The year 2024 has already witnessed the devastating impact of climate change on U.S. ports, with Tropical Storm Alberto and Hurricane Beryl causing significant disruptions. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that this year’s hurricane season could be one of the busiest on record. The increasing intensity of these storms, rather than their frequency, is the primary concern for ports, according to AccuWeather senior meteorologist Brett Anderson. Climate change, with its higher atmospheric heat, increased water vapor levels, and more extreme rainfall, is the main driver of this shift.
The Need for Proactive Measures and Infrastructure Investment
A 2017 study from the University of Rhode Island’s Department of Marine Affairs warned that major modifications are needed to protect 100 of the country’s major commercial coastal ports against rising waters. The estimated cost of these modifications ranges from $57-78 billion. Jena Santoro, a senior manager with supply chain risk management company Everstream Analytics, emphasizes the need for infrastructure investments in port preparedness for flooding to prevent disruptions in maritime freight during peak storm season.
Several U.S. ports have already begun preparing for the coming storms, with measures ranging from flood barriers to large concrete cisterns for excess rainwater collection. The Biden administration has also allocated $653 million to fund projects aimed at raising elevations at select ports and strengthening shipping berths against hurricane conditions.
Anderson stresses the need for “good decision-makers and better infrastructure” to keep ports above water, highlighting the urgency of proactive measures and substantial investment to prepare for the future.
