Introduction

What is climate change adaptation?

Adaptation refers to adjustments in natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or their effects. Since the commitments of nations to stabilising atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations will not prevent climate change in the next few decades, due to the lag times inherent in the global climate system response, adaptation will be required. Indeed, the recent Stern Review stated "Adaptation is the only response available for the impacts that will occur over the next several decades before mitigation measures can have an effect". Adaptation responses and decisions can be categorised as measures and strategies that contribute either to building adaptive capacity (i.e. undertaking research, gathering data, creating the information and supportive structures) or delivering adaptation actions (actions that help to reduce vulnerability to climate risks or exploit opportunities).

The global economy and way of life in developed nations is underpinned by mechanical systems that provide energy, transport, water supply, drainage, waste processing, building services, flood defences and consumer goods. Typically when designing these systems today, engineers rely upon historical climate data for the design input to ensure that they will operate safely, reliably and efficiently over their operational life within the environment to which they will be exposed. However, during the lifetime of these systems they may be exposed to changes in climate that could alter the environment within which they operate, relative to the historical data used in their design, particularly with regard to the frequency and character of extreme weather events. There may therefore be implications for the future operational integrity, performance and serviceability of the world's mechanical systems and a potential need for adaptation.

The first step towards making engineering decisions about what needs to be done to adapt the world's mechanical systems to a changing climate, and what sorts of measures should be taken to enhance their resilience, is to investigate which systems will be sensitive to the predicted changes. The Institution has been working with the UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP) to identify which UK systems are likely to be sensitive and to prioritise the need for investigating the adaptation necessary to achieve an acceptable level of resilience, within the context of supporting long-term economic activity and societal well-being.

Adaptation of a given existing mechanical system may in some cases require modification to that system, while for another it might be necessary to replace the whole system. The decision on the most appropriate approach for a given system will be based on, amongst other things, assessments of risk and economic and social impacts, in addition to technical considerations. For new build systems, new design methodologies and tools will be required that embed the latest climate science research findings in their approach.

The Institution actively engages with UKCIP to encourage the development and dissemination of frameworks, processes and tools for decision making in the adaptation of mechanical engineering systems to a changing climate. We also lobby UK government on behalf of our profession to place mechanical engineering at the core of activity on adapting the UK to climate change.

Adaptation of mechanical engineering systems to a changing climate, while concurrently considering the needs of mitigation and sustainability, will require an increase in the number of youngsters choosing to join our profession. Recognising that environmental issues and sustainability are high on the agenda of young people, the Institution is taking initiatives through the environment theme to engage children in thinking about a career in mechanical engineering as a way of making a positive contribution to solving some of the challenges posed to contemporary and future society by climate change.