An approach for analysis of critical infrastructure vulnerability to climate hazards

Abstract

In recent years, climate change negatively impacts on the resilience of critical infrastructure. This increases the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to climate hazards. In this paper is proposed an approach for analysis of the critical infrastructure vulnerability to climate hazards. It is assumed that the level of vulnerability of the critical infrastructure depends on its levels of sensitivity and exposure to the specific climate hazards in the given geographical region. The approach is consisted from seven steps. For each of the variables related to the vulnerability, four levels are defined (Low, Middle, High, Very high). The usefulness and peculiarities of the proposed approach for analysis of critical infrastructure vulnerability to climate hazards are demonstrated with several examples. The results obtained with the proposed approach for vulnerability analysis can successfully help the stakeholders to make informed decisions about the choice of targeted measures to adapt critical infrastructure to climate change.