Seminar and Workshop on Climate Change Adaptation for Ports and Navigation Infrastructure

A North American PIANC Seminar and Workshop co-promoted by Baird & Associates and Port of New York and New Jersey.

In December 2015, at COP21, 195 countries decided to adopt the so-called Paris agreement. This first-ever legally binding global climate deal initiates an international plan of action to put the world on track to avoid dangerous climate change by limiting warming to well below 2°C. PIANC participated in the COP21 transport-related side events, representing the ‘Think Climate’ coalition in the discussions on adaptation as well as mitigation. These highlighted the challenges and opportunities associated with both strengthening the resilience of port and navigation infrastructure, and adapting infrastructure to the changing climate. The COP21 side-events also demonstrated that some of the countries and organizations likely to be hit hardest by climate change are the least well-resourced to adapt. During COP22, PIANC attended transport day and a side-event on climate change adaptation; the momentum on climate change action remains strong and everyone has a role to play.

It is increasingly acknowledged that the consequences of climate change, such as change in sea level rise, change in weather and storm frequency, etc. will affect both existing and new seaport and inland waterway infrastructure. Adaptation (to reduce vulnerability or increase resilience) will therefore be necessary. New designs will need to take into account the effects of climate change and some existing infrastructure may need retrofitting. Nonstructural measures including modifications to management activities, maintenance regimes and other port, harbour and waterway operations are also likely to be required to facilitate the continued function of the physical infrastructure. The implications for infrastructure of an increase in the frequency of extreme events and associated adaptation options similarly need to be better understood.

PIANC Working Group 178 is preparing a technical guidance document to help the owners, operators and users of waterborne transport infrastructure adapt to climate change. By providing a platform for discussion and for the sharing of information, this seminar/workshop is intended both to contribute to the work of Working Group 178 and to help raise awareness in the wider sector.

The draft program for this event includes an opportunity for Ports to discuss their challenges in relation to climate change adaptation in a group breakout session, and talks from the following speakers in addition to others who are currently unconfirmed.

• Austin Becker, The University of Rhode Island, Climate Change and Adaptation Planning for Ports
• Jennifer Ogrodnick, Baird & Associates, PIANC Working Group 178, Climate Change Adaptation for Ports and Navigation Infrastructure
• Cate Fox-Lent, US Army Corps of Engineers, PIANC Working Group 193, Resilience of the Marine and Inland Waterborne Transportation System
• John Headland, Baird & Associates, Port Resiliency Quantification

Registration details

Registration is free of charge. Attendance is on a first-come-first served basis and space is limited, so your early registration is recommended. If you register but subsequently find you are unable to attend, please make the Workshop Secretary aware so that your place can be offered to somebody else.

Baird & Associates will provide light snacks and refreshments each day of the event. A networking dinner will be hosted by Baird & Associates on Thursday February 23rd 2017 at 6:30 pm, please confirm your attendance at the networking event when you register.

To reserve your place at this ‘climate change adaptation for ports’ seminar and workshop, please book online at: http://www.baird.com/pianc-workshop/

If you have any difficulties booking, please contact:
Jennifer Gibson, Baird & Associates, Workshop Secretary

1-905-845-5385

Certificates of attendance will be made available electronically following the event for PIANC Members. To request your certificate please tick the certificate box when signing the attendance register on the day.