CLIMATE CHANGE VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT FOR AMERICAN SAMOA: FOCUS ON TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE

Abstract

Essential transportation infrastructure around the globe will be increasingly compromised by interrelated climate change impacts. Due to geographic isolation and limited natural resources, the economy and security of many Pacific territories and nations, including American Samoa, depend heavily on the resilience of these transportation infrastructure systems. Of particular relevance are the coastal impacts of climate changes such as sea level rise and storm surges which will threaten transportation infrastructure including both temporary and long-term flooding of airports, ports and harbors, and roads which are vital lifelines for trans-Pacific, interisland, and intra-island commerce and community services. The majority of the transportation assets in American Samoa are along a narrow coastal plain backed by steep topography, precluding relocation or retreat in response to increased coastal flooding accompanying a changing climate.

Recorded Presentation from the vICCE (YouTube Link): https://youtu.be/k-qJPMVwvVc