This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The first national map of Ireland's exposure to climate hazards, including rising sea levels and storm surges, has identified the stretches of coastline facing the greatest pressures, providing critical new evidence to support coastal management and climate adaptation. The research, led by University College Cork (UCC) researchers, assessed approximately 8,575 km (5,330 miles) of Ireland's coastline at 250-meter (820-foot) intervals, bringing together 30 years of wind and wave data with information on sea-level rise, storm surges, shoreline type, coastal relief and natural habitats.
The study is published in the journal Natural Hazards. This study developed the Coastal Exposure Index for Ireland, which provides, for the first time, a consistent national-scale assessment of exposure around Ireland's coast and identifies areas where people, cultural heritage and other coastal assets are particularly exposed. Global mean sea level is projected to rise by up to 1.1 meters (3.6 feet) above 1900 levels by 2100.
Approximately 40% of Ireland's population lives within 5 km (3.1 miles) of the coast, and more than 130,000 people live in areas less than 5 meters (16 feet) above mean sea level. Researchers have also launched a new interactive online map—viewable online—that the public can use to explore coastal exposure to climate hazards across Ireland and better understand the risks facing coastal areas. The study identifies where coastal communities across Ireland are most exposed to climate-related hazards, mapping populations living at varying distances from the coastline across exposure categories.
The study also reveals the exposure of Ireland's coastal heritage to climate-related hazards. Raths, promontory forts and ancient coastal burial grounds are among the heritage sites located in areas exposed to coastal erosion, flooding and storm impacts. The study provides a new evidence base for identifying communities where more detailed local assessment and climate adaptation planning are needed.
Historically, solutions to coastal erosion in Ireland have involved hard, engineered structures such as rock revetments, seawalls and groins. This study illustrates the critical role of natural coastal habitats in reducing exposure to climate hazards for both communities and cultural heritage. Sand dunes, salt marsh, machair and seagrass have the potential to reduce exposure along 38% of Ireland's coastline by lessening the intensity of wave impact, stabilizing shorelines and adapting to sea-level rise.
Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. d research that matter—daily or weekly. The study finds that 1,797 registered heritage sites are currently located within 500 meters (1,640 feet) of "Very High Exposure" coastline. Without the protective effect of natural habitats, this figure could rise by 18% to 2,118 sites.
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