Sustainable Development: Challenges and Assessment in Civil Engineering

This compelling collection of insights from seasoned civil engineering professionals sheds light on the crucial aspects of sustainable development through the unique perspective of those who help build our world.

The narrative begins by placing sustainable development in its rich historical context, examining how past events have shaped our current development trajectory and exploring potential paths forward within the framework of the 17 United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. This book emphasises the devastating impact of emissions from unchecked development while highlighting the absence of effective worldwide mitigation strategies. It offers unconventional perspectives that may challenge conventional thinking―the views expressed are occasionally controversial, sometimes unconventional, and at times deliberately provocative.

While not designed as a traditional textbook or formal guide, this comprehensive volume serves as an invaluable resource and reference for development professionals and graduate civil engineers passionate about sustainable development. Its accessible yet authoritative approach makes complex concepts understandable without sacrificing depth or nuance.

J.S. Younger, OBE, is a Chartered Civil Engineer with over 60 years of experience as a professional civil/geotechnical engineer, academic, consultant and strategic advisor. He served as a Lecturer in Geotechnical Engineering at Strathclyde University for 7 years, followed by his association with WB, ADB, UNDP on infrastructure and academic projects in Southeast and South Asia for more than 40 years.

J.R. Cook is a Chartered Geologist with over 50 years of experience as an engineering geologist/geotechnical engineer specializing in construction materials, geohazard and risk assessment, climate resilient infrastructure development, research management and knowledge transfer programmes. He has spent over 35 years on infrastructure development programmes with UKAID-DFID, Transport Research Laboratory (UK), World Bank and Asian Development Bank in Africa and Asia. He was also a Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Strathclyde.