UNCTAD to assess impact of climate change on ports as 80% of world trade volume is carried by sea

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) will convey an expert meeting to examine the impact of climate change and its effect on global trading of goods ad services through the ports.

The meeting, themed “Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation: A Challenge for Global Ports” will be held in Geneva, Switzerland from September 29 to 30, 2011.

According to the UN agency, ports are likely to be affected directly and indirectly by climate changes, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events and rising temperatures.

It noted that over 80% of world trade volume is carried by sea. International shipping and ports provide crucial linkages in global supply-chains and are essential for the ability of all countries, including those that are landlocked, to access global markets.

“Given ports’ strategic role as part of the international trading system, it is of vital importance that experts take a closer look at the impact of climate change on sea transport systems and ports in different parts of the world, with broader implications for international trade and for the development prospects of the most vulnerable nations, in particular Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and Small Islands Developing States (SIDS),” said UNCTAD in press release copied to ghanabusinessnews.com September 22, 2011.

The statement adds that a good understanding of the risks and vulnerabilities in the construction, management, and maintenance of ports is key to developing effective measures that will enhance the resilience of systems, and minimize the adverse effects of climate change.

The meeting will bring together policy makers, planning authorities, port industry representatives and operators, as well as engineers, who will share insights and discuss pertinent issues to identify vulnerabilities and risks, adaptation requirements, information sources, and partners for effective collaboration.

By Ekow Quandzie