These parts of Ireland could be under water by 2030

A number of areas could be under water by 2030 unless drastic action is taken.

The COP26 climate summit began this weekend in Glasgow, and the conference will see world leaders coming together to address the devastating impact of climate change. One of the key results of global warming is the melting of ice caps, which, in turn, will lead to increased flooding around the world. With this in mind, Climate Central has shared a map which highlights the parts of Ireland that will most likely be affected by this flooding. In Dublin, rising sea levels may mean that Sandymount, North Bull Island, Portmarnock and Malahide could be under water in the next 10 years. In Cork, Cork City, Cobh and Youghal will be affected by severe flooding. In Wexford, Kilmore Quay, Rosslare and Curracloe could be under water by 2030. Given their proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Clare and Limerick will be severely affected by climate change, with many areas on the Shannon predicted to be under water in the next 10 years. In Donegal, Bundoran and Letterkenny are expected to be majorly impacted by flooding in the next few years. Counties Waterford and Tipperary will also be impacted by rising sea levels, with the areas of Portlaw and Carrick-on-Suir being the worst affected. As well as tackling rising sea-levels, world leaders at COP26 have also issued a multibillion dollar pledge to end deforestation within the next 10 years. The pledge is backed by $20 billion in public and private funding, and is supported by 100 leaders. As it stands, half of the Earth's forests have already been cut down by humans. A landmark deal to end deforestation is expected to be announced today. With regards to methane emissions, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: "We will contribute globally to a global reduction. It’s a global pledge, it’s not country-specific. We will develop our climate action plan which will give our specifics in respect of each sector." Climate activist Greta Thunberg, meanwhile, has been critical of the summit, and has expressed doubt that real change will come from it. Speaking to protesters outside the conference, Thunberg said: "Change is not going to come from inside there. That is not leadership. This is leadership." She continued: "We say no more blah blah blah, no more exploitation of people and nature and the planet. No more exploitation. No more blah blah blah. No more whatever the f*** they are doing inside there."