UTICAJ KLIMATSKIH PROMJENA NA SKLADIŠNE OBJEKTE S OZBILJNIM RIZICIMA PO OKOLIŠ / IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON STORAGE FACILITIES WITH SEVERE ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS

Abstract

Industrial facilities that handle or store hazardous substances represent significant risks to the environment, human health, and economic systems. The history of industrial development documents several major accidents that have contributed to the establishment of regulatory frameworks for preventing and managing such risks, with the European Seveso Directive playing a key role. In recent decades, increasing attention has been given to NaTech events (Natural Hazard Triggered Technological events), in which natural disasters—such as floods, storms, earthquakes, or landslides—trigger technological accidents in industrial facilities. These events can result in the release of hazardous substances, fires, or explosions, and can have wide-ranging environmental, social, and economic consequences. This paper employs a qualitative analytical approach, including a review of industrial accidents and NaTech events and an analysis of their key characteristics. Special emphasis is placed on the connection between NaTech events and climate change, as the increasing frequency of extreme weather events raises the risk of technological accidents. The discussion presents key guidelines and measures for mitigating NaTech risks, including enhanced risk assessment, infrastructure adaptation to natural hazards, and strengthening organizational preparedness and supply chain resilience. The paper underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to industrial risk management in the context of climate change.