An assessment of priorities in handling climate change impacts on infrastructures

Leal, W ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1241-5225, Abeldaño Zuñiga, RA ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2627-278X, Sierra, J ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2427-9619, Dinis, MAP ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2198-6740, Corazza, L ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3859-1913, Nagy, GJ ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8296-4465 and Aina, YA ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0763-9865 (2024) An assessment of priorities in handling climate change impacts on infrastructures. Scientific Reports, 14 (1). 14147. ISSN 2045-2322

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Abstract

Climate change (CC) will likely significantly impact the world’s infrastructure significantly. Rising temperatures, increased precipitation, and rising sea levels are all likely to stress critical infrastructures (CI). Rising temperatures can lead to infrastructure damage from extreme heat events. This can cause roads and bridges to buckle or crack, leading to costly repairs and potential traffic disruptions. In addition, heat waves can damage vital electrical infrastructure, leading to widespread power outages. In light of this context, this article reports on a study which examined the connections and impacts of CC on infrastructure. The study employed a mixed-method approach, combining bibliometric analysis for the period 1997–2022 with a series of relevant case studies from the five continents to offer insight into the impact of CC on infrastructure. The article fills a research gap in respect of assessments of the extent to which climate change (CC) negative influences the infrastructure, with a special focus on developing countries. It also showcases CI projects and adaptation measures being currently deployed, to address CC. The results show that the current infrastructure is vulnerable to CC. The selected case studies on CI adaptation show that in developing and industrialised countries, there is a perceived need to understand better the connections and potential impacts of CC on critical areas such as transport, settlements, and coastal infrastructure. In order to protect infrastructure from CC impacts, governments need to invest in measures such as flood control, early warning systems, and improved building codes. Additionally, they need to work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions more actively, which are the primary cause of CC.