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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: How can Built Environment Professionals play an active role in the rebuilt of SA - Johnny Oriokot

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Geotechnical Design and Project Engineer, Johnny Oriokot shares his hardhatOPINION on how South African Construction and Built Environment Professionals can play a role in the aftermath of the recent unrest and looting events.


Give us brief history on your career.

I have Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Civil and Geotechnical Engineering, and currently working as a Design & Project Engineer at PSM Technologies. I have been involved in the Geotechnical and Geosynthetic industry over the last 9 years, working on projects throughout Africa in the fields of mass stabilized earth (MSE) structures, road pavement embankments, reinforced soil techniques, coastal rehabilitation, mining and environmental engineering.

I have been nominated Board Member of the Geosynthetic Interest Group of South Africa (GIGSA), and a member of a number of Technical Committees including the SABS/TC081/SC05 for the South African Bureau of Standards, Technical Guideline TG3 Working Group, and the TC218 – Reinforced Fill Structures for the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE).

With a key interest in the development of advancing civil engineering technologies in South Africa and Africa, I contribute in the academic field of research, authoring papers in reputable journals and international conferences, and I am also a guest lecturer and external examiner for the Geotechnical Research Group at the University of Cape Town.

Have you been directly impacted by these events?

Yes, the transfer of construction machinery from the Port of Durban to the respective sites were disrupted, thus delaying the progress of the project activities.

How do you think these events will impact Construction and Built Environment Professionals going forward?

There will be disruptions to project timelines with delays and changes to scheduling. We will also experience higher costs for transportation due to higher risks involved with logistic companies.

How can Construction and Built Environment Professionals contribute in rebuilding our society after all this?

Through the maintenance and construction of transportation infrastructure that have high durability, and can improve the connectivity of communities

ALSO READ OPINION: How can Built Environment Professionals influence their industry? Sibongiseni Mbadamana

Do you see a silver lining in all this?

There will be changes in the systems to accommodate and provide opportunities for all

What would you say to Construction and Built Environment Professionals who are currently feeling despondent by these events?

Always prepare for unexpected events, and have a plan to resolve the disruptions even when seemingly highly unlikely.

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