Monday, September 9, 2024 A new analysis reveals that nearly all of Australia’s major airports, including those in Sydney and Brisbane, are at significant risk from the severe effects of climate change. This finding highlights the vulnerabilities of multibillion-dollar infrastructure investments, which are heavily backed by large pension funds. Aviation infrastructure owners around the world, such as IFM Investors, which holds stakes in major airports like Sydney, London Stansted, and Vienna, are facing growing concerns about the impact of climate change.
As extreme weather events become more frequent and intense due to global warming, airports are increasingly vulnerable. This issue not only threatens the airports themselves but also has far-reaching consequences for airlines, passengers, and the entire supply chain. In Australia, leading airlines like Qantas Airways are already experiencing disruptions from runway closures caused by unpredictable weather, which affects freight deliveries and overall operations.
Addressing these challenges requires significant investment in protective measures, all of which come with a hefty price tag. Solutions for mitigating climate-related risks at airports range from installing heat-resistant runway materials to constructing flood barriers and upgrading drainage systems. These steps are essential for ensuring the resilience of critical aviation infrastructure in the face of a changing climate, but they also present considerable financi.