Just over a week on, tens of thousands of premises are still without power and water, meaning we have tough, urgent choices to make
This is not climate resilience, it is suffering: how Storm Éowyn tore a hole in our preparations for extreme weather
There are interdependencies across our critical infrastructure networks which require a co-ordinated approach to adaptation and planning across different sectors, with multiple infrastructure owners and operators. Addressing these challenges requires investments in adaptive infrastructure – such as flood-resilient treatment plants and systems designed to handle variable water levels. Enhanced monitoring technologies can also support operators in responding swiftly to changing conditions, thereby minimising service interruptions.
Social media was full of stories of people without power using alternative sources such as electric vehicles to run their fridges and freezers. Sales of these vehicles are, however, highest in urban areas – and these were the areas that felt the least impacts last week. While the scientific consensus on some climate hazards in Ireland is very clear in terms of projected changes due to climate change, for other risks it is less certain. Scientists confidently predict warmer, wetter weather in Ireland, with more intense rainfall during winter, and longer, drier periods during the summer months. Windstorms appear to be trickier to pinpoint in terms of projected patterns.
However, once the risks have been pinpointed, significant investment and a commitment from government in terms of adaptation finance, alongside a clear strategy, will be needed. Clearly defined metrics and targets towards achieving climate resilience are vital to effectively monitoring progress. We may need something akin to the carbon budget approach to climate-change mitigation in Ireland.
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