Climate change poses 'security threat' to Irish economy and society

A fallen tree at Duckett's Grove in Carlow, in the wake of Storm Éowyn. While yet to be definitively linked to climate change, the storm demonstrated the crippling effect that extreme weather can have on critical national infrastructure, including electricity, water supply, and internet and mobile phone networks. Picture: Michael O'Rourke

Storm surges, flooding, and coastal erosion are likely to pose “significant risks” to the security of Irish society and economy in the coming years, according to a major Defence Forces document.

Climate change not only affects the island of Ireland but also, experts warn, its extensive sea area.