Rail infrastructure is vulnerable to extreme weather events, resulting in damage and delays to networks. The impact of heat is a major concern for the London Underground (LU) by Transport for London (TfL) both now and in future, but existing studies are limited to passenger comfort on the deep tube and do not focus on infrastructure or the vast majority of the network, which is in fact above ground. For the first time, the present empirical study examines quantitatively the statistical relationship between LU delays (by synthesizing 2011–2016 industry data) with air temperature data (from Met Office archives). A range of testing shows strong statistical relationships between most delay variables and high temperatures, though not causality. Relationships were found between high temperatures and delays associated with different asset classes on different LU lines. Track‐related delays, often the focus of high‐temperature research (i.e. track buckling), show a relationship, although this is small relative to delays caused by other assets. Using UK Climate Projections 2009 (UKCP09) and assuming a similar future performance indicates that the share of annual delays owed to temperatures > 24°C may increase in frequency and length, depending on the emissions scenario. Recommendations include extending the analysis to the LU asset scale and considering the local environment to understand failure causality in order to mitigate future heat risk. A review of how TfL and other infrastructure operators capture delays for future analysis is necessary to facilitate climate resilience benchmarking between networks.

Climate change, through extreme weather events and slow onset climatic changes, disrupts the operation of transport networks, and those in low-income countries (LICs) across Africa and South Asia are particularly vulnerable to climate change. This paper explores the barriers that LICs face across Africa and South Asia regarding preparedness of transport infrastructure to climate change, with the intent of addressing the knowledge gaps and consequential needs of LICs to support the delivery of more climate-resilient transport. Literature on climate change adaptation and transport resilience among LICs is reviewed to identify the broad challenges and barriers regarding climate change adaptation. Semi-structured interviews with 13 transport stakeholders across Africa and South Asia were also conducted to understand the challenges specific to the transport sector in the regions. Several barriers were identified, including a lack of data and knowledge on climate change impacts, design and prioritisation of remedial actions, budgeting and planning for climate change, and identifying and engaging with stakeholders. Findings from this paper and the wider research project it comprises inform policy guidance that calls for greater national and international coordination to develop practical, relevant and usable data, tools, advice and support for some of the most at-risk transport networks to climate change in the world.

High temperatures and heatwaves are becoming more frequent, but heat vulnerability is rarely considered within local authority city design and statutory land-use planning processes. Here, we describe an approach to assess heat vulnerability in Birmingham, the second largest city in the UK. The approach uses open access data and GIS techniques that are available for built environment practitioners. Heat vulnerability is assessed by combining four datasets: surface temperatures, Local Climate Zones, green space, and Indices of Multiple Deprivation. The assessment shows that central and eastern areas of Birmingham that have the most compact urban form, least green space, and highest levels of deprivation are most vulnerable to heat. We evaluated the approach against previous climate research, examined the approach and datasets at the local scale, and described how heat vulnerability can be (and is being) incorporated into decision making. This project combines three key innovations: (1) the decision-centric process that focuses the method on the decision that needs to be made, minimizing inertia related to scientific or modeling uncertainty and reducing resource-intensity; (2) the co-creation process with Birmingham City Council, who have statutory powers for planning within the city, thereby ensuring that heat vulnerability is embedded within decisions on the suitability, design, and location of sites for future development; and (3) the open access and technically appropriate methodology which can be applied to any urban area in the UK, using the open access datasets described here, or globally, using locally applicable data sources.

The UK’s national railway network has evaluated climate change impacts, risks and adaptation solutions. This review establishes the case for greater attention to be given to the vulnerability of rail transport beyond the mainline network. By considering the resilience of high-speed rail, mass rapid transit systems and light rail transit systems, the overall resilience of journeys can be improved. To this end, this review establishes current knowledge, practice and policy relating to rail beyond the mainline and outlines the next steps to achieve resilience. By providing this overview of advances, challenges and opportunities, practitioners and academics alike will be stimulated to pursue further resilience.