“The aim of the ICARUS initiative is to increase adaptation to climate change on the road network”
Climate change will impact key sectors, such as infrastructures and the road network
The ICARUS initiative, of which TECNALIA is a member, aims to increase adaptation to climate change in the decision-making process of road administrations. It focuses on the decarbonisation of the sector following the strategies set out by the UN in SDG 9 "Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure" and SDG 11 "Sustainable Cities and Communities".
The current barriers to the implementation of resilience evaluations are being addressed in order to come up with proposals to overcome them. Various reports will also be drawn up indicating how adaptation measures can be evaluated. Finally, the developments will be validated in different case studies yet to be defined.
Climate change adaptation and mitigation measures
On 23rd and 24th January, different workshops were held at TECNALIA's facilities, in which we worked alongside representatives of CEDR and members of ICARUS.
One of the effects of climate change is the alteration of the intensity, duration and frequency of extreme weather events, such as floods or heat waves. These changes will affect key sectors, including the road network and the level of service they provide to society.
In light of this situation, there is a need to incorporate climate change adaptation and resilience measures into the decision-making of National Road Administrations. All administrations face a major challenge when it comes to implementing such measures: balancing cost-benefit and sustainability.
TECNALIA's role in ICARUS
The consortium is led by Deltares and is also made up of Maple Consulting, Ramboll, RDS and TECNALIA. ICARUS proposes new solutions and methodologies in line with the latest impact vectors and climate projections.
TECNALIA contributes to the identification of the impact and risks derived from climate change on roads, with the preparation of risk analyses, exposure maps and methodologies for calculating vulnerability and impact.
All of this will be relevant within the project in order to propose nature-based adaptation solutions that not only guarantee adaptation to climate change, but also generate co-benefits for society.
