Adapting Ports to the Impacts of Climate Change

Increases in precipitation events, hurricane intensity and frequency, heat waves, drought, coastal erosion and flooding, and rising sea levels are all effects of the earth's changing climate. These events can significantly impact the construction, maintenance, and operation of ports. To avoid potential increases in emergency repair costs, safety issues, and threats to long-term sustainability, and to capitalize on opportunities created by a changing climate, port stakeholders should assess their potential risks and vulnerabilities to climate change. Assessing these risks and integrating proactive planning, design, and operations of port infrastructure can increase the resilience of the port. The Adapting to Climate Change Application (ACCA) was developed to help stakeholders identify actions that can be taken to decrease potential negative impacts on infrastructure, facilities, and operations. This tool is aimed at high-level decision-making and has been used to assist clients in the US and the UK.