Enhance Climate Resilience - for Airport Development

Abstract

More extreme weather and climate-related events are expected as the climate continues to change. The increasing ferquency, intensity, and duration of extreme weather events as well as the gradual socio-economic effects of climate change will have an impact on airports. Many will be vulnerable as the risks of flooding, flight disruptions and cancellations become more likely. Airports need to understand the risks and initiate adaptation measures, for both existing and new infrastructure, as well as manage critical operations so they become more resilient to the changing climate.

A climate-resilient airport takes steps to prepare for the challenges that climate change and extreme weather events might bring. Airport planning should consider the risks and impacts associated with climate change and actively plan for future climate conditions.

Airports should conduct "climate stress tests" and risk assessments, develop mitigation measures and communication channels, and take climate resilience and adaptation into consideration for their master plans. ICAO has established the following short list of the type of climate hazards that may have to be planned for: (i) Changing climatic conditions (temperature change, precipitation, storm intensity), (ii) Sea level rise, (iii) Desertification.