Course Content :

Topic One: Sustainability and the SDGs

Topic Tow: Climate Change
Topic Three: Water Security and Food Security.
Topic Four: Governance
Topic Five: Resiliency
Topic Six: Solid Waste Management
Topic Seven: Risk Assessment
Topic Eight: Sustainable- Green- Smart Buildings and Cities.
Topic Nine: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
Topic Ten: WEFE Nexus.
Topic Eleven: BIM Technology
Topic Twelve: EIA
1
2
This topic will be covered through 3 parts

1- Introduction
2- Climate Change Dictionary
3- Civil Engineering & the Climate Change

3
 Part 1:
Introduction

4
What Is Climate Change?
➢ Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather
patterns. Such shifts can be natural, due to changes in the sun’s activity or
large volcanic eruptions. But since the 1800s, human activities have been
the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil
fuels like coal, oil and gas.

➢ Burning fossil fuels generates greenhouse gas emissions that act like a
blanket wrapped around the Earth, trapping the sun’s heat and raising
5
temperatures.
➢ The main greenhouse gases that are causing climate change include carbon
dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). These come from using gasoline for
driving a car or coal for heating a building.
➢ For example. Clearing land and cutting down forests can also release carbon
dioxide. Agriculture, oil and gas operations are major sources of methane
emissions. Energy, industry, transport, buildings, agriculture and land use
are among the main sectors causing greenhouse gases
6
Humans are responsible for global warming!
Climate scientists have showed that humans are responsible for
virtually all global heating over the last 200 years. Human activities
like the ones mentioned above are causing greenhouse gases that are
warming the world faster than at any time in at least the last two
thousand years.

7
➢ The average temperature of the Earth’s surface is now about 1.2°C
warmer than it was in the late 1800s (before the industrial revolution)
and warmer than at any time in the last 100,000 years.
➢ The last decade (2011-2020) was the warmest on record, and each of
the last four decades has been warmer than any previous decade since
1850.

8
➢ Many people think climate change mainly means warmer temperatures.
But temperature rise is only the beginning of the story. Because the
Earth is a system, where everything is connected, changes in one area
can influence changes in all others.

9
➢ The consequences of climate change now include, among others,
❖ intense droughts,
❖ water scarcity,
❖ severe fires,
❖ rising sea levels,
❖ flooding,
❖ melting polar ice,
❖ catastrophic storms and
❖ declining biodiversity.

10
People are experiencing climate change in diverse ways
Climate change can affect our:
❖ health,
❖ ability to grow food,
❖ housing,
❖ safety and
❖ work.

11
➢ Some of us are already more vulnerable to climate impacts, such as
people living in developing countries.
➢ Conditions like sea-level rise and saltwater intrusion have advanced to
the point where whole communities have had to relocate, and protracted
droughts are putting people at risk of famine.
➢ In the future, the number of people displaced by weather-related events
is expected to rise.

12
Every increase in global warming matters
In a series of UN reports, thousands of scientists and government reviewers
agreed that limiting global temperature rise to no more than 1.5°C would
help us avoid the worst climate impacts and maintain a livable climate. Yet
policies currently in place point to up to 3.1°C of warming by the end of the
century.

.
13
The emissions that cause climate change come from every part of the world
and affect everyone, but some countries produce much more than others.
The six biggest emitters:
1. China
2. The United States of America
3. India
4. The European Union
5. The Russian Federation
6. Brazil 14
together accounted for more than half of all global greenhouse gas emissions
in 2023. By contrast, the 45 least developed countries accounted for only 3%
of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Everyone must take climate action, but people and countries creating more of
the problem have a greater responsibility to act first.

15
The challenge is HUGE but there are many solutions
Many climate change solutions can deliver
✓ economic benefits
✓ improving our lives
✓ protecting the environment.

16
There are global frameworks and agreements to guide progress, such as:
1. the Sustainable Development Goals,
2. the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
3. the Paris Agreement.
Three broad categories of action are:
1. Cutting emissions
2. Adapting to climate impacts
3. Financing required adjustments.
17
Adapting to climate consequences protects people, homes, businesses,
livelihoods, infrastructure and natural ecosystems.
Adaptation will be required everywhere, but must be prioritized now for
the most vulnerable people with the fewest resources to cope with climate
hazards. The rate of return can be high. Early warning systems for
disasters, for instance, save lives and property, and can deliver benefits up
to 10 times the initial cost.

