"Nationally, the net effect of climate change on transportation would likely be positive. ... Vulnerabilities and potential impacts vary regionally, however." ⁽¹⁷⁾

Interest in the implications of climate change for transportation infrastructure and operations is growing internationally.^{(18, 19)} The first general assessment of climate change impacts on transportation in Canada was undertaken in the late 1980s,⁽²⁰⁾ and focused mainly on sensitivities and expert opinion. In the late 1990s, Andrey and Snow ⁽¹⁷⁾ conducted a more comprehensive review of literature, as part of the Canada Country Study.

Andrey and Snow ⁽¹⁷⁾ concluded that it is difficult to generalize about the effects of climate change on Canada's transportation system, since impacts are certain to vary by region and mode. Some northern settlements and coastal regions would face serious challenges associated with changes in temperature and sea level, whereas milder winters would present some benefits for transportation in the more populated parts of Canada. All modes of transportation considered (automobile, truck, rail, air and coastal marine) were expected to face new challenges, as well as some reduced costs. Andrey and Snow ⁽¹⁷⁾ also reported a growing awareness by public agencies and private companies of the need to consider adaptive strategies related to design and/or operational practices in response to changing conditions.