Against this background, the case for designing and
implementing appropriate adaptation strategies to
address climate-change impacts on transport, and
more specifically on ports is a strong one.Give the long lifetime of transport infrastructure, adaptation
has to happen now to avoid high retrofitting costs
However, a review of the available literature reveals
that adaptation action in ports appears to be scarce.75
Over recent years, various studies have addressed
the impacts of climate change on transportation
infrastructure generally, for example in the case of
the United States,76 Canada, Australia and the United
Kingdom. Most of these studies, however, are not
mode-specific and very few specifically focus on
ports.Within the existing literature available in the
public domain, the United States report, Impacts of
Climate Change and Variability on Transportation
Systems and Infrastructure: Gulf Coast Study,
Phase I, is of particular relevance for ports and their
hinterland connections. Other studies worth noting
include the report commissioned by the International
Finance Corporation (IFC), which focuses on the case
Of the Terminal Maritimo Muelles el Bosque (MEB),
in Cartagena, Colombia. The aim of this study was
to help develop knowledge, tools and methods for
analysing climate-related risks and opportunities, and
for evaluating adaptation responses. Equally relevant
is the study commissioned by the International
Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH), Seaports
and Climate Change – An Analysis of Adaptation
Measures