Ports are responsible for a number of environmental impacts on local ecologies and water ways, for example direct effects on water quality, caused by dredging, spills and other pollution. Ports are heavily effected by the changing environmental factors caused by climate change. Importantly most port infrastructure is extremely vulnerable to sea level rise, due to its low-lying nature, making it vulnerable to extreme weather and coastal flooding. Internationally, global ports are beginning to identify ways to improve coastal management practices and integrate climate change adaptation practices into their construction.