The 7th Continuing Professional Development event of The Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL) Queensland Chapter was held at QUT on 30 June 2019. The Presenter was Ashantha Goonetilleke, who is a Professor in Water & Environmental Engineering at QUT.
In his presentation (Climate change and water: an inconvenient link?), Ashantha spoke about the human dimensions of the impacts of climate change within the broader context of its impacts on the water environment. He specifically spoke about degradation of land and water resources, increased risk of flooding and draught, dislocation of people, spread of diseases and reduction in agricultural productivity. He provided statistical evidence and ‘real-world’ examples from Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Australia to demonstrate some of these impacts which we have already started to experience.
Ashantha also presented a case study to highlight how local action can contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change by sharing his experience with the Brisbane Airport Corporation on how they were able to reduce potable water use at the Brisbane Airport by 82% by replacing the use of potable water for various airport uses as much as practicable with roof water, stormwater runoff, sea water and treated waste water.
Ashantha’s full presentation can be viewed using the Facebook link below: Ashantha’s Presentation
The Management Committee of the Chapter takes this opportunity to thank Ashantha for his excellent presentation, everyone who attended the event, 4EB Sri Lankan Radio Group for the media coverage and QUT for their support in providing the meeting room.
Dr Kesawan Sivakumar
Member of Technical Sub-Committee, The IESL QLD Chapter
