Abstract
This report presents a comprehensive synthesis of the impacts of climate change on wind, sea level, and wave conditions, with a focus on both average and extreme values. The analysis distinguishes between historical trends and future climate project ions, drawing primarily from European studies, with particular emphasis on France when relevant data are available.
The literature reviewed spans multiple generations of climate models and IPCC scenarios, from CMIP3 to CMIP6. As a result, discrepancies may exist between studies, and greater confidence should be placed in the most recent projections. The findings highlight that consensus is not always achieved, especially regarding extreme wind and wave conditions.
While some patterns appear well established—such as rising sea levels and decreasing mean wind and waves—results remain sensitive to temporal variability, geographic location, and the type of data used (observations vs. models). This is particularly true for future projections, which depend heavily on the selected scenario.
Given these uncertainties, it is recommended to refine climate impact assessments at the regional scale, using long-term observational datasets, high-resolut ion reanalysis, and state-of-the-art climate models. This approach will improve the reliability of projections and support better-informed decisions for offshore wind farm design and coastal planning.