Abstract:As key links in transportation and supply chains, the effect of climate change on seaports has broad implications for the development prospects of the global economy. However, the picture is very uncertain because t he impacts of climate change will be felt very differently around the world, both positively and negatively. This book addresses the need for quality theoretical analysis, highly innovative assessment methodologies and insightful empirical global experiences so as to identify the best international… Show more
“…Few ports have begun to invest in adaptation measures in preparation for the levels of SLR expected by the end of the century [50]. That said, according to American Association of Port Authorities, US ports currently anticipate spending $2.1 billion on capital upgrades annually [1].…”
Climate changes projected for 2100 and beyond could result in a worldwide race for adaptation resources on a scale never seen before. This paper describes a model for estimating the cost and materials of elevating coastal seaport infrastructure in the United States to prevent damage from sea level rise associated with climate change. This study pilots the use of a generic port model (GenPort) as a basis from which to estimate regional materials and monetary demands, resulting in projections that would be infeasible to calculate on an individual port-by-port basis. We estimate the combined cost of adding two meters of additional fill material to elevate the working surface and then reconstructing the generic port. We use the resulting unit area cost to develop an estimate to elevate and retrofit 100 major United States commercial coastal ports. A total of $57 billion to $78 billion (2012 US dollars) and 704 million cubic meters of fill would be required to elevate the 100 ports by two meters and to reconstruct associated infrastructure. This estimation method and the results serve as a thought exercise to provoke considerations of the cumulative monetary and material demands of widespread adaptations of seaport infrastructure. The model can be adapted for use in multiple infrastructure sectors and coastal managers can use the outlined considerations as a basis for individual port adaptation strategy assessments.
“…Few ports have begun to invest in adaptation measures in preparation for the levels of SLR expected by the end of the century [50]. That said, according to American Association of Port Authorities, US ports currently anticipate spending $2.1 billion on capital upgrades annually [1].…”
Climate changes projected for 2100 and beyond could result in a worldwide race for adaptation resources on a scale never seen before. This paper describes a model for estimating the cost and materials of elevating coastal seaport infrastructure in the United States to prevent damage from sea level rise associated with climate change. This study pilots the use of a generic port model (GenPort) as a basis from which to estimate regional materials and monetary demands, resulting in projections that would be infeasible to calculate on an individual port-by-port basis. We estimate the combined cost of adding two meters of additional fill material to elevate the working surface and then reconstructing the generic port. We use the resulting unit area cost to develop an estimate to elevate and retrofit 100 major United States commercial coastal ports. A total of $57 billion to $78 billion (2012 US dollars) and 704 million cubic meters of fill would be required to elevate the 100 ports by two meters and to reconstruct associated infrastructure. This estimation method and the results serve as a thought exercise to provoke considerations of the cumulative monetary and material demands of widespread adaptations of seaport infrastructure. The model can be adapted for use in multiple infrastructure sectors and coastal managers can use the outlined considerations as a basis for individual port adaptation strategy assessments.
“…At the national and global levels, trade and development rely on the efficient operation of maritime transportation 1 . Still, decision-makers have not yet made sufficient investments towards climate and extreme weather resilience (Biesbroek et al 2011), as seen recently with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy at the port of New York and New Jersey (Greene et al 2013;Becker et al 2014;Becker 2016;Ng et al 2016), and earlier in Gulfport, MS, during Hurricane Katrina (2005) (USDOT 2013). Differences in stakeholders' risk perceptions can be a source of conflict in the deliberations and planning.…”
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“…A considerable volume of research investigates the negative impacts posed by climate change on transportation infrastructures. For example, the book by Ng et al () contains numerous cases on how climate change affects the operation of ports located in four continents, and how port stakeholders attempt to adapt to such challenges.…”
Section: Adaptation To Climate Change and A Potential Opportunitymentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Climate change impacts will likely have both positive and negative elements. In fact, some societies may benefit from the development and implementation of effective adaptation strategies and solutions (Ng et al, ). The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change supports this view and defines adaptation to climate change as follows:…Adjustments in ecological, social, or economic systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli and their effects or impacts...Changes in processes, practices, and structures to moderate potential damages or to benefit from opportunities associated with climate change.…”
Section: Adaptation To Climate Change and A Potential Opportunitymentioning
This paper assesses the value and environmental feasibility of Arctic shipping by reviewing the relevant scientific and economic peer‐reviewed literature. From the physical perspective, this paper examines the impact of climate change on sea ice and marine weather and considers the resultant consequences for Arctic shipping accessibility. From an economic perspective, it reviews the major research investigating the economic feasibility of diverting ships from conventional shipping routes to Arctic routes, the attitudes of shipping stakeholders, and other major factors affecting the prospect of Arctic shipping. This review also identifies important research gaps. Ultimately, we find that the complex environmental and economic dynamics of the Arctic suggest that an appropriate understanding of Arctic shipping will require close collaboration between natural and social scientists.
This article is categorized under:
Assessing Impacts of Climate Change > Evaluating Future Impacts of Climate Change
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