Adapting to climate change - implications for transport infrastructure, transport systems and travel behaviour

This paper reviews land based transport related issues from considerations of climate change adaptation in Australia. The two main issues for climate change adaptation are sea level rise and the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. These issues are considered in the paper. It considers the risks to existing transport infrastructure and the resulting considerations necessary in planning new infrastructure, transport systems operations under changing climatic conditions, and potential changes in travel behaviour. The use and capability of regional rural networks in emergency evacuation planning emerges as one particular area for further research. More generally, recognition of the risks associated with climate change is required for better planning of new infrastructure and mitigating potential damage to existing infrastructure. Climate change poses a significant risk to infrastructure and its owners, managers and operators. There is a need to undertake research into the likely impacts of climate change on Australia's transport infrastructure, establish the categories of infrastructure most at risk and outline opportunities for adaptation responses, and examine the current governance structures. Then the administrative, legal and other issues that may impact on climate change adaptation can be identified.

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