Climate change is here to stay: Reviewing the impact of climate change on airport infrastructure

Abstract

Even if one could eliminate carbon emissions right now, the delay in the atmospheric response would — according to scientific projections — make the future climate significantly different from that of today. But as the effects of climate change will vary throughout the world, there is no single approach to take. Although we are already experiencing some of the results of climate change, the main effects will be much more evident three or four decades from now, and it is worth bearing in mind that much of the airport infrastructure erected today will be there in the new climate. All airports should carry out risk assessments of existing and new infrastructure in order to think ahead, reduce risks and costs and ensure future punctuality and regularity in the aviation sector. The experience of Avinor — Norway’s main airport operator — is that minor adaptation investments in already planned and/or ongoing projects can have a positive impact on punctuality and regularity and save on future resources. This paper sheds light on some of the main future climate effects in the world’s regions, shares experiences from Norway, and outlines some of the aspects that could be included in an airport climate change risk assessment.