18
We can pay the bill now, or pay expensively in the future
Climate action requires significant financial investments by governments and
businesses. But climate inaction is vastly more expensive.
One critical step is for developed countries to support developing countries
so they can adapt and move towards greener economies.

19
 Part 2:

Climate Change Dictionary

20
 Weather vs. Climate
Weather refers to atmospheric conditions at a particular time in a
particular location, including temperature, humidity, precipitation,
cloudiness, wind, and visibility. Weather conditions do not happen in
isolation, they have a ripple effect. The weather in one region will
eventually affect the weather hundreds or thousands of kilometers
away.

21
Climate is the average of weather patterns in a specific area over a
longer period of time, usually 30 or more years, that represents the
overall state of the climate system.

Human activity in the industrial age, and particularly during the last
century, is significantly altering our planet’s climate through the release
of harmful greenhouse gases.

22
 Greenhouse gas emissions
Greenhouse gases are gases that trap heat from the sun in our planet’s
atmosphere, keeping it warm. Since the industrial era began, human
activities have led to the release of dangerous levels of greenhouse
gases, causing global warming and climate change.

23
The main greenhouse gases released by human activities are carbon
dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (NO?), and fluorinated
gases used for cooling and refrigeration.
Carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas resulting from human
activities, particularly from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and
changing the way land is used. Our reliance on fossil fuels has led to a
50% increase in the concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
over the last 200 years.
24
Methane is another important greenhouse gas that is responsible for
25% of global warming. Methane is released during the extraction and
transport of coal, gas, and oil, and by waste landfills and agricultural
practices.
To prevent catastrophic climate change, the world’s governments must
work together to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions now
and in the coming decades and keep global warming below the
dangerous threshold of 1.5°C.
25
Global warming vs. Climate change
Global warming is an increase in the Earth’s average surface
temperature that occurs when the concentration of greenhouse gases in
the atmosphere increases. These gases absorb more solar radiation and
trap more heat, thus causing the planet to get hotter. Burning fossil
fuels, cutting down forests, and farming livestock are some human
activities that release greenhouse gases and contribute to global
warming.
26
Climate change refers to the long-term changes in the Earth’s climate
that are warming the atmosphere, ocean and land. Climate change is
affecting the balance of ecosystems that support life and biodiversity,
and impacting health. It also causes more extreme weather events, such
as more intense and/or frequent hurricanes, floods, heat waves, and
droughts, and leads to sea level rise and coastal erosion as a result of
ocean warming, melting of glaciers, ad loss of ice sheets..

27
Climate Crisis
The climate crisis refers to the serious problems that are being caused,
or are likely to be caused, by changes in the planet’s climate, including
weather extremes and hazards, ocean acidification and sea-level rise,
loss of biodiversity, food and water insecurity, health risks, economic
disruption, displacement, and even violent conflict.

.
28
Mitigation
Climate change mitigation refers to any action taken by governments,
businesses, or people to reduce or prevent greenhouse gas emissions, or
to enhance carbon sinks that remove these gases from the atmosphere.

29
Reducing or preventing greenhouse gas emissions can be achieved by:
✓ transitioning to renewable energy sources like wind and solar
✓ using energy more efficiently
✓ adopting low carbon or carbon-free transportation modalities
✓ promoting sustainable agriculture and land use
✓ changing production and consumption models and diet behaviours.

30
Enhancing carbon sinks can be achieved by:
✓ restoring forests, wetlands, and marshlands.
✓ maintaining soil health
✓ protecting terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

In order for mitigation actions to be successful, it is crucial that

countries develop supportive environments through legislation,
policies, and investments.
31
Adaptation
Climate change adaptation refers to actions that help reduce
vulnerability to the current or expected impacts of climate change like
weather extremes and hazards, sea-level rise, biodiversity loss, or food
and water insecurity.

32
Even in very positive scenarios in which we manage to significantly
and swiftly cut greenhouse gas emissions, climate change will continue
to impact our world for decades to come because of the energy already
trapped in the system. This means widespread adaptation is needed to
limit these impacts and safeguard people and nature.

