A multi-hazard risk assessment for buildings in Ireland due to climate change impacts

Climate change significantly impacts both the natural and the built environment, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the risk due to current and future climate-related threats. This study presents a multi-hazard risk assessment framework for buildings in Ireland, serving as an essential first step in developing effective climate adaptation strategies.

The framework is constructed based on three typical components of disaster risk assessment: hazard, vulnerability, and exposure analysis. It provides a comprehensive evaluation of climate-related hazards, including heatwaves, wildfires, heavy precipitation, extreme temperatures, landslides, and strong winds. By incorporating various datasets, the methodology employs a systematic and standardized indicator-based approach to evaluate multiple hazards, offering a holistic risk profile.

The study demonstrates the framework's application through a case study of Dublin, Ireland. This practical implementation illustrates how the methodology can be used to identify potential climate change risk hotspots in urban environments. The approach allows for a high-level risk assessment, which is crucial before commencing any detailed analysis.

By providing a clear and replicable methodology, this research contributes to the global effort to safeguard the built environment against climate change impacts. The framework serves as a valuable tool for policymakers and urban planners, enabling them to prioritize areas for intervention and develop targeted adaptation strategies. This study underscores the importance of proactive risk assessment in enhancing urban resilience to climate change.