Adapting to the risks and uncertainties posed by climate change on ports

Abstract

Climate change has become a critical issue in port supply chains in recent decades, involving a variety of disciplines and posing substantial challenges to ports due to their high vulnerability. To date, there is insufficient research on how to minimize these uncertainties in terms of decision-making and port planning. Also, even for port operators who have taken countermeasures to minimize the impacts of climate change on their ports, some strategic and planning problems still remain. Based on the above issues, this thesis proposes that it is pivotal to enhance the awareness of the community’s consideration of the risks and uncertainties of climate change impacts on ports, and calls for adaptation strategies to cope with climate change impacts from the perspective of port supply chains. Through an extensive literature review, and a nation-wide survey, as well as in-depth interviews in case studies focused on a seaport, an inland port and railway (Port of Montreal, CentrePort Canada and Hudson Railway respectively), this thesis provides and overview of the risks and uncertainties posed by climate change to Canadian ports. Through both quantitative (SPSS in survey) and qualitative analyses (interviews in the case study), it is expected to fill the gaps of regional studies focused on Canada and the under-researched areas including dry ports, port supply chains and adaptation port planning by considering the risks and uncertainties posed by climate change.