U.S. Ports - Adaptations for a Changing Climate To remain competitive and profitable in the face of a changing climate, U.S. Ports need to focus on several key areas, and legislators and executive agencies will be required to support this transition to an effective outcome. Infrastructure Resilience and Adaptation: Ports must invest in both green and traditional infrastructure to protect against climate-related risks like sea-level rise, hurricanes, and storm surges. This includes the implementation of green infrastructure projects, which combine natural and engineered solutions to provide protection and local amenities. Technological Advancements: The adoption of advanced technologies can enhance the efficiency and resilience of port operations. This includes automation, improved fleet management systems, and end-to-end visibility of cargo movements. Technological upgrades not only increase operational efficiency but also help in coping with increased cargo volumes and the need for rapid response to climate events. Sustainability and Emissions Reduction: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving environmental sustainability are critical. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Ports Program, for instance, funds the transition to zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure. These efforts are essential to minimize the environmental impact of port operations and comply with evolving regulations. Investment in Capacity and Efficiency Enhancements: Ports need continuous investment to expand their capacity and improve efficiency. This includes modernizing facilities to handle larger vessels and more cargo. Enhanced infrastructure, such as the Port of Miami Tunnel, helps ensure smooth traffic flow and efficient cargo handling. Public-Private Partnerships and Funding: Leveraging public-private partnerships can provide necessary funding for infrastructure projects. These partnerships can drive innovation and share the financial burden of large-scale projects needed to adapt to climate changes. Comprehensive Resiliency Planning: Few U.S. ports currently have comprehensive resiliency plans. Developing and implementing these plans is crucial for long-term sustainability. These plans should address both immediate and long-term climate risks and integrate local, state, and federal resources and strategies Clean Ports Program | US EPA: www.epa.gov America’s Air, Sea, and Land Ports Require Investment to be Globally Competitive | Wilson Center: www.wilsoncenter.org Green infrastructure can protect ports from growing environmental risks. | World Economic Forum: www.weforum.org New Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Ports: The Deep Demonstration in Maritime Hubs Project | SpringerLink: link.springer.com https://lnkd.in/gbTDi_f2
COMMENT PERIOD EXTENDED TO SEPTEMBER 30TH! Port managers, planners, and engineers - we want to hear from you! As the U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System, we want to learn what types of planning guidance, data, and federal funding opportunities are currently being used as you plan for long-term environmental change. Please share your input here by SEPTEMBER 30, 2024! The RFI can be found at https://lnkd.in/ePM_WMTH
Assistant Administrator for Ocean Services and Coastal Zone Management at NOAA's National Ocean Service
4moRobin Czerwinski Heather Gilbert