, establish bird cover and get involved in traditional haymaking.
Wide uncut headlands provide habitat for rodents, insects and birds. The rodents are a link in the food chain for other larger mammals and also for birds of prey. If the headlands have flowering plants, so much the better. Nectar for all manner of insects.
Hedges should not be cut too low and only cut in rotation. Ideally every four years, so that the hedges can flower and then have berries in winter.
How about our diesel cars? Most farmers have diesel cars and thought they were doing the right thing. How wrong we were? When the time comes to change, we can now opt for a hybrid and hopefully soon, full electric. A wind generator to recharge the batteries would be the ultimate. Photovoltaic cells would do the same job.
Renewable energy
If our government would sanction a good feed in tariff, many farmers would seriously think of signing up to alternative energy. What are they waiting for?
I nearly forgot to mention the most obvious - really good house insulation. We really can not overdo this. Remember when a few inches of attic insulation was thought to be good? Now we are fitting about 12 inches.
I recently read that Ireland comes 23rd out of 28 when it comes to renewable energy and after 2020, the country will face heavy EU fines. Sit up government please!
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