GC Insights: Open R-code to communicate the impact of co-occurring natural hazards

Hydro-meteorological hazard is often estimated by university-based scientists using publicly funded climate models, whilst the ensuing risk quantification uses proprietary insurance sector models, which can inhibit the effective translation of risk-related environmental science into modified practice or policy. For co-occurring hazards, this work proposes as an interim solution open R-code that deploys a metric (i.e., correlation coefficient r) obtainable from scientific research, usable in practice without restricted data (climate or risk) being exposed. This tool is evaluated for a worked example that estimates the impact on joint risk at an annual 1-in-200 year level of wet and windy weather in the UK co-occurring rather than being independent, and the approach can be applied to other multi-hazards and compound events in various sectors (e.g. road, rail, telecommunications).