In the wake of the destruction of the recent hurricanes that plagued our region, few can deny the dire need for more sustainable infrastructure (roads, bridges, water supply and power plants) and buildings – residential, public, commercial etc. What is also undeniable is the empirical evidence that subsequent seasons will produce more frequent and stronger storms than we have ever witnessed.

And we are not the only ones whose vulnerability has markedly increased. In other parts of the world, forest fires rage uncontrollably, floods rip through communities, and whole countries face being submerged by rising sea levels.

How can we increase resiliency against these dominant natural forces? Can we stem the tide of climate change impacts or is it too late?

All around the globe, in developed and developing territories, we have diverse and ingenious examples of just how this can be achieved. Undoubtedly, the main criterion is the will to make the necessary change. Approaches may differ and solutions are as varied as the people and places affected but all agree that it cannot be business as usual if we are to survive and future generations thrive.