Climate change is making extreme weather events, like flooding, more likely. Recent research by Maynooth University and Met Éireann revealed that this week’s floods were almost three times more likely because of climate change.
During the days leading up to Storm Chandra, an unusual amount of rain fell. Although the rainfall itself seemed typical, the conditions made it a disaster. The study showed that rainfall amounts over the week were about 9% higher than they would have been in a cooler world. This leads us to a significant point: events like this used to be expected once every 150 years, but now they could happen once every 60 years due to climate change.
Lionel Swan, a researcher from Wasitus, noted that we don’t need a single day of extreme rain for disaster to strike anymore. Instead, longer periods of rainfall are becoming more intense and frequent, heightening flood risks. The recent flooding impacted areas in Louth, Dublin, Wicklow, and Wexford, which were already dealing with saturated soils and high river levels from previous rain.
This trend isn’t unique to Ireland. Globally, the warming atmosphere can hold about 7% more moisture with every degree increase in temperature. This means heavier rains and more intense downpours that strain our land and waterways.
Dr. Claire Bergin, who led the studies, highlighted that human activities, especially burning fossil fuels, are fueling climate change. She stated that flooding events this season have already caused significant issues, indicating that extreme weather patterns are on the rise.
In November, another storm, Claudia, also led to serious flooding due to similar conditions. Studies found that climate change made that flooding twice as likely, showing a concerning pattern where the environment is easily overwhelmed.
As floods become more common, it’s crucial to improve our flood defenses and reduce global warming. Better preparations can help communities adapt to this new reality, but addressing the root causes of climate change is just as important.
For more on the impacts of climate change, check out this report from the IPCC.
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