Lina Khaddour

As climate change accelerates, rising sea levels pose an urgent challenge to coastal communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems. Driven by the thermal expansion of warming oceans and the melting of ice sheets, sea level rise (SLR) is already displacing populations and threatening global economies. Currently, over 820 million people—11% of the world’s population—live in low-lying coastal areas, a figure expected to exceed one billion by 2050. Without immediate action, these communities face increased exposure to flooding, erosion, and extreme weather events. 

Building resilience to climate change requires a two-pronged approach: adaptation—reducing vulnerability through flood-resistant infrastructure, sustainable urban planning, and nature-based solutions—and mitigation—lowering greenhouse gas emissions to slow global warming. In this context, resilience strategies must be integrated into all policy areas, from infrastructure design to emergency management, with active participation from governments, private sectors, and communities. 

The construction industry stands at a critical crossroads, with the opportunity and responsibility to lead this transformation. This keynote will explore effective adaptation measures. It will examine the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in creating long-term, sustainable solutions. By integrating climate-responsive design, modular and adaptive construction, and data-driven risk assessments, we can create coastal environments that are not only protected but built to thrive amid climate uncertainties.