Can ports keep goods moving as our climate changes?

In our film, podcast and feature articles, our experts discuss how ports need to allow for the predicted impacts of climate change – rising sea levels, higher waves and increased storminess – when designing new infrastructure or adapting existing sea walls, quays or breakwaters. They also outline the role ports can play in cutting carbon emissions and working with the natural environment.

Climate change could disrupt the operation of ports and harbours, a vital part of the global supply chain, unless they are well prepared.

In our podcast, Maria di Leo, Mark Lee and Tom Matthewson discuss the implications of climate change impacts for ports and how they need to plan now so that their infrastructure can withstand more extreme weather.

Our experts also outline the role ports can play in cutting carbon emissions, for instance by supporting ships moving to low carbon fuels, or changing dredging practices and techniques. Material excavated to allow ships to access ports is even sometimes used to make new habitats for wildlife.

We explore some of the issues around climate resilience and water in depth...