Assessing physical climate risks at airports: A case study of Rome

Abstract

The paper explores the multifaceted risks posed by climate change to airport infrastructures and the strategic planning required to mitigate these risks. Climate change, driven by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, leads to increased global temperatures and extreme weather events, which significantly impact critical infrastructure systems, including airports The paper highlights the importance of addressing climate stress on infrastructure to ensure long-term sustainability. Airports are particularly vulnerable to weather-related disruptions, such as storms, sea level rise and changes in climatic patterns, which can affect operations and safety. The authors emphasise the need for systematic and comprehensive climate risk assessments, as recommended by international organisations like the United Nations and the European Union. Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) conducted a comprehensive climate risk assessment for its two airports, Leonardo Da Vinci in Rome-Fiumicino (FCO) and G. B. Pastine in Rome-Ciampino (CIA). The assessment involved screening relevant climate hazards, scoping critical assets and dynamic modelling of risks. The methodology used included the classification of climate-related hazards, analysis of past and future climate conditions and the development of a climate atlas for easy retrieval and graphical representation of data. The key results of the assessment were presented through a Hazard Assessment Atlas and an Assets Scorecard, which detailed the exposure, vulnerability, mitigation measures and risks for each asset. The mitigation measures identified were grouped into four main categories: design, integration/extension of control models, integration/ extension of monitoring and maintenance plans and infrastructure resilience. The paper concludes that the comprehensive climate risk assessment allowed ADR to develop a detailed understanding of the vulnerability and resilience of its airport infrastructures. This understanding enabled the preparation of a Climate Adaptation Plan, which includes short, medium and long-term mitigation measures to reduce the impact of risks and increase asset resilience. The plan is integrated into the Airport Development Plan and the ADR Business Plan.