IDS
Civil/Environmental
- Jun 1, 2001
- 3,221
The climate affects many aspects of engineering design, including wind speeds, flood levels and temperature extremes. Design codes must set specific levels for these things, and the appropriate level varies depending on geographical location. The appropriate levels and geographic extents have been set in the past based on historical records, with little, if any, consideration of how the climate may change in the future.
Regardless of the reasons for climate change, it is clear that the climate is likely to change significantly in the future, and there will be at least some locations where climate conditions will become more severe (e.g. higher maximum wind speeds, higher sea levels and storm surges, higher maximum temperatures).
1) How should design codes be changed to deal with the risks associated with climate change?
2) What can we do as individuals or representatives of engineering organisations to ensure that these changes are put in place, and are considered in a logical manner, with due consideration of the risks and costs involved?
Doug Jenkins
Interactive Design Services
Regardless of the reasons for climate change, it is clear that the climate is likely to change significantly in the future, and there will be at least some locations where climate conditions will become more severe (e.g. higher maximum wind speeds, higher sea levels and storm surges, higher maximum temperatures).
1) How should design codes be changed to deal with the risks associated with climate change?
2) What can we do as individuals or representatives of engineering organisations to ensure that these changes are put in place, and are considered in a logical manner, with due consideration of the risks and costs involved?
Doug Jenkins
Interactive Design Services