Adaptation To Climate Change At Ports Regions And Supply Chains

With increasing awareness of the potential impacts posed by climate change, many ports and their surrounding regions have undertaken adaptation planning and proactive actions so as to build a resilient and sustained business. However, most of them are still at the embryonic stage in understanding the problem and find it very challenging regarding adaptation planning and implementation. This thesis addresses the current issue in adaptation to climate change impacts at ports, regions and supply chains through quantitative and qualitative analyses. A global survey is designed to investigate port decision-makers' perceptions and knowledge about climate change adaption. It explores the existing impacts posed by sea level rise (SLR), and high winds and storms, and demonstrates the potential impacts of adaptation measures. Analytical results suggest that, despite the forecast of more serious impacts posed by these climate change risks in the near future, port decision-makers still have strong doubts about the effectiveness of adaptation measures and planning. In-depth interviews in a case study on Port Metro Vancouver (Canada) are conducted to further investigate the barriers (especially institutional ones) that hinder the process of climate change adaptation, and thus calls attention for its regional efforts. Based on the literature review and analysis, this study argues that a paradigm shift in adaptation planning, notably from 'go it alone' to 'collaborative' approach involving all major port stakeholders, is urgently needed. The thesis also highlights the pivotal role of tailor-made adaptation methods in accordance with a specific climate change risk in the adaptation planning. Besides, two innovative, 'paradigm shift' recommendations are proposed to climate adaptation planning: (1) a method based on usage unit to allocate investment responsibility; and (2) the establishment of a neutral agency (e.g., a collaborative network) with the power to promote the adaptation process. In addition, a flexible combination of engagement in collaborative projects and individual efforts for ports is suggested so as to implement adaptation works.