Regional Conference on Climate Change and Structural Transformation in Southern Africa “EFFECTS Of CLIMATE CHANGE ON PORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT” A Presentation On Behalf Of PMAESA 22nd November 2018

Contents Introduction Background Current Scenario of Ports What Can Happen? Mitigation Africa Adaptation What is Unforeseen? 2/14

Introduction Climate change will affect ports, port operations and economies linked to ports, depending on their geographic location and the capacities of the ports themselves and the communities in which they are located. Such as:- Ports in hurricane/cyclone prone areas v/s those on coastlines far from storm impacts. Ports located in estuaries bear greater responsibility to protect coastal waters and marine life (the whole eco-system). To meet these challenges, decision makers must understand the nature of the problem and what options may be considered. More research is needed to understand where the audience stands and what information is required by them to increase resiliency. 3/9

Background By the very nature of their activities, ports are located in areas most vulnerable to impacts related to climate change: on the coast: susceptibility to sea level rise and increased storm intensity; at mouths of rivers and lakes as well as dry ports: susceptibility to flooding. 90% of world freight moves by ship (IMO, 2008): seaports, lake ports and river ports as well as dry ports therefore, play a critical role in global socio- economic transformation for the vast majority of nations. Demands on ports will continue to grow significantly (Transportation Institute, 2004): shipping’s efficiencies / mass transportation relative to its smaller size of carbon footprint compared to other modes of transport. (more tonnage transported per unit of carbon emitted) To remain efficient and resilient, ports must anticipate the impacts of climate change and pro-actively prepare for sea level rise, increased flooding and more frequent and extreme oceanic and atmospheric weather events. Ref: (Hallegate, 2008; PIANC, 2008; UNCTAD, 2008; EPA, 2008). 4/14

Current scenario of Ports: Ports are important infrastructures - serve as catalysts for socio-economic growth, transformation and prosperity. Ports have strategic importance to a nation - act as maritime gateways to trade. Ports constitute a crucial node in the global supply chain. Unlike ships, ports are regulated by the laws of the country in which they are situated. The impact of climate change on ports can therefore, be viewed within the national structure. 5/14

What can happen? The impact of sea-level rise, storm surges and increased storminess could affect a port’s supporting infrastructure/ superstructure. Increased risk of damage to port facilities, stored cargo and transport systems due to flooding. Key areas that could be impacted by climate change include: the maintenance of Harbour facilities/ marine infrastructure costly to maintain; the resilience of navigational safety functions; the increased need to maintain channels due to changes in sedimentation and tidal patterns; the movement of ships under challenging weather conditions; the port operations including cargo handling activities: 6/14

What can happen? ‘Cont.. Sea-level rise could increase the risk of flooding and overtopping. Ingress of water into Vessel Traffic System (VTS) equipment with consequent power loss has been identified as an event that could reduce navigational safety. - Higher temperatures could create difficulties for the electronics of plants and equipment/ tend to operate less efficiently; Melting of tarmac surfaces on the port terminal; The use of none air-conditioned vehicles; Overall worker productivity goes down when it is too hot. Temporary suspension of ports activities due to severe weather events; Ports that depend on living marine resources as their core activities will lose business as living organisms migrate due to sea temperature change. 7/14

Mitigation Ports can carry out mitigation programs to help minimise impacts of climate change. Some examples include: reducing green-house gas emissions; implement rain water harvesting schemes; putting in place more environmentally- friendly marine waste management policies; ports are ideally located to use renewable energy - e.g. solar energy, wind energy, tidal energy, etc… to supply electrical power for port and port user needs; adopting and adapting Green Port concepts; Implementing shore power projects so that vessels can switch off their auxiliary engines when berthed alongside the quay (reduce exhaust emissions); Switch off shore plants, equipment and vehicles during idle time; Proper maintenance of plants/ equipment to improve operational efficiencies; Use more IT and online systems instead of paper print-outs to save the forests. 8/14

Africa ports working in partnership = winning for Africa Finding common solutions can make a significant contribution to a destination’s economy and local communities. 9/14

Adaptation Investment in or upgrade port infrastructure to make the port more resilient: raising the height of the quay walls and shorelines; construction of sea bed storm barrier (breakwater walls); Adequate storm water drainage system on land. 10/14

What is unforeseen? The economics of potential new trade routes and trading patterns associated with new routes. The impact of new trade routes on port development and shipping activities 11/14

A case in Point Climate change has melted open the Northwest Passage (Arctic Ocean) to shipping. What’s next? Potentially new port infrastructure in the area?

Way forward Policy Makers, Port Planners and Managers have to be prepared….. Climate-related anomalies are there for all of us to see! We remain optimistic that the world will come to a consensus and will come together as one on climate change solutions. 13/14