BirdWatch Ireland says it is taking a “human-sized puffin” to Dublin on Saturday to highlight the threat to seabirds during the National Climate Demonstration.
The demonstration is billed as part of a worldwide day of action demanding an end to the era of fossil fuels.
The Dublin demonstration has been organised by the Stop Climate Chaos coalition – which includes over 30 civil society organisations, including BirdWatch Ireland – and is supported by trade unions, student groups and local community organisations.
A giant puffin mascot will highlight seabird threats at Dublin’s climate demonstration, as BirdWatch Ireland advocates for urgent action
Seabirds in the northern hemisphere that feed on fish are the most impacted by climate change, coupled with the impact of overfishing, Birdwatch Ireland says.
“The reproductive success of these seabirds is already in decline. Research in the UK shows that 14 seabird species are at risk of decline or already in decline due to climate change,” it says.
“These include the iconic Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica), which is predicted to lose up to 90% of its population across Britain and Ireland by 2050, should things continue down this path,” it says.
Andrew Kelly, CEO of BirdWatch Ireland, said that “Ireland’s seabirds are the birds most threatened here by climate change”.
“ We have to do everything we can to end reliance on fossil fuels and speed up the roll-out of renewables, but in a way that doesn’t also impact seabirds. Ireland is very important globally for seabirds, and we have to work hard to safeguard their future,” he said.
2024 was confirmed as the hottest year on record. The window for meaningful action is rapidly closing. Repeated IPCC reports have made clear that anything beyond 1.5°C poses catastrophic risks to human life, ecosystems and economic stability, the NGO says.
Oonagh Duggan, Birdwatch Ireland head of policy and advocacy, said that “Ireland's iconic puffins are already Red-listed and in serious trouble”.
“We stand to lose 90% of them by 2050 if we continue on our current emission-intensive path and don’t protect and restore areas at sea for them. BirdWatch Ireland has identified Important Bird Areas for Puffins and other seabirds and these must be designated by government as Special Protection Areas as soon as possible," she said.
