The world’s airports, largely designed for a cooler era, now face severe threats from a warmer world, reports Mike Ives of The New York Times.

Planners in the past gave little thought to how impacts from climate change could affect airplanes and airports. However, now governments, companies and experts around the world are grappling with what could be a very expensive problem. Low-lying airports are increasingly vulnerable to storm surges and sea level rise. Moreover, hotter temperatures may cause tarmac to melt, restrict takeoff weights or require heavier aircraft to take off later in the day. As $1.1 trillion in airport infrastructure projects enter implementation, these running list of challenges must be considered to ensure the safety of passengers and everyone in the airline industry.