Assessing the cascading impacts of natural hazards on Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) using Scotland as a case study
This paper explores the cross-sectoral cascading impacts of extreme weather events on Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) to evidence the interconnected vulnerabilities across energy, water, transport and telecommunications. Using Storm Éowyn from 2025, cross-sectoral disruptions and impacts to Scotland’s CNI are explored through a co-designed workshop and survey. The study identifies key dependencies on electricity and telecommunications infrastructure, providing vital evidence to inform future preparedness and investment strategies for climate-resilient CNI.
Authors
- Kanzis L. Mattu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8109-9484)
- Emily Wallace
- Caroline Olbert
- Lou Brett (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1516-3166)
- A. E. Campbell
- David J. Harkin
- Craig Thom
- Younghwa Cha
- Gareth Rees
- R. Sean Smith
- Paula L. M. Gonzalez
- Laura Burnett
- Rachael Steller
- Medlyn D. Alix
- Christopher J. White
- Andrew Sheppard
- Elizabeth Hampton
Institutions
- Scottish Power (United Kingdom) (GB)
- Met Office (GB)
- University of Strathclyde (GB)
- Committee on Climate Change (GB)
- Scottish and Southern Energy (United Kingdom) (GB)
- Heriot-Watt University (GB)
- Open Geospatial Consortium (GB)
- Scottish Water (United Kingdom) (GB)
- Network Rail (GB)
- University of Edinburgh (GB)
Publication Details
- Journal
- npj natural hazards.
- Published
- 2025-12-26
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s44304-025-00161-9
- Citations
- 2
- Primary Topic
- Infrastructure Resilience and Vulnerability Analysis
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.91
Funders
- European Commission
- Met Office
- HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
- Natural Environment Research Council