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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: South Africa brings in Cuban Engineers to help with infrastructure (5)

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Mlondi Cele an Electrical Engineer (PrEng) in the Public Sector share his hardhatOPINION on government's decision to bring Cuban Engineers to help with infrastructure

Did the government make the right decision by bringing over Cuban Engineers?

Our government has done an injustice to South African engineers who have the right experience and are struggling to find employment . It is expected that any government will prioritize  its citizens before importing any skilled worker .   The decision to bring foreign workers at the time our economy is struggling is in direct contrast with government commitments to revive our economy and create work opportunities for South African citizens .

Are the reasons given for this decision valid?

According to the statement released by DWS , Cuban engineers were not brought to  SA because of the shortage of skills in the country but because of the country to country agreement between SA and Cuba dating back in 2001 . I find the reasoning behind this decision very odd , under normal circumstances countries import skills when there is a shortage in the local pool not because of existing treaties between countries .

How will this impact our local pool of Built Environment Professionals? 

The move will negatively affect our local engineers . Already engineers in the private sector are struggling to find work due to a declining economy and government underspending on infrastructure projects .

How can Built Environment Professionals show their disapproval of this decision? 

Built Environment Professionals must put pressure on government and mobilize public condemnation using various platforms including Voluntary Associations .

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