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Adaptation To A Changing Climate

How can we build more resilient industries? Adaptation will become an increasingly important aspect of risk management for the shipping, oil and gas, and power sectors, as the lifetimes of new vessels, drilling platforms and power plants stretch into future periods of more severe climate change.

Ships colliding

Maritime

Shipping and coastal port facilities are especially vulnerable to changing weather conditions. Climate change is likely to increase hazards. Although uncertainties remain about the amount of increase, it is time to start planning for adaptation.


The sea has been the largest carrier of freight throughout recorded history. As global international trade has increased, so has the demand for sea transport of people and goods. Climate change may create serious risks for ports and ships, reduce the efficiency of transport and necessitate rebuilding of infrastructure.

maritimeValueChain
Maritime value chain
Platform

Oil & Gas

The petrochemical industry is vulnerable to many aspects of climate change, including storms, waves and melting ice. Adaptation will include new design criteria, emergency planning, and rerouting and reciting of infrastructure.


Oil and gas account for more than half of the world’s primary energy consumption. With projects and operations around the world, the sector is exposed to climate change risks along its entire value chain including exploration, production, transport, processing, refining, distribution, and consumption.

OilGasValueChain
Oil & Gas value chain
Powerlines

Electric power

Climate change poses risks to electrical power generation and distribution, as warming gradually cuts efficiency and extreme weather threatens to damage grids. There will be a need to harden infrastructure and increase capacity.


Without a reliable supply of electricity, many functions of daily living would not exist. Think about a world with no telecommunications, computers, traffic signals or refrigeration. Climate change and extreme weather can hit electricity distribution along the entire value chain, from interruptions in fuel supply, through reduction in power station capacity, damage to transmission lines, and changes in demand.

ElectricPowerValueChain
Electric value chain
City

Cities

The city is becoming the most significant form of human community. To reduce vulnerability and build resilience in these highly complex systems, collaboration will be essential.


The world is undergoing the greatest wave of urban growth in history. As cities expand, there is a growing need for climate change adaptation, and an opportunity to build resilience into the urban landscape.