Given the critical function of ports in global trade and their exposure to multifaceted risks, they represent a logical starting point for the implementation of resilience and adaptation in maritime infrastructure. In the face of today’s dynamic and uncertain economic conditions, strengthening resilience is essential, not only for maintaining port operations and the supply chains they underpin, but also for fostering economic growth and safeguarding environmental sustainability.
Port decision-makers are increasingly aware of the impacts of climate change – not only on infrastructure and operations, but also on the workforce, surrounding communities, and natural ecosystems that coexist with ports.
Port Decision Makers’ Guide to Climate Risk Assessment (CRA) is an essential first step in helping ports understand, anticipate, and respond to the impacts of climate change. A structured CRA helps ports identify risks, prioritise adaptation measures, and ensure long-term resilience and sustainability.
Based on published resources, this document aims to increase awareness of the scope, purpose and importance of a CRA. It provides practical, actionable insights to port decision-makers on how to effectively commission a CRA. Crucially, a well-executed CRA also serves as the essential evidence-based foundation required to access international climate finance. This approach turns a resilience necessity into a tangible investment opportunity. It also can empower ports that face challenges with lack of resources and capacity to take meaningful steps toward climate adaptation and secure finance, ultimately fostering a more equitable and robust global maritime network.
This guidance will be instrumental in accelerating the uptake of CRAs in ports around the world, particularly those operating with resource and capacity constraints. The climate risk screening has already been carried out at Mombasa Port, Kenya, as part of the piloting of this guidance. Building on this success, the International Coalition for Sustainable Infrastructure (ICSI) and Resilience4Ports (R4P) are partnering with the African Group of Negotiators Expert Support (AGNES) to mainstream CRAs across Africa, ensuring that ports on the continent are better equipped to manage climate risks and harness opportunities for sustainable growth.
Spanish and Portuguese translations of the guidance are also available and can be accessed through the links below.
