Spatial differences in the heavy precipitation risk intensity in South Korea

ABSTRACT

Damage from climate change has increased gradually and globally; similarly, climate change risk is considered a critical issue in South Korea. Recent trends indicate that heavy precipitation is more likely to increase in terms of frequency and intensity, and it will also be more widely spread than previously recorded. In this study, we investigated the severity of the risk of heavy precipitation in South Korea because of climate change. Climate change risk indices were developed and divided into the “Hazard,” “Vulnerability,” and “Exposure” categories and visualized to present heavy precipitation risk that was identified by hot spot analysis with various spatial characteristics. Using a heavy precipitation risk index, we suggested how risk intensity differs between urban and rural areas. We found that spatial characteristics must be considered when assessing heavy precipitation risk and preparing climate change adaptation strategies. This study will be of use to local and national policy-makers and stakeholders associated with climate change in Korea. The results can further contribute to the study analyzing which factors potentially affect the heavy precipitation risk using various econometric analyses.

KEYWORDS:

• climate change risk
• heavy precipitation
• risk assessment
• spatial characteristics
• South Korea

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by the Korea Environment Institute (project #2015-03-01) and the Korean Ministry of Environment under Grant “Climate Change Correspondence Program 2014001310006.”