Engineering training is based on historical stationary climate. Climate change challenges engineers because they are not trained in interpreting climate models and projections to inform design decisions. The uncertainty of how climate will change presents additional challenges with seven possible Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) representing different climate change scenarios. Engineers need better guidance on how to inform design decisions, using the best available science, for future environmental factor including temperature, wind, precipitation, and sea level rise over the life of a structure. Some state and local governments have updated building codes to address some of these environmental factors but in many areas of the United States there is no guidance provided. This panel discussion will highlight some of the local code changes that have been adopted related to changing environmental conditions and will explore the needs of practicing engineers that do not have local code guidance.
Panelist will include representatives from the Committee on Adaptation to a Changing Climate (CACC) and state and local governments that have updated local building codes to account for future climate conditions.
Engineering Practice Needs in Addressing Climate Change
State of the Industry
