The GTAA decided to undertake an engineering vulnerability assessment of infrastructure in the context of both the existing climate and future climate change using the PIEVC Protocol. The Protocol is a step-by-step process to conduct an engineering vulnerability assessment on infrastructure due to climate change.

Potential issues and concerns arising from changing climate:

• Airport infrastructure is considered vulnerable to the types of weather related stresses that will be exacerbated by climate change;
• Climate change could threaten airport infrastructure;
• Potential flooding of runways, taxiways, aircraft maneuvering areas, access roads could cause operational delays and physical damage to airport property;
• Stormwater runoff may exceed capacity of drainage and drainage systems;
• Potential wind damage to terminals, navigation equipment and signage;
• Disruption of airport operations, ground access, services supplied to the airport;
• Change in de-icing operations (increase, decrease of de-icing fluid quantities); and,
• Different needs for snow clearance and de-icing include combination of less snow but more ice.