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Impact of Global Climate Change
ASCE Policy Statement 360
Approved by the Energy, Environment, and Water Policy Committee on June 15, 2007
Approved by the Policy Review Committee on September 12, 2007
Adopted by the Board of Direction on October 30, 2007
Policy
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) supports government policies that encourage anticipation of and preparation for possible impacts of climate change on the built environment.
Issue
Global or local climate change could pose a potentially serious impact on world wide water resources, energy production and use, agriculture, forestry, coastal development and resources, flood control and public infrastructure. Examples include:
- Alterations to the hydrologic patterns for multi-purpose water resource projects, of particular concern to civil engineers working in the hydroelectric industry, and water supply utilities where reservoir storage capacity may need to be increased.
- Climate extremes such as floods and droughts and other significant variations in hydrologic patterns that may necessitate changes or additions to flood control infrastructure to provide adequate public safety and performance.
- Changes in frequency and strength of tropical storms that will require changes in coastal protection systems.
- Increase in ocean levels that will require adaptation of coastal infrastructure, including ports.
- Changes in permafrost conditions that require retrofitting existing foundations and alterations to foundation design.
Such impacts could require modified agricultural practices and measures to deal with rising sea levels, water supply and quality, threats to critical infrastructure facilities and the potential for the outbreak of disease.
Rationale
Civil engineers are responsible for design and maintenance of infrastructure projects that facilitate economic development and protect human health, welfare and the environment. Climate change may result in significant impacts to this infrastructure. Civil engineers and government policy makers must work together to anticipate and plan for these impacts.
ASCE Policy Statement 360
First Approved in 1990