33
Many adaptation measures need to happen at the local level, so rural
communities and cities have a big role to play.
Such measures include:
✓ planting crop varieties that are more resistant to drought and
practicing regenerative agriculture
✓ improving water storage and use
✓ managing land to reduce wildfire risks
✓ building stronger defences against extreme weather like floods and
heat waves. 34
to guide adaptation, governments need to look at large-scale measures such as:
✓ strengthening or relocating infrastructure from coastal areas affected by sea-
level rise
✓ building infrastructure able to withstand more extreme weather conditions
✓ enhancing early warning systems and access to disaster information,
developing insurance mechanisms specific to climate-related threats, and
creating new protections for wildlife and natural ecosystems.

35
Resilience
Climate resilience is the capacity of a community or environment to anticipate
and manage climate impacts, minimize their damage, and recover and
transform as needed after the initial shock.

36
To best safeguard societal wellbeing, economic activity, and the environment,
people, communities, and governments need to be equipped to deal with the
unavoidable impacts of climate change.
This can be done by training people to obtain new skills and diversify the
sources of their household income, building more robust disaster response and
recovery capacities, enhancing climate information and early warning systems,
and working on long-term planning, among others.

37
Carbon footprint
A carbon footprint is a measure of the greenhouse gas emissions released into
the atmosphere by a particular person, organization, product, or activity. A
bigger carbon footprint means more emissions of carbon dioxide and methane,
and therefore a bigger contribution to the climate crisis.

38
Measuring a person’s or an organization’s carbon footprint entails looking at
both the direct emissions resulting from the burning of fossil fuels for energy
production, heating, and land and air travel, and indirect emissions resulting
from the production and disposal of all food, manufactured goods, and services
they consume.

39
Carbon footprints can be reduced by shifting to low-carbon energy sources like
wind and solar, improving energy efficiency, strengthening industry policies
and regulations, changing purchasing and travel habits, and reducing meat
consumption and food waste

40
Carbon Footprint for:
1. Milk: 3.7 kg of CO2 per 1 L of milk
2. Car: 5.6 ton of CO2 per one car.

41
3. Laptop: between 44 and 88 kgs of CO2e into the
atmosphere each year. 20% of the carbon footprint of a
laptop arises from its use, while 80% arises from factors
4. House: 15 to 100 tons of CO2 (Depending on size,
materials, and how those materials are sourced)

42
Climate justice
Climate justice means putting equity and human rights at the core of decision-
making and action on climate change.

43
One aspect of climate justice relates to the unequal historical responsibility that
countries bear in relation to the climate crisis. The concept suggests that the
countries, industries, and businesses that have become wealthy from activities
that emitted the most greenhouse gas emissions have a responsibility to help
mitigate the impacts of climate change on those affected, particularly the most
vulnerable countries and communities, who often are the ones that have
contributed the least to the crisis.

44
Even within the same country, because of structural inequalities based on race,
ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status, the responsibilities in addressing
climate change need to be divided fairly, with the biggest responsibility resting
on those who have contributed to, and benefitted from, causing the crisis the
most.

45
Another aspect of climate justice is the intergenerational one. Children and
young people today have not contributed to the climate crisis in a significant
way but will bear the full force of climate change impacts as they advance
through life. Because their human rights are threatened by the decisions of
previous generations, they must have a central role in all climate decision-
making and action.

46
 Part 3:
Civil Engineering & the Climate Change

47
Civil Engineering & the Climate Change

The role of civil engineers is to design, construct and maintain

infrastructure such as buildings, roads, bridges, and water and sewage
systems.
In a world facing the impacts of climate change, civil engineers have a
critical responsibility to design and build infrastructure that is resilient
and adaptable to a changing climate.
48
 Why should civil engineers care about climate change?
Short answer: Because it’s changing everything.
Long answer: Because climate change is making weather patterns
weirder, wilder, and a lot harder to predict.
Higher temperatures, rising sea levels, stronger storms, and longer
droughts are creating new challenges for the structures we build.
Civil engineering has always been about solving problems — but now
the problems are bigger, faster, and more complicated.
49
What’s happening?

50
1- Hotter Temperature
2- Stronger Storms
3- Rising Seas
4- Floods and Droughts

51
1- Hotter Temperatures
Make materials like asphalt and concrete crack, warp, and wear out faster
than expected. Roads melt, bridges expand and deformed, and energy costs
larger.

2- Stronger Storms
slam drainage systems, bridges, and buildings with more water, wind, and
debris than older designs were built to handle. 52
3- Rising Seas
mean coastal projects risk being flooded, corroded, or even permanently
underwater if designs don’t account for future sea levels.

