ACI Resolution 3/2018 on resilience and adaptation to climate change
ACI members adopted a resolution (ACI Resolution 3/2018 on resilience and adaptation to climate change) in Brussels in June 2018 recognizing the potential impact of climate change on airport infrastructure and operations, and encouraging member airports to conduct risk assessments, develop mitigation measures and communication channels, and take climate resilience and adaptation into consideration for their master plans.
Most airport infrastructure was designed and constructed in the era when climate variation was not appreciated as it is today, and adaptive measures were not readily available. However, with more studies presenting financial and economic benefits from introducing preventive measures compared to reactive response post-impact, ACI recommends that airports consider:
- taking into consideration the potential impact of climate-change as they develop their Master Plans;
- conducting risk or criticality assessments for their operational procedures and existing infrastructure from more adverse weather events and climate change;
- developing and incorporating actions at an early stage, in accordance with both their risk/criticality assessments and with their overall business continuity plans and emergency planning; and
- planning and developing effective communication channels with airport staff, and aviation stakeholders, including airlines, air navigation service providers, off-airport service providers, academia, communities and municipal authorities responsible for weather monitoring, climate analysis, and disaster management.
