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Since the CLIMATES initiative was launched in September 2024 over 300 people have taken part in a series of one day workshops and in depth survey to explore possible futures for transport and the environment and help answer the initiative's "exam question":
In an uncertain world, what priority actions in highways and transportation should we double-down on in the next three years to meet the unfolding challenges of climate change as we look out to 2035 and beyond?
All of this input has been analysed and the final report and recommendations are published below.
- New CLIMATES report outlines seven recommendations to help achieve systematic change
The significance of climate change for society and in turn highways and transportation is profound. Taking action to address it has become central to professional concerns. Supported with sponsorship from Mott MacDonald and Ringway, it embarked in 2024 on an initiative called CLIMATES – Changing Landscapes for Infrastructure and Mobility: Assessing Transport and Environment Scenarios.
Two major challenges will define the work of many transport professionals now and for decades to come. First, the need to achieve deep and rapid reductions in the carbon emissions produced by transport, including those associated with the construction and maintenance of transport infrastructure. Second, there will be a need to adapt our systems and networks to become more resilient in the face of the accelerating impacts of climate change.”
“To support this transformation, we commissioned CLIMATES to ensure that CIHT members and the wider sector could help shape how we deliver our commitment on positive climate action. The scale and complexity of the climate crisis can at times feel overwhelming. It is easy to think that individual efforts are too small to make a meaningful difference. The recommendations that we have outlined in this report aim to create a pathway for change that will require support from across the sector and beyond.
The seven recommendations in the report are:
Other major issues in the news and summer sunshine may draw attention away, but the need for ongoing climate action is nothing short of existential. The CIHT CLIMATES report uniquely reflects what hundreds of highways and transportation professionals have to say on the matter. It provides clear-headed coverage of a multi-faceted ‘wicked’ problem and what needs to be done. The set of seven recommendations for doubling down on climate action must all be acted upon – the whole will be greater than the sum of the parts in the contribution this can make to system change. Included in the recommendations is the need for positive storytelling that reminds us that the changes taking place to address climate change can benefit not only our children and grandchildren in years to come but offer good news for us all in the present as well. Now is the time for everyone to be changemakers!
CIHT CLIMATES stands out as a bold and inclusive step forward for the transport sector —grounded not just in expert opinion, but in the lived experience and aspirations of professionals across the industry.”
“The seven recommendations offer a clear and actionable path to accelerate climate action, and as a joint-sponsor Mott MacDonald is proud to have supported this important work. The recommendation for ‘Reappraising Appraisal’ is particularly pertinent when set in the context of long-term outcomes and the forthcoming 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy.”
“As a sector, we have both the responsibility and the opportunity to lead the way in building a more resilient, low-carbon future. Now is the time to turn insight into impact.
It has been a pleasure for Ringway to be involved in CIHT Climates. The next steps are to focus on what we can achieve rather than just influence. Yes, we can affect change by working with our stakeholders to design, plan and budget for improved resilience in our transportation networks. But we also need to consider how we adapt to drive a better outcome for the end users that rely on our sector to connect us to our end destinations right now.
You can also join CIHT President, and CLIMATES project lead Professor Glenn Lyons for a deep dive into the findings at a free webinar on Friday 13 June, 12.30-14.00
>>> Book Now
A CIHT initiative to help professionals explore what may lie ahead and explore how we can meet the challenges of climate change.
The world is in a state of flux socially, technologically, economically, environmentally and politically. What lies ahead over the next decade in relation to climate change? What does this mean for professionals and organisations in the highways and transportation sector?
CIHT CLIMATES is examining possible climate change futures and developing a series of practical recommendations to enable the sector to take meaningful and appropriate action.
Led by CIHT President Professor Glenn Lyons and sponsored by Mott MacDonald and Ringway, CIHT CLIMATES is:
Join other savvy professionals just like you at CIHT. We are committed to fulfilling your professional development needs throughout your career
