Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Framework for Caribbean Coastal Transport Infrastructure
As part of the project, a methodology was developed to assist transport infrastructure managers and other relevant entities in SIDS in assessing climate-related impacts and adaptation options in relation to coastal transport infrastructure.
The ‘Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Framework for Caribbean Costal Transport Infrastructure’ provides a structured framework for the assessment of climate change impacts and vulnerability with a view to identifying priorities for adaptation and assisting in effective adaptation planning for critical coastal transport infrastructure; it allows for effective monitoring over time.
Climate change adaptation can be daunting, particularly when gaps in data create uncertainties regarding future conditions, the extent and costs of impacts, and the costs and effectiveness of responses.
The methodology is intended to help SIDS overcome these challenges by providing a practical approach that uses available data to inform decision-making at a facility, local, and national level. Technical elements of the methodology include an ‘operational thresholds’ method, to determine the climatic conditions under which facility operations might be impeded, as well as marine inundation modelling. For further information in this respect, see also the documentation under Case studies: Key Findings and Approaches and Overview of Project and Key Results.
The methodology is transferable, subject to location specific modification, for use in other SIDS within the Caribbean and beyond.
Major stages of the assessment framework:
- Set Context and Scope– at the outset, briefly set the parameters for the assessment
- Assess criticality– understand the contributions of different elements of the transport system to the society and economy
- Assess vulnerability– understand how critical elements of the transport system respond to climate stresses, and how risks of costly damages or disruptions may change in the future
- Develop adaptation strategies and mainstream in existing processes– identify where further analysis is needed (and if so, circle back to stage 3), and where action can be taken without further analysis. Understand available options and strategies to reduce risks from climate variability and change. Monitor and evaluate to adaptively manage over time.
For an overview, see Overview of the Methodology