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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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Will the current infrastructure drive in South Africa close the divide between various groups of society?

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 As economic growth slows and governments try to balance funding constraints with the need for stimulus to help reboot their economies, there is a growing sense that now is the time to think differently about the way infrastructure is planned, delivered/built and operated to improve the wellbeing of all members of society.

Is South Africa's recent infrastructure drive geared to improve the wellbeing of all members of society?

Jacobs calls for infrastructure investments to address social inequality

The report, Before & Beyond the Build, adds that the Covid-19 pandemic has shone a light on the social inequalities in the UK and abroad.

It states that the recovery from the pandemic is an opportunity to build a more inclusive society.

A joint statement from Jacobs’ two global operations vice presidents Patrick Hill and Jacobs Ken and Simetrica-Jacobs chief executive officer Daniel Fujiwara states: “2020 may forever be known as a year of immense social challenge and change.

"Left unaddressed, for many people and communities, these challenges and changes could bring less opportunities, harder to access education and health services, lower quality and less affordable housing and long-term un- or under-employment.”

It adds: “As the immediate threat recedes, governments and businesses are implementing their plans to reinvest and rebuild economies and livelihoods. Now is the time to think about how we can rebuild a more equitable and equal society, and how we can actively address the inequalities that were already present, but have been more sharply exposed.”

The paper sets out a blueprint for change. It explores five approaches for generating social value at scale that can be incorporated into the full project life cycle with big data analytics, co-design, blended funding, social procurement and social value measurement.

The five components are:
  • Big data analytics
  • Co-design
  • Blended funding
  • Social procurement
  • Social value measurement.
The report concludes: “The need for change is urgent. Recent global events have shone a bright spotlight on the growing divide between different groups in society.

"As economic growth slows and governments try to balance funding constraints with the need for stimulus to help reboot their economies, there is a growing sense that now is the time to think differently about the way infrastructure is planned, delivered/built and operated to improve the wellbeing of all members of society.

“Right now, we have the opportunity to consider how we can incorporate new models and approaches to design, deliver/build and operate infrastructure in a way that supports us to tackle some of today’s and tomorrow’s most pressing social challenges.”

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