A recent study has found that man-made climate change has led to increased flooding in Ireland since October 2023. The research revealed that rainfall was 20% more intense due to climate change, making the past eight months’ rain an event expected only once every five years. If global temperatures rise by two degrees above pre-industrial levels, such rainfall could occur every three years, with storms becoming about 4% more intense.
This increased rainfall has caused significant problems for farmers, highlighting the need to consider how land use can influence heavy rain impacts. The study underscores the importance of planning for the future to both mitigate and adapt to climate change effects. Met Éireann emphasized that this research shows the necessity of preparing for more extreme weather patterns.