International Conference "Raising awareness on adaptation of transport infrastructure to climate change impacts"

Programme (PDF)
Information for participants
The Conference was held in the Eugenides Foundation Conference Center, in Athens, Greece, on 18-19 November 2019.

Background

Inland transport networks and nodes (roads, railways, waterways, intermodal terminals / logistics centres, ports) are instrumental to the safe, efficient and reliable movements of people to their destinations and goods to market. Transportation plays a significant role in supporting local, national and regional economies. Medium to longer-term disruptions to these networks and nodes may lead to adverse economic and social effects. 
Extreme weather events, some of which are increasing in intensity and frequency, as well as slower onset climate changes (for example, sea level rise) and cumulative effects can result in transportation infrastructure damages, operational disruptions, and pressures on supply chain capacity and efficiency. 
These disruptions can be prevented if future climate change impacts are assessed and relevant adaptation measures implemented at the sections of roads, railways, waterways or at terminals or ports. 
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Group of Experts on Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation for Transport Networks and Nodes (the Group of Experts) has been analysing the impacts of climate change on main transport assets in the UNECE region since 2010. The Group of Experts prepared a study containing this analysis. The Group of Experts recommended that its report is widely shared and that, with its support, awareness is raised about the importance of work aimed at preventing disruptions transport networks and nodes from climate change. 
In this context, UNECE supported by and the Hellenic Logistics Association and other partners,  organized an International Conference for raising awareness about the urgency of assessing climate change impacts on transportation systems and of identifying cost-effective adaptation measures.
Objective
The Conference’s objective was to raise awareness of transport experts from UNECE countries and other countries on effective use of climate projections to assessing future climate impacts on transportation systems in order to identify necessary and cost-effective adaptation measures for preventing future transport disruptions.
More specifically, the Conference was to discuss: 

1. climate change trends and projections and expected implications from climate change on transportation systems, and 
2. use of available climate projections, as well as methods and methodologies to assessing climate impacts and identifying transportation ‘hot-spots’. 

The Conference also shared experience and knowledge available in the countries in assessing future climate impacts on transportation systems and in assessing and/or preventing socioeconomic impacts from climate change on transportation systems.