Earlier this month, dozens of students packed into a small room in the basement of the Keough School to hear how climate change affects everything in a session hosted by the Eck Institute for Global Health and Notre Dame Energy.
The panelists — Associate Professor of Geography and Environmental Policy Ellis Adjei Adams, William J. Pulte Director and Professor of Engineering and Global Affairs Tracy Kijewski-Correa, and Biological Sciences Department Chair Jason Rohr — focused on a roadmap for survival in an era where climate change is reshaping the world in real-time. They say the task is straightforward: adapt, innovate, and anticipate.
As the planet undergoes unprecedented shifts, Kijewski-Correa says the role of civil engineers has transformed dramatically. Civil engineers are no longer only builders; they have become the first line of defense against escalating threats. “From hurricanes and droughts to wildfires, these events ravage the physical landscape and inflict deep wounds on communities,” she says, “wiping out generations of progress in a single catastrophic blow. At the core of these challenges lies a crucial question: how can we design infrastructure that can endure not just the expected but also the unforeseen?”
Engineering heavily relies on historical data, but Kijewski-Correa says, “the past no longer holds the key to the future.” This paradigm shift compels professionals to reconsider their strategies, acknowledging that existing models and methodologies are no longer adequate when faced with today’s environmental pressures.
An example of this new reality occurred in February 2021 during a rare deep freeze in Texas that raised power demands and forced the state’s electric grid operator to impose rotating blackouts. Four million customers were without power as temperatures dipped to teeth-chattering levels. Despite advanced models predicting the cold snap, the region’s lack of experience with such conditions led to failed power grids and frozen pipes, underscoring a critical lesson: readiness requires not just warning but a fundamental understanding of potential threats.
Rohr says we must go beyond protecting utility grids and mitigating infrastructure risks to fight climate change effectively. He told the audience that “the most vulnerable populations often contribute the least to the problem yet face the most severe impacts.” This imbalance, Rohr says, raises ethical and practical questions about investing in improved infrastructure without implementing policies that address underlying social and economic disparities — crucial steps in alleviating the unequal effects of climate change on marginalized communities.
The discussion also highlighted the innovative work being done in other parts of the world, where solutions to environmental disruptions also bring additional benefits. For instance, in Africa, Adams says, “the introduction of biodigesters addresses waste management issues and provides renewable energy.” It exemplifies how tackling environmental hurdles can enhance community resilience and sustainability.
The panel concluded with a reminder to embrace the complexity rather than shy away. “Climate change does not exist in a vacuum,” Rohr says, “it influences and is influenced by myriad factors, from public health to biodiversity. Thus, the solutions must be as interconnected as the problems themselves.”
The path forward involves integrating different disciplines, from engineering to public health, and embracing a holistic approach to problem-solving. This method ensures robust defenses against climate-related struggles and fosters a proactive stance on global health and community resilience.
“By breaking down silos and collaborating across fields, we can construct a future that is not only sustainable but also equitable,” Adams says. “As we navigate this new normal, the lessons learned today will undoubtedly lay the groundwork for the resilient societies of tomorrow.”