Global ports at risk of severe climate change damages

Nearly nine out of 10 major ports are vulnerable to climate and geophysical hazards that could lead to billions of dollars in damages every year, according to new research from the University of Oxford’s Environmental Change Institute (ECI).

PHOTO: Houston Ship Channel. Port Houston

Ports are exposed to weather-related calamities due to their location along the sea, making them prone to damage from storms and floods. With global sea levels on the rise, the risk has increased manifolds.

86% of the major ports are at risk from at least three natural hazards, the study found. Larger ports are more exposed to risks due to their size, but they are mostly located in higher-income countries that have better resources to take protective measures.

“Globally, port-specific risk totals $7.5 billion per year, with 32% of the risk attributed to tropical cyclone impacts," the study's research lead Jasper Verschuur said. “In addition, $63.1 billion of trade is at-risk every year, with trade risk as a fraction of total trade being particularly high in Small Island Developing States.”

Asian ports face the largest climate risks, followed by those in the Gulf of Mexico and ports in Western Europe. The port of Houston faces the biggest monetary risks - estimated to around $169 million/year - due to a combination of cyclones and flooding.

By Debarati Bhattacharjee

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