A framework for the successful application of nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation on rail infrastructure developed through the examination of two case studies

Abstract

The management of railway infrastructure to withstand more frequent and more extreme weather conditions caused by climate change presents a significant global challenge for the rail industry. Nature-based solutions (NbS) have been proposed as potential options to protect and adapt rail infrastructure to accommodate the impacts of climate change, and an initial framework to aid the implementation of NbS in the industry has been developed. Few examples of the application of NbS in the rail environment have been documented however, with a lack of awareness on the concept being cited as the most significant barrier to its dissemination. By examining the application of NbS on two rail case studies in Adelaide, Australia, and Yorkshire, UK, including focus groups and interviews with rail professionals involved in each, this research explores the barriers encountered and the aids to NbS implementation used in these live railway examples, enabling the testing and refinement of the NbS operationalisation framework to produce an improved tool for use by the rail industry. The rail-specific case study outputs contribute to industry knowledge and awareness on NbS, which is critical for its successful uptake on rail infrastructure for climate change adaptation, and will support the continued provision of safe, sustainable rail services.