4- Floods and Droughts mess with the soil, weaken foundations, and
disrupt critical services like water and power. Wet or dry, the ground under
our feet is becoming less reliable.

53
Ignoring climate change isn’t just risky — it’s bad business. Projects that
aren’t designed with future risks in mind will be more expensive to fix,
insure, and maintain. Clients want structures that last, not ones that fail
when the weather gets wild.

54
How Civil Engineering Design is Evolving?
Civil Engineers are already superheroes at solving problems.

55
1. Building higher and stronger
Floods are no joke, and they’re only getting worse. That’s why civil
engineers are raising the game, literally. Buildings, roads, and critical
infrastructure are now designed on higher ground or elevated platforms to
stay out of harm’s way. Seawalls and levees are getting taller and tougher,
and foundations are being reinforced to stand firm against rising waters
and stronger storm surges.
Don’t just design for today’s flood risks. Look at the 100-year flood level
and then add a little extra height and strength. 56
2. Smart materials for smart structures
New materials are saving the day — and making civil engineers look even
smarter. Concrete that heals its own cracks, or roofing materials that
actually reflect sunlight to keep buildings cooler. It’s not science fiction
anymore; it’s happening right now.
Engineers are turning to climate-resilient materials that can handle extreme
heat, deep freezes, heavy rains, and even salty coastal air without breaking
a sweat. From flexible pavements that resist cracking to composites that
shrug off corrosion, today’s materials are tougher, smarter, and greener. 57
Engineers are turning to climate-resilient materials that can handle extreme
heat, deep freezes, heavy rains, and even salty coastal air without breaking
a sweat. From flexible pavements that resist cracking to composites that
shrug off corrosion, today’s materials are tougher, smarter, and greener.
When in doubt, go green. Sustainable materials often outlast traditional
ones, reduce long-term maintenance headaches, and give your project
serious eco-friendly bragging rights.

58
3. Greener, cooler cities
The “urban heat islands,” that’s consist when cities soak up and trap heat
like a giant oven because of all the pavement, dark rooftops, and lack of
greenery. On a hot summer day, a city can be several degrees warmer than
the surrounding countryside — and that extra heat isn’t just uncomfortable,
it can be dangerous.

59
To cool things down, civil engineers are getting creative. They’re adding
more green spaces in dense urban areas, designing rooftop and vertical
gardens, and installing reflective or permeable pavements that bounce
sunlight instead of absorbing it. Parks, trees, and green roofs aren’t just
nice to look at — they actively lower city temperatures and improve air
quality.
A little green goes a long way. Trees are nature’s original air conditioners
— and they never need a power source.
60
4. Smarter drainage systems
Stormwater is a big deal — and it’s only getting bigger. With climate
change cranking up the intensity of rainfall, yesterday’s drainage systems
just can’t keep up. Overflowing streets, flooded basements, and backed-up
sewers?

61
That’s why civil engineers are thinking outside the (drainage) box. Instead
of relying on old-school storm drains, modern designs use green
infrastructure like rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavements that
let water soak naturally into the ground. In more urban areas, massive
underground reservoirs and smart sensors help manage runoff and reduce
flood risks during extreme weather.
Don’t just design for yesterday’s average rainfall. Plan for tomorrow’s
megastorms — your drainage system should be ready to go full superhero
mode.
62
5. Future-proofing everything
Today’s projects have to be ready for tomorrow’s climate — and the day
after that, too. Civil engineers are no longer just building for the present;
we’re designing for a future that’s hotter, wetter, and a whole lot less
predictable.

63
That means asking big questions early: What will this bridge, road, or
building look like in 50 years? Will it still stand strong under more intense
storms, rising sea levels, or longer heatwaves? To answer those, engineers
are incorporating flexibility into their designs — with materials that are
easier to upgrade, structures that can be adapted over time, and safety
margins that go beyond current codes.
It’s not just about durability — it’s about designing smarter now so we’re
not scrambling for fixes later.
64
Adaptation strategies in Civil Engineering:
1. Resilient infrastructure design:
2. Sustainable water management:
3. Innovative transportation solutions:
4. Renewable energy integration:
5. Green building practices:
6. Community-Centered Design:
7. Ecosystem-Based Adaptation:
65
1- Resilient infrastructure design:
Civil engineers are revaluating traditional infrastructure designs to
incorporate resilience against climate-related events. This includes
fortifying bridges, roads, and buildings to withstand extreme weather
conditions and unforeseen natural disasters.

