Climate Proofing ADB's Investments in the Transport Sector: Initial Experience

Abstract

Investments in the transport sector are among those most vulnerable to changes in climate variables, including increased sea level and expected changes in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

The transport sector is key to the continued economic development of Asia and the Pacific. By improving connectivity and making the movement of goods and people more affordable, transport contributes to economic growth, efficiency, and competitiveness while providing poor people with access to economic opportunities and services. Various components of the transport infrastructure are exposed and vulnerable to climate change. This is of particular concern to countries in Asia and the Pacific which will experience significant adverse impacts from a changing climate.

The Asian Development Bank has put in place a systematic framework guiding the conduct of climate risk and vulnerability assessments of investment projects. Ongoing initiatives will address some of the key challenges encountered when conducting climate risk and vulnerability assessments, including access to readily available climate change information.