Coastal Flooding Threatens Thousands of Irish Homes by 2050

According to a recent report, the risk of extreme weather events on the coast of Ireland could pose a serious threat to thousands of homes and businesses by 2050. The report, prepared by Gamma Risk, a company that provides property risk insights, reveals that the potential for increased insurance costs from intensifying storms due to a warming climate could reach the equivalent of €4.5 billion.

"Coastal flooding is not just a theoretical climate risk for Ireland, it is a measurable and increasingly costly exposure," said Richard Garry, Gamma Risk's chief commercial officer. The data shows that 4.5% of addresses, or more than 104,000 properties, are at risk of flooding during an extreme coastal event.

In response to this growing threat, researchers have developed an early warning system using artificial intelligence that could help communities prepare in advance. While extreme weather events have always existed, scientists have made it clear that human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, can make them stronger and more dangerous. Experts continue to urge individuals and communities to take steps to reduce their emissions and mitigate the climate crisis.