66
2- Sustainable water management:
Addressing water-related challenges is a top priority for civil
engineers. Sustainable water management practices involve
developing efficient stormwater management systems,
incorporating green infrastructure, and creating water-resilient
structures.

67
3- Innovative transportation solutions:
Climate change necessitates a reimagining of transportation
infrastructure. Civil engineers are working on sustainable
transit options, including electric vehicles, bike lanes, and
pedestrian-friendly designs, reducing carbon emissions and
enhancing mobility.

68
4- Renewable energy integration:
Transitioning to renewable energy sources is a key aspect of
climate change adaptation. Civil engineers play a vital role in
designing and implementing infrastructure that supports the
integration of solar, wind, and other renewable energy
technologies.
Green building practices:
The construction industry is embracing green building
69
practices that prioritize energy efficiency, eco-friendly
5- Green building practices:
The construction industry is embracing green building
practices that prioritize energy efficiency, eco-friendly
materials, and sustainable designs. Civil engineers lead the
way in developing green infrastructure that minimizes
environmental impact.

70
6- Community-Centered Design:
Engaging local communities in the design and planning
processes is crucial. Civil engineers are adopting community-
centered approaches to understand the specific needs and
vulnerabilities of different regions, ensuring that adaptation
strategies are culturally sensitive and inclusive.

71
7- Ecosystem-Based Adaptation:
Recognizing the importance of natural ecosystems, civil
engineers are incorporating ecosystem-based adaptation
strategies. This involves restoring and preserving natural
habitats, such as wetlands and forests, to enhance resilience
against climate-related risks

72
Technologies in climate-resilient engineering

73
1- Climate modelling and predictive analytics:
Advanced climate modelling and predictive analytics enable
civil engineers to anticipate future climate trends. This
information guides the design and construction of
infrastructure that can withstand changing conditions.

74
2- Smart infrastructure:
The integration of smart technologies, such as sensors and
monitoring systems, allows for real-time data collection on the
performance of infrastructure. Civil engineers use this
information to assess vulnerabilities and implement timely
repairs or improvements.

75
3- Drones equipped with LiDAR technology
provide civil engineers with high-resolution, 3D mapping of
landscapes. This aids in accurate assessments of
environmental changes, erosion, and potential risks, informing
decision-making for climate-resilient designs.

76
4- Materials innovation:
Researchers are developing innovative materials that enhance
the durability and sustainability of infrastructure. From self-
healing concrete to eco-friendly construction materials, civil
engineers at the forefront of adopting and implementing these
advancements.

77
5- Machine learning for risk assessment:
Machine learning algorithms are employed for comprehensive
risk assessments. By analysing vast datasets, these
technologies can identify patterns, predict potential risks, and
optimize decision-making processes in climate-resilient
engineering projects.

78
Real-life examples: Engineers vs. climate change
These aren’t just clever ideas on paper — civil engineers around the
world are already putting climate-smart designs into action. Let’s check
out a few real-world examples of how cities are fighting back with
brains, not just brawn.

The Netherlands: When your country sits below sea level, you get pretty
serious about water. Dutch engineers came up with “floating houses” —
79
homes built on buoyant platforms that rise and fall with floodwaters.
Real-world examples: Engineers vs. climate change
a few real-world examples of some cities

80
1- The Netherlands
The country sits below sea level, it is get pretty serious about water.
Dutch engineers came up with “floating houses” — homes built on
buoyant platforms that rise and fall with floodwaters. They’re designed
to stay safe and stable even during severe flooding. It’s innovation with a
life vest.

81
2- Singapore
One of the world’s most forward-thinking cities, Singapore has tackled
the urban heat island effect by raising roads to avoid future flooding and
planting giant “super trees.” These towering vertical gardens do more
than look cool — they provide shade, absorb heat, and help clean the air.

82
3- New York City
After Hurricane Sandy made a splash (literally), NYC got to work. The
city is investing billions in storm surge barriers, raised parks, and green
infrastructure like absorbent pavements and coastal wetlands. The goal?
Turn the city into a sponge instead of a flood zone.

83
These examples show that climate change may be a tough opponent, but
engineers have the tools, creativity, and grit to adapt — and even thrive.
If they can do it, so can you.

84