Climate change is already having an impact worldwide. A report1 issued in 2007 by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concludes that the years from 1995-2006 “rank among the twelve warmest years in the instrumental record of global surface temperature” since 1850. The IPCC report also highlights rising sea levels and decreases in snow and ice extent, consistent with global warming. In addition, it notes that heat waves are “likely” to become more frequent. The Stern report2 adds that climate change will have serious implications for the world economy if society fails to adapt whilst at the same time taking action to cut greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate further changes.
Across Europe, the effects of climate change could range from lower rainfall in some parts of the continent, higher rainfall and sea-level rises in others, warmer winters, hotter, drier summers and extreme weather events. The potential consequences include impacts on soil stability, coastal erosion, flooding and heat waves.
It is clear that efforts must be made to mitigate the causes of climate change, by reducing greenhouse gas production, for example. Nevertheless, despite mitigation, climate change is a reality now and, as such, society needs to adapt and protect itself from the consequences today and in the future. Technical and innovative solutions that help Europe, and the rest of the world, to adapt are already necessary. It must be borne in mind that climate change is a worldwide phenomenon. It is therefore imperative that the solutions found be extended to other, less developed, parts of the world to provide them with the necessary protection when confronted by, for example, extreme weather conditions resulting from global warming.
Accordingly, it is essential to adapt to climate change by adopting, amongst other things, new building regulations and standards. Eurocodes are one of the most advanced suite of structural codes in the world. They embody the collective experience and knowledge of whole of Europe. The aim of the Eurocode 2 is to lead to a common understanding of the design principles of concrete structures for owners, operators and users, design engineers, contractors and the manufacturers of concrete products.
Failing to take proactive measures now, will only necessitate more expensive measures later on.
Concrete is capable of playing a strategic and indispensable role in adapting to climate change. During extreme weather events, a safe environment is essential for the protection of citizens. For example
As a building material; concrete can be used to provide comprehensive fire and flood protection including protection of people, animals, goods, property and the environment. In addition, concrete structures are both robust and flood-resistant and provide a high degree of protection against flying debris during extreme events (e.g. hurricanes and tornadoes).
In terms of environmental protection, concrete can be used to
1The AR4 Synthesis Report (17 November 2007).
2Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change
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