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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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OPINION: Social media in the construction industry: Use it or lose it?

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Social media platforms are not synonymous with business or professional activities. It is still viewed by many as a tool for friendly interaction and entertainment. 

An article published on the Barbour Product research website (https://www.barbourproductsearch.info) , an American platform that provides information on building products, stated, "It can be argued that the construction industry has been one of the slower industries to become active social media users and benefit from the opportunities these platforms present.” 

My experiences have led me to view social media application within the construction industry differently.  The benefits offered by social media platforms are endless. When I was advised several years ago to join Facebook groups to reach individuals who are looking for construction and home renovation services, I was sceptical to say the least. My experience since joining these groups has been nothing but positive. More and more individuals are turning to platforms like Facebook and Instagram to locate service providers for large- and small-scale construction projects. Similarly, while part of the professional team for a project in Sandton, in 2018, WhatsApp was the main mode of communication, and it truly proved effective for addressing on site coordination issues that required immediate resolution. The benefits of social media for the construction industry include:

  • Faster information transfer.
  • More efficient communication within teams and organizations.
  • Increased opportunity to learn from international counterparts.
  • More efficient communication with clients and partners outside the organisation.
  • More visibility for companies.

As we enter this new era, the digital era, we are forced to reconsider our views on technology, digital interactions, and methods of communication. Whatever scepticism or concerns that existed before COVID-19, were put aside very quickly to ensure that productivity in the workspace could continue.  The industry has shown its ability to adapt quickly when it adopted collaborative software such as MS teams and Zoom. Why not go all the way and incorporate social media into the project management, branding, and business development areas of our industry as well? The live platforms available through social media can be used for training or case studies through international partnerships and real time information relay.

If I only spoke about the positives of social media however, I would be doing you a disservice, there are also several risks created using social media platforms:

Miscommunication amongst individuals – it is very easy to misinterpret a photo or statement. In certain situations, there is no substitute for physical interaction and inspection in the construction space.

Information privacy risks – just as social media allows for easy transfer of positive information, the same applies for negative and confidential information. It is very easy for someone to screen grab and send information that is meant exclusively for the team or organisation. 

There are also the legal implications to consider when using social media for communication. Especially in the construction industry where there is always a possibility that arbitration hearings and court battles can occur over information and instructions. It is important that the individual or company is well versed on what is permissible in court, or that the contract clearly defines how social media communications are to be treated if legal proceedings are enforced. 

Social media is the future of communication. As construction professionals, junior or senior, we must learn to adapt and incorporate social media and other digital tools available to us, to make our projects and businesses more successful. 

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