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What climate vulnerability means
Climate vulnerability helps you understand how exposed Ireland’s ocean, coasts, and marine sectors are to climate change.
It describes how likely a system is to be affected by climate impacts and how well it can cope with those impacts over time.
Understanding vulnerability is a key step in planning for climate change and reducing future risks.
Why vulnerability assessments matter
You need clear evidence to plan for climate impacts. Vulnerability assessments provide that evidence by identifying where risks are highest and where action is needed.
- identify areas and sectors most at risk
- understand how climate impacts may affect ecosystems and infrastructure
- support adaptation planning and risk reduction
- strengthen resilience across marine and coastal sectors
How we assess vulnerability
We support ocean climate vulnerability assessments using long-term data, scientific analysis, and integrated approaches.
- long-term ocean observations across Irish waters
- modelling and forecasting to assess future conditions
- data services to support analysis and decision-making
- integrated assessments that bring together multiple data sources
Key elements of vulnerability
These tools allow us to assess three connected elements of vulnerability.
Exposure
The extent to which a system is affected by climate change.
Sensitivity
How strongly a system responds to those changes.
Adaptive capacity
The system’s ability to cope and recover.
Who this supports
Our climate vulnerability work supports a wide range of users, including:
- government departments and policymakers
- researchers and scientific organisations
- marine industries and planners
- coastal communities and environmental groups
Supporting policy and adaptation
Our work provides the evidence needed to support national climate policy and adaptation planning.
- climate action and adaptation strategies
- marine spatial planning and coastal management
- sectoral planning for fisheries and aquaculture