Climate change presents a long-term problem to our national infrastructure. To minimise its adverse impacts there is a need to ensure that, even if detailed technical solutions vary, new infrastructure, often with a life-time of 50-100 years (or more), is resilient to long-term climate change.
An independent report to the cross-departmental Infrastructure and Adaptation project sets out the case for adapting infrastructure in the energy, transport and water sectors so that new and existing infrastructure is able to operate effectively in a long-term changing climate.
The report focuses on the long-term impacts of climate change (2030s to 2100) to the infrastructure in the three sectors of energy, water and transport, setting out:
- The long-term risks from climate change to the infrastructure, both technically and operationally;
- The need to consider the interdependency risks of the infrastructure system;
- The need for all infrastructure to consider the long-term impacts of climate change in its design, build and operation;
- The adaptation options available as well as the barriers that could prevent action;
The report will inform Defra’s Adapting to Climate Change Programme, its Infrastructure and Adaptation project, individual Government departments and industry.
Summary Report Adapting Energy, Transport and Water Infrastructure to the Long-term impacts of Climate Change
