From Risk to Resilience: A Practical Guide for Climate Vulnerability Planning at Airports

ACRP Report 64: Climate Vulnerability Assessment Primer was developed to help airport decision-makers, planners, and consultants assess the potential impacts of climate change on airport operations and infrastructure. Its primary purpose is to guide airports through the process of understanding how changing climate conditions might affect them, helping them prepare for future climate-related disruptions. The primer is designed to be applicable to airports of all sizes and can be used across the entire airport or within specific operational divisions.

Gresham Smith played a key role in the development of this primer by providing expert review based on our extensive experience in airport sustainability projects. Our team contributed insights from working directly with airports across the country, helping to ensure that the primer’s guidance was both practical and aligned with the latest industry standards and best practices. By leveraging our expertise, we helped refine the resource to ensure its relevance and effectiveness for airport operators facing the challenges of a changing climate.

The report encourages airports to proactively plan for the potential impacts of climate change, ensuring they are better prepared to maintain operations and infrastructure under changing conditions. It provides a framework for assessing risks related to extreme weather events and shifting climate patterns, helping airports identify vulnerabilities and develop strategies to minimize disruptions.

Ultimately, the primer serves as a key resource for helping airports implement strategies to reduce risks and increase resilience. By offering a structured approach to vulnerability assessment, it supports airports in making informed decisions about the investments and actions needed to ensure long-term sustainability in the face of climate uncertainty and the evolving needs of the airport industry.

View the report here.