Living With Water - StoryMap

City of Cork: Living with water: A story about Cork and climate change

REACHOUT is a European Commission-funded project to develop tools that anyone can use to predict and better understand flooding patterns, supporting the implementation of the European Green Deal.  To achieve this, research partners, climate service providers, and city stakeholders co-developed a set of services for seven European cities, including Cork City.

The REACHOUT project bridges the gap between scientists and society with climate stories. Using a relatable narrative and attractive graphics, they communicate scientific knowledge to a wider audience through storytelling.

The Cork story follows Gráinne and her family on a sunny afternoon on the banks of the River Lee. Themes discussed include the development of the city and recent flooding occurrences, Nature Based Solutions to adapt to flooding, and measures that we as individuals can take to adapt to our changing climate.

                                              A product of the European REACHOUT Project.

Climate change is increasing our exposure to hazards in our city.  The Cork City Climate Change Risk Assessment 2023 projects increased frequency, intensity, loss and damage caused by storms, floods and extremes of temperature up to 2050.  Our infrastructure, homes, and social and economic systems will be tested. In our household survey, 36% of residents indicated they have already suffered from climate impacts.

Climate action, and specifically adaptation planning, requires networking at all scales, from the community and city level to the regional and national level. For this reason, REACHOUT is using City Hubs such as Cork city as anchors to advance climate services.  The climate story was launched at a City Hub workshop held in Cork on the 12th and 13th of November in City Hall.

REACHOUT Project Partner Logos (Cork City Council, MAREI, REACHOUT, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, Climate Adaptation Services)