Our lives are deeply connected to the environment around us. The climate that we live in, landscapes that surround us and species that coexist beside us all affect our cultures and day-to-day lives. Our environment plays a role in the food that we grow, the hobbies in which we engage and the way that we dress. Just as the environment influences us, our actions can have a substantial impact on the world around us. This interconnectivity is very apparent in Ireland, especially when considering farming, climate change and the impact of large industries such as the pharmaceutical and medical technology industries.
Ireland is a small island in the Atlantic Ocean, located in Northwestern Europe. The island is approximately 33,000 square miles in size, which is not even 1% of the total size of the United States! Due to its location and size, the climate in Ireland is strongly influenced by air from the Atlantic Ocean. As a result, the weather here is moderate and wet. Depending on the part of the country, Ireland is estimated to receive rain on anywhere between 150 to 225 days of the year! In addition, temperatures rarely dip below 30°F in the winter or rise above 70°F in the summer. This means that it is very rare for Ireland to receive snow, although not impossible!
