The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released its first national climate change risk assessment for Ireland, identifying 115 climate-related risks. Among these, the damage to the country’s energy system and infrastructure from extreme wind events is highlighted as a significant concern. The report calls for urgent action over the next five years to enhance the resilience of Ireland’s energy and communication systems, particularly as the exposure to extreme winds is at a critical level.
Notably, while future climate models suggest a potential decrease in the frequency of extreme wind storms, those that do occur may become more intense and damaging. The assessment emphasizes the interconnectedness of energy disruptions with other critical services, indicating that damage to power and communication systems can severely impair essential functions.
The report also addresses coastal and inland flooding as urgent risks that need immediate attention, especially given the increasing severity of such events due to changing precipitation patterns. Areas along the coast, particularly in Dublin and the southeast, face significant threats from coastal erosion and flooding.
However, the report also identifies potential economic opportunities amid these challenges. Warmer temperatures may lead to longer outdoor activity seasons, boosting tourism, while favorable climatic conditions could benefit agriculture and increase hydroelectric power generation. Overall, the EPA underscores the necessity for robust action to fortify Ireland’s infrastructure against the impending climate risks.
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