Act Now
Young professionals in the Permanent Task Group on Climate Change (PTG CC) are helping to decide how waterborne-transport infrastructure should be adapted to meet the challenge of climate change.
"Already during my studies, I was fascinated by the interdisciplinary challenge of climate change. At PIANC's Permanent Task Group on Climate Change (PTG CC), I can now contribute to developing practical guidelines for the planning and design of water-borne transport infrastructure – and thus help ensure that climate adaptation doesn't remain just theory, but makes a real difference in practice."
Interview with Anne Wohltmann, Hydraulic Structures Engineer at INROS LACKNER’s Bremen office:
What was it that made you decide to get involved with the (PTG CC)?
In university I was already very interested in the topics of climate change and climate adaptation, and in strategies for dealing with them – especially due to the interdisciplinary nature of the subject. Once I started my professional career, I realised that the approaches taught at university, which are sometimes rather unconventional, often don't find their way into practice. This is often due to a lack of official guidelines that can be referenced during the planning process. Through my involvement with the PTG CC, I aim to enhance the availability of guidelines and references that can help facilitate the integration of climate change issues into the planning process for waterborne-transport infrastructure.
How is collaboration structured within the Permanent Task Group – how are topics selected and addressed?
We meet online approximately every three months, but also sometimes in a hybrid format for conferences or similar events. In parallel, smaller groups work on specific topics. These topics arise, on the one hand, from the work of the PTG CC – for example, if it is determined that no guidance documents exist yet for certain cross-sectoral climate change and climate adaptation issues. These topics are then addressed in Task Groups or Working Groups, or published as Technical Notes. In addition, PTG CC members, acting as so-called Climate Change Champions, ensure that the Task Group's topics are considered in the PIANC technical commissions. The overarching goal of this collaboration is always to ensure that the topic of climate change and climate adaptation is addressed in as many PIANC publications and discussions as possible.
Are there any particular topics that interest you or that you are already working on?
Within the PTG CC, I am especially interested in the discussions about how, in different countries, sustainability is differently practiced, mandated, and considered in infrastructure planning. I find these discussions very valuable. My role involves helping to create a document that simplifies the estimation of CO2-equivalents when selecting sustainable options for waterborne-transport infrastructure. I hope to also make good use of this in my work at Inros Lackner.
With respect to climate change, what developments would you like to see in German or international waterborne-transport infrastructure engineering?
Generally, I would like to see climate change and the necessary climate adaptations given greater consideration in the planning and design of such infrastructure, and more foresight devoted to the topic. Ideally, this should be coupled with greater openness to unconventional approaches. In my opinion, the additional financial costs that can often result will pay off for all of us in the long run and should not be used as an argument against applying climate-friendly approaches to planning and design.