A major new report has set out the health difficulties that will be faced by an entire generation if the world doesn’t reverse course on climate change.
Research from 35 global institutions, published in the Lancet Medical Journal, warns that children born today will face an average temperature rise of 4C by the time they are in their 70s.
The report notes that they will face malnutrition, rising food prices and an increase in infectious diseases.
Meanwhile worsening air quality will increase the risk of lung disease, heart attacks and stroke – with the healthcare costs of reaching €129bn a year in Europe alone.
***
Fine Gael’s executive council will this evening discuss the future of TD Maria Bailey.
It comes after party members voted for a review of its election ticket in her Dun Laoghaire constituency.
Deputy Bailey was demoted earlier this year after an internal review found she had overstated the impact of injuries she suffered falling off a swing in a Dublin hotel.
The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is expected to deliver a recommendation to the council this evening on what should happen next.
***
Women in politics are opening up about the level threats they have received since taking office.
One Labour councillor said she has cried herself to sleep after multiple abusive messages online, while a Finna Fáil TD said she had to leave her home.
It comes as the National Women's Council of Ireland has launched a new report explaining the barriers for women getting into politics.
Just one-in-four county councillors elected in May was a woman – and the council is calling for female candidates to be offered more encouragement and supports.
***
A new study is calling for a time-limit on how long children can be placed in emergency accommodation.
The Family and Child Homelessness report will be launched today.
It is expected to warn that children can become institutionalised by spending too long in hotels and temporary accommodation.
It will point to laws in other jurisdictions which set out maximum time limits for children in “unsuitable temporary accommodation.”
***
Gardaí are investigating a spate of attacks on sex workers around the country since the middle of October.
Investigators have said the attacks, primarily in the Dublin area, involve the victim being targeted for money.
On each occasion, Gardaí say an online appointment is made – but when the 'client' arrives the sex worker is attacked and robbed by a number of men.
Ruhama, the organisation that supports women involved in prostitution, has said many sex workers find it easier to report attacks the sale of sex was decriminalised.
