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NEWS: Coastal wetlands are unable to adapt to the rate of sea-level rise and are constrained by infrastructure

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Wetlands, precious ecosystems that shield coastlines, safeguard drinking water from saltwater contamination, and nourish diverse wildlife, face a dire threat from the accelerating pace of sea-level rise, driven by global warming. Wetlands have historically adapted to rising sea levels by expanding upward and inland. However, predictions indicate that the waterline will soon shift far too rapidly for wetlands to keep pace. Consequently, future decades may witness the tragic loss of these vital wetland ecosystems. Wetlands along coastlines have historically played valuable roles for people and wildlife, but are now facing the threat of sea-level rise. As temperatures rise, sea levels are rising at an accelerating rate, and wetlands are unable to keep pace by building upward and migrating inland. This is due to human-induced climate change and the burning of fossil fuels, which has warmed the oceans and melted glaciers. Sea levels are now rising at about 10 millimeters per year, and are
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NEWS: New French public buildings must be made 50% from wood

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The government of France is set to require that all new public buildings must be made at least 50% from wood or other sustainable materials from 2022 as it pushes for sustainable urban development.
A rendering of Bordeaux’s Hyperion project (Jean-Paul Viguier & Associés)

The local government in Paris had already pledged a greater use of natural materials such as wood, straw and hemp, and any buildings higher than eight storeys built for the 2024 Paris Olympics must be made entirely of timber.

“If it is possible for the Olympics, it should be possible for ordinary buildings,” said Julien Denormandie, minister for cities and housing, on 5 February. “I am imposing on all public bodies that manage development to construct their buildings with material that is at least 50% wood or other bio-sourced material.”
The minister also called for the creation of 100 urban farms, with the first 30 to be selected by this summer. “As a father, I prefer that what is on my children’s plates come from the local area, rather than being imported on a plane,” he said.  
Finally, he announced the objective of low-carbon cities that can adapt to heat waves and floods. This will involve the building of 90 “eco-neighbourhoods”, to be organised by the a new body called “France Ville Durable”, chaired by Patrice Vergriete, mayor of Dunkirk.
In 2016, it was announced that the city of Bordeaux would acquire France’s first timber towers. The Hyperion towers (pictured), will be 50m and 57m in height. They are being developed by Bordeaux Euratlantique, a public body involved in modernising the city. The project is due to be completed later this year.
This article was first published here

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