Flood Proofing Buildings Against the Effects of Climate Change

21st century Australia has witnessed some of the most extreme weather events recorded in history. From the 2009 Melbourne heatwave with soaring temperatures reaching a record high of 46.4°C (115.5°F), to the devastating 2010-2011 Queensland floods. With climate change in our midst, it's almost certain that we will continue to see such events.

Adapting to Climate Change
According to Australian Government, Department of the Environment and Energy, "Adaptation is the principal way in dealing with the effects of climate change." Humans have survived through adaptation over the course of time. It pertains to developing precautionary measures and risk management to protect communities and strengthen the resilience of the Australian economy.

In 1998, the Australian Greenhouse Office released the National Greenhouse Strategy. In the report, the federal government acknowledged the existence and imminent impacts of climate change. It also reminded the government of the international obligation it has yet to address: to ratify the Kyoto Protocol.

The National Greenhouse Strategy mandated taking early action to reduce greenhouse emissions, develop and uptake renewable energy, increase energy efficiency by developing new codes and standards for building construction and appliances usage.

Flood Proofing Against Climate Change
The mandate trickled down right through the local city councils and development authorities. Information was disseminated through modified building code decrees which served as the guideline for flood protection for architects, engineers, design teams and property